{"slug":"sop-268-gohighlevel-client-onboarding-and-account-setup","title":"GoHighLevel Client Onboarding And Account Setup","tags":["source:clickminded","type:sop","server:clickminded-sop","gohighlevel","client","onboarding","account"],"agent_summary":"SOP 268: GoHighLevel Client Onboarding And Account Setup This SOP guides you to create a GoHighLevel sub-account from the marketing agency snapshot, connect core integrations, configure phone, email,","trigger_phrases":["gohighlevel client onboarding and account setup","how to gohighlevel client onboarding and account setup"],"runnable":false,"markdown":"\r\nSOP 268: GoHighLevel Client Onboarding And Account Setup\r\n\r\nThis SOP guides you to create a GoHighLevel sub-account from the marketing agency snapshot, connect core integrations, configure phone, email, update assets, and complete verification for launch.\r\n\r\n__Last Updated / Reviewed:__ 11/13/2025\r\n\r\n__Execution Time:__ 2–4 hours\r\n\r\n__🚀 Goal:__ Stand up a new client sub-account in GoHighLevel using the marketing agency snapshot and native integrations.\r\n\r\n__🤞 Ideal Outcome:__ A branded, fully connected sub-account with purchased phone number, email, calendars, domain, assets, and live automations that passes the verification process. \r\n\r\n__🤔 Why this is important:__ This creates a consistent, fast launch across clients using vendor-native tools, minimizing rework and errors.\r\n\r\n__🧐 Where this is done__ GoHighLevel. \r\n\r\n__🗓️ When this is done:__ After client signs and grants access to Google, Facebook/Instagram, Stripe, and DNS.\r\n\r\n__👨 Who does this:__ Agency admin or implementation specialist.\r\n\r\n__⚠️Prerequisites or requirements: __\r\n\r\nYou will need:\r\n\r\n• Agency Admin access to the GoHighLevel Agency account\r\n\r\n• Login access to the client’s DNS registrar\r\n\r\n• Google access with Calendar and Google Business Profile Manager/Owner\r\n\r\n• Facebook Page Admin + Instagram Business access\r\n\r\n• Client’s Stripe login for authorization\r\n\r\n• Permission to buy phone numbers and a funded Agency Wallet\r\n\r\n• Your ID ready for verification when buying a phone number\r\n\r\n• Refer to the SOP 272: GoHighLevel Whitelabeling & Custom Branding ([web version](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/272/)) to ensure account visuals and domains reflect your agency identity before onboarding clients.\r\n\r\n[__Click here to get the most up-to-date version of this SOP__](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/268)\r\n\r\n## Create sub-account from snapshot (agency view)\r\n\r\nYou’ll launch a new client account in GoHighLevel by cloning the prebuilt \"Marketing Agency\" snapshot. This gives every client the same funnels, forms, and workflows without rebuilding from scratch.\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Go to \"Sub-Accounts\" and click \"Create Sub-Account\".\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Under the \"Snapshot template\" tab, choose \"Marketing Agency\".\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Enter the client's company name or address, and then click on the business below.\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Fill in the client's details and click \"Add Sub-Account\".\r\n\r\n\r\n Type in the business name, email, phone, address, timezone, and currency. Use the client’s legal details so billing and integrations work correctly.\r\n\r\n### 05▸ After adding the details, click \"Switch to Sub-Account\". Funnels, websites, forms, etc., don’t show up in the main Agency view — only inside a sub-account.\r\n\r\n### 06▸ Open \"Sites\" → check if \"Funnels\", \"Forms\", and \"Websites\" are visible.\r\n\r\n You should see the funnels, forms, websites, etc, loaded from the \"Marketing Agency\" snapshot. If anything is missing, give it a few minutes. Some assets may take time to finish syncing.\r\n\r\n## Brand profile and add users (sub-account settings)\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Switch to the new sub-account from the top-left selector.\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Click on the gear icon or \"Settings\" on the top right.\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Click \"Business Profile\". Upload the company logo, set the phone, address, timezone, and currency, and other details. Remember to click \"Update\" and \"Update Information\".