Client Migration from Other CRMs into GoHighLevel: The Smooth Agency Playbook

“How many clients are stuck in broken CRMs while you’re trying to onboard them into GoHighLevel?”
Agencies lose time and trust when migrations turn messy. But moving clients from HubSpot, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or Salesforce into GoHighLevel doesn’t need to be painful. With the right workflows, snapshots, and automations, you can migrate cleanly and keep clients confident.

TL;DR

Migrating clients into GoHighLevel is faster with snapshots, import tools, and automation workflows. Agencies should plan migrations in stages: data import, automation rebuild, and client onboarding. Done right, you turn migration chaos into a retention win.

Why Client Migration Matters

• Eliminates platform chaos → Clients finally run everything in one system.
• Increases retention → Smooth migrations build trust early.
• Opens upsell paths → Once migrated, clients are primed for SaaS Mode, Playbooks, or AI tools.
• Boosts agency reputation → Delivering migrations = a competitive advantage.

Migration Playbook for Agencies

1. Audit Existing CRM Setup

• Identify what data lives where (contacts, deals, automations).
• Check integrations and API dependencies.
• Map automations → what needs to be rebuilt vs. scrapped.

2. Prepare GoHighLevel Snapshot

• Create a snapshot for the client’s vertical.
• Preload: funnels, campaigns, automations, triggers.
• Reduces setup time and human error.

3. Import Contacts & Data

• Use CSV import for contacts + custom fields.
• Migrate pipelines/deals into GHL opportunities.
• Import tags, notes, and history where possible.

4. Rebuild Automations in Workflows

• Old CRMs = static automations.
• GHL Workflows = dynamic, multi-channel (email, SMS, voicemail drops).
• Don’t “lift & shift”—upgrade during rebuild.

5. Test & Validate

• Run QA on every automation.
• Test pipelines → assign sample deals.
• Send test campaigns before client launch.

6. Client Onboarding & Training

• Once migration is complete, walk client through new dashboards.
• Highlight