\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Go to the \"Settings\" navigation menu → click \"Brand Boards\". This is where you can adjust the brand voice of the company and add a design kit for brand consistency and communication across all platforms.\r\n\r\n### \r\n\r\n### 05▸ Go back to the \"Settings\" navigation menu again and click \"My Staff\" → \"+ Add User\".\r\n\r\n### 06▸ Create the client owner or add user info with the role as \"Admin\" and click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n### 07▸ You should now see a prompt of \"user created successfully\".\r\n\r\n### 08▸ Next, create each sales rep with the role of \"User\" and click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n## Connect relevant integrations according to business needs\r\n\r\nNow you’ll connect the client’s main integrations relevant to their business (Google, Facebook/Instagram, and Stripe). These connections let GoHighLevel sync appointments, manage social leads, and process payments in one place.\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Open \"Settings\" → \"Integrations\".\r\n\r\n### \r\n\r\n### 02▸ Individually connect and add the following relevant integrations as presented on your screen, such as Google Calendar, the client's Facebook/Instagram business account, Stripe (if you're using this for payment), etc. Follow the respective instructions.\r\n\r\n\r\n## Set up a verified phone number\r\n\r\nHere you’ll set up the client’s phone number inside GoHighLevel. This ensures calls and texts flow through the platform reliably and keeps communications compliant before you send bulk or automated messages.\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Open \"Settings\" → \"Phone Numbers\" → \"+ Add Number\" and add a phone number.\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Choose the country and area code, then click \"Proceed to Buy\". At this stage, you'll then need to begin verifying. Proceed as instructed.\r\n\r\n\r\n__Note:__ Pick a local area code that matches the client’s business footprint. Local numbers help increase answer rates and feel more trustworthy to contacts.\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Open \"Settings\" and click \"My Staff\" → click on the pencil icon or \"Edit\".\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Go to \"Call & Voicemail Settings\" and select the phone number from the dropdown. Select \"My Phone Number\" as the default channel for calls and automatic call routing (IVR). For IVR, upload a 20-second MP3 voice file. A voicemail message will be played instead of the one by the phone carrier.  Click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n### 05▸ [Recommended] - If the company has WhatsApp, it is recommended to subscribe to WhatsApp Messaging. Open \"Settings\" and click \"WhatsApp\", then click \"Agency Purchase\". Once subscribed, you can connect your WhatsApp Business account and start using it for campaigns, automations, and 2-way client chats.\r\n\r\n\r\n## Set up email (sending domain)\r\n\r\nYou connect and verify the client’s email sending domain so all outbound campaigns send from a trusted, branded address using email inside GoHighLevel.\r\n\r\n### 01▸ On the \"Settings\" navigation menu, go to \"Domains & URL Redirects\" and click \"Connect a domain\".\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Under \"Email\", click \"Connect\".\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Enter the domain name and then click \"Add & Verify\".\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Copy the provided TXT and CNAME records into the client’s DNS registrar. You need DNS access to publish these records. Add them exactly as shown for the domain to authenticate correctly. Click \"Verify records\" once DNS propagates and the domain is ready.\r\n\r\n__Note:__ Click \"Watch the help video\" if you're unsure.\r\n\r\n### 05▸ You will see the domain as a green \"Verified\" status when verification is successful. If it remains pending, wait up to 24 hours before retrying.\r\n\r\n### 06▸ Once verified, go back to the main dashboard, click \"Marketing\" → \"Emails\" → \"Create Campaign\" and start drafting or sending emails! That's it!\r\n\r\n\r\n## Manage domains, assets, workflows, chat, reputation, CRM, and launch\r\n\r\nNow you’ll connect all the final pieces of the client’s GoHighLevel sub‑account: domain mapping, branded assets, live calendars and payments, automations, chat, reputation, and CRM setup. This step ensures the account appears professional, is connected to the client’s actual tools, and that everything passes end-to-end testing before launch.__Why this:__ Using a branded subdomain for funnels/sites improves professionalism and trust versus relying on default GoHighLevel domains.\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Go to \"Sites\" → \"Settings\" and assign the verified domain to the primary funnel or website, and click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Next, open \"Forms\" in \"Sites\" → click \"+ Add Form\".\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Drag and drop the \"Collect Payment\" box onto the form. \r\n\r\n### 04▸ Click \"Connect\" under \"Collect Payment\" on your right. \r\n\r\n### 05▸ Under \"Stripe\", click \"Connect\" and then select \"Connect with Stripe\". \r\n\r\n__Note:__ Submit a test payment using Stripe’s test card to confirm orders process and appear in the account.\r\n\r\n### 06▸ Next, go to \"Automations\" → \"Workflows\" and click \"+ Create Workflow\", then select \"Start from Scratch\".\r\n\r\n### 07▸ Click \"Settings\" and set the sender email and call/SMS phone number.\r\n\r\n### 08▸ Ensure sender details are saved, then click \"Builder\" to start creating the workflow you want. Verify triggers, then click \"Publish\" on each workflow.\r\n\r\n### 09▸ Next, open \"Sites\" → \"Chat Widget\", then click \"+ New\".\r\n\r\n### 10▸ Select the type of chat you want. For this SOP, \"SMS/Email Chat\" was selected.\r\n\r\n### 11▸ Set brand colors and routing, copy the install script if using an external site, then click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n### 12▸ Go to \"Reputation\" → \"Settings\" then \"Integrations\" and confirm \"Google Business Profile\" is connected. You should see the connected \"Google Business Profile\" name visible in the \"Reputation\" settings.\r\n\r\n### 13▸ Under the \"Reviews\" tab, click \"Send Review Request\" to your own email/SMS and check delivery.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n### 14▸ Next, open \"Opportunities\" → under \"Pipelines\", click \"+ Create Pipeline\".\r\n\r\n### 15▸ Now, submit a test form and confirm a contact is created, pipeline stage set, and workflows fire. Check \"Contacts\" and \"Opportunities\" to see the new record and pipeline movement. Then check \"Automations\" → \"Recent Activity\" to see workflow execution.\r\n\r\n### 16▸ Send a test chat and confirm it appears in \"Conversations\".\r\n\r\n### 17▸ Next, book a test appointment and confirm the Google Calendar event and notifications. Go to \"Calendar\" and click \" + New\".\r\n\r\n### 18▸ Check both the GoHighLevel Calendar and the connected Google Calendar for the new test booking. Review the email and text reminders sent.\r\n\r\n### 19▸ Finally, record and share a Loom video showing Conversations, Opportunities, Calendar, and reply flows. Send the Loom link to the client so they see how to view inbound messages, appointments, and manage replies.","html":"<p>SOP 268: GoHighLevel Client Onboarding And Account Setup</p>\n<p>This SOP guides you to create a GoHighLevel sub-account from the marketing agency snapshot, connect core integrations, configure phone, email, update assets, and complete verification for launch.</p>\n<p><strong>Last Updated / Reviewed:</strong> 11/13/2025</p>\n<p><strong>Execution Time:</strong> 2–4 hours</p>\n<p><strong>🚀 Goal:</strong> Stand up a new client sub-account in GoHighLevel using the marketing agency snapshot and native integrations.</p>\n<p><strong>🤞 Ideal Outcome:</strong> A branded, fully connected sub-account with purchased phone number, email, calendars, domain, assets, and live automations that passes the verification process.</p>\n<p><strong>🤔 Why this is important:</strong> This creates a consistent, fast launch across clients using vendor-native tools, minimizing rework and errors.</p>\n<p><strong>🧐 Where this is done</strong> GoHighLevel.</p>\n<p><strong>🗓️ When this is done:</strong> After client signs and grants access to Google, Facebook/Instagram, Stripe, and DNS.</p>\n<p><strong>👨 Who does this:</strong> Agency admin or implementation specialist.</p>\n<p>__⚠️Prerequisites or requirements: __</p>\n<p>You will need:</p>\n<p>• Agency Admin access to the GoHighLevel Agency account</p>\n<p>• Login access to the client’s DNS registrar</p>\n<p>• Google access with Calendar and Google Business Profile Manager/Owner</p>\n<p>• Facebook Page Admin + Instagram Business access</p>\n<p>• Client’s Stripe login for authorization</p>\n<p>• Permission to buy phone numbers and a funded Agency Wallet</p>\n<p>• Your ID ready for verification when buying a phone number</p>\n<p>• Refer to the SOP 272: GoHighLevel Whitelabeling &#x26; Custom Branding (<a href=\"https://members.clickminded.com/sop/272/\">web version</a>) to ensure account visuals and domains reflect your agency identity before onboarding clients.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://members.clickminded.com/sop/268\"><strong>Click here to get the most up-to-date version of this SOP</strong></a></p>\n<h2>Create sub-account from snapshot (agency view)</h2>\n<p>You’ll launch a new client account in GoHighLevel by cloning the prebuilt \"Marketing Agency\" snapshot. This gives every client the same funnels, forms, and workflows without rebuilding from scratch.</p>\n<h3>01▸ Go to \"Sub-Accounts\" and click \"Create Sub-Account\".</h3>\n<h3>02▸ Under the \"Snapshot template\" tab, choose \"Marketing Agency\".</h3>\n<h3>03▸ Enter the client's company name or address, and then click on the business below.</h3>\n<h3>04▸ Fill in the client's details and click \"Add Sub-Account\".</h3>\n<p>Type in the business name, email, phone, address, timezone, and currency. Use the client’s legal details so billing and integrations work correctly.</p>\n<h3>05▸ After adding the details, click \"Switch to Sub-Account\". Funnels, websites, forms, etc., don’t show up in the main Agency view — only inside a sub-account.</h3>\n<h3>06▸ Open \"Sites\" → check if \"Funnels\", \"Forms\", and \"Websites\" are visible.</h3>\n<p>You should see the funnels, forms, websites, etc, loaded from the \"Marketing Agency\" snapshot. If anything is missing, give it a few minutes. Some assets may take time to finish syncing.</p>\n<h2>Brand profile and add users (sub-account settings)</h2>\n<h3>01▸ Switch to the new sub-account from the top-left selector.</h3>\n<h3>02▸ Click on the gear icon or \"Settings\" on the top right.</h3>\n<h3>03▸ Click \"Business Profile\". Upload the company logo, set the phone, address, timezone, and currency, and other details. Remember to click \"Update\" and \"Update Information\".</h3>\n<h3>04▸ Go to the \"Settings\" navigation menu → click \"Brand Boards\". This is where you can adjust the brand voice of the company and add a design kit for brand consistency and communication across all platforms.</h3>\n<h3></h3>\n<h3>05▸ Go back to the \"Settings\" navigation menu again and click \"My Staff\" → \"+ Add User\".</h3>\n<h3>06▸ Create the client owner or add user info with the role as \"Admin\" and click \"Save\".</h3>\n<h3>07▸ You should now see a prompt of \"user created successfully\".</h3>\n<h3>08▸ Next, create each sales rep with the role of \"User\" and click \"Save\".</h3>\n<h2>Connect relevant integrations according to business needs</h2>\n<p>Now you’ll connect the client’s main integrations relevant to their business (Google, Facebook/Instagram, and Stripe). These connections let GoHighLevel sync appointments, manage social leads, and process payments in one place.</p>\n<h3>01▸ Open \"Settings\" → \"Integrations\".</h3>\n<h3></h3>\n<h3>02▸ Individually connect and add the following relevant integrations as presented on your screen, such as Google Calendar, the client's Facebook/Instagram business account, Stripe (if you're using this for payment), etc. Follow the respective instructions.</h3>\n<h2>Set up a verified phone number</h2>\n<p>Here you’ll set up the client’s phone number inside GoHighLevel. This ensures calls and texts flow through the platform reliably and keeps communications compliant before you send bulk or automated messages.</p>\n<h3>01▸ Open \"Settings\" → \"Phone Numbers\" → \"+ Add Number\" and add a phone number.</h3>\n<h3>02▸ Choose the country and area code, then click \"Proceed to Buy\". At this stage, you'll then need to begin verifying. Proceed as instructed.</h3>\n<p><strong>Note:</strong> Pick a local area code that matches the client’s business footprint. Local numbers help increase answer rates and feel more trustworthy to contacts.</p>\n<h3>03▸ Open \"Settings\" and click \"My Staff\" → click on the pencil icon or \"Edit\".</h3>\n<h3>04▸ Go to \"Call &#x26; Voicemail Settings\" and select the phone number from the dropdown. Select \"My Phone Number\" as the default channel for calls and automatic call routing (IVR). For IVR, upload a 20-second MP3 voice file. A voicemail message will be played instead of the one by the phone carrier.  Click \"Save\".</h3>\n<h3>05▸ [Recommended] - If the company has WhatsApp, it is recommended to subscribe to WhatsApp Messaging. Open \"Settings\" and click \"WhatsApp\", then click \"Agency Purchase\". Once subscribed, you can connect your WhatsApp Business account and start using it for campaigns, automations, and 2-way client chats.</h3>\n<h2>Set up email (sending domain)</h2>\n<p>You connect and verify the client’s email sending domain so all outbound campaigns send from a trusted, branded address using email inside GoHighLevel.</p>\n<h3>01▸ On the \"Settings\" navigation menu, go to \"Domains &#x26; URL Redirects\" and click \"Connect a domain\".</h3>\n<h3>02▸ Under \"Email\", click \"Connect\".</h3>\n<h3>03▸ Enter the domain name and then click \"Add &#x26; Verify\".</h3>\n<h3>04▸ Copy the provided TXT and CNAME records into the client’s DNS registrar. You need DNS access to publish these records. Add them exactly as shown for the domain to authenticate correctly. Click \"Verify records\" once DNS propagates and the domain is ready.</h3>\n<p><strong>Note:</strong> Click \"Watch the help video\" if you're unsure.</p>\n<h3>05▸ You will see the domain as a green \"Verified\" status when verification is successful. If it remains pending, wait up to 24 hours before retrying.</h3>\n<h3>06▸ Once verified, go back to the main dashboard, click \"Marketing\" → \"Emails\" → \"Create Campaign\" and start drafting or sending emails! That's it!</h3>\n<h2>Manage domains, assets, workflows, chat, reputation, CRM, and launch</h2>\n<p>Now you’ll connect all the final pieces of the client’s GoHighLevel sub‑account: domain mapping, branded assets, live calendars and payments, automations, chat, reputation, and CRM setup. This step ensures the account appears professional, is connected to the client’s actual tools, and that everything passes end-to-end testing before launch.<strong>Why this:</strong> Using a branded subdomain for funnels/sites improves professionalism and trust versus relying on default GoHighLevel domains.</p>\n<h3>01▸ Go to \"Sites\" → \"Settings\" and assign the verified domain to the primary funnel or website, and click \"Save\".</h3>\n<h3>02▸ Next, open \"Forms\" in \"Sites\" → click \"+ Add Form\".</h3>\n<h3>03▸ Drag and drop the \"Collect Payment\" box onto the form. </h3>\n<h3>04▸ Click \"Connect\" under \"Collect Payment\" on your right. </h3>\n<h3>05▸ Under \"Stripe\", click \"Connect\" and then select \"Connect with Stripe\". </h3>\n<p><strong>Note:</strong> Submit a test payment using Stripe’s test card to confirm orders process and appear in the account.</p>\n<h3>06▸ Next, go to \"Automations\" → \"Workflows\" and click \"+ Create Workflow\", then select \"Start from Scratch\".</h3>\n<h3>07▸ Click \"Settings\" and set the sender email and call/SMS phone number.</h3>\n<h3>08▸ Ensure sender details are saved, then click \"Builder\" to start creating the workflow you want. Verify triggers, then click \"Publish\" on each workflow.</h3>\n<h3>09▸ Next, open \"Sites\" → \"Chat Widget\", then click \"+ New\".</h3>\n<h3>10▸ Select the type of chat you want. For this SOP, \"SMS/Email Chat\" was selected.</h3>\n<h3>11▸ Set brand colors and routing, copy the install script if using an external site, then click \"Save\".</h3>\n<h3>12▸ Go to \"Reputation\" → \"Settings\" then \"Integrations\" and confirm \"Google Business Profile\" is connected. You should see the connected \"Google Business Profile\" name visible in the \"Reputation\" settings.</h3>\n<h3>13▸ Under the \"Reviews\" tab, click \"Send Review Request\" to your own email/SMS and check delivery.</h3>\n<h3>14▸ Next, open \"Opportunities\" → under \"Pipelines\", click \"+ Create Pipeline\".</h3>\n<h3>15▸ Now, submit a test form and confirm a contact is created, pipeline stage set, and workflows fire. Check \"Contacts\" and \"Opportunities\" to see the new record and pipeline movement. Then check \"Automations\" → \"Recent Activity\" to see workflow execution.</h3>\n<h3>16▸ Send a test chat and confirm it appears in \"Conversations\".</h3>\n<h3>17▸ Next, book a test appointment and confirm the Google Calendar event and notifications. Go to \"Calendar\" and click \" + New\".</h3>\n<h3>18▸ Check both the GoHighLevel Calendar and the connected Google Calendar for the new test booking. Review the email and text reminders sent.</h3>\n<h3>19▸ Finally, record and share a Loom video showing Conversations, Opportunities, Calendar, and reply flows. Send the Loom link to the client so they see how to view inbound messages, appointments, and manage replies.</h3>\n"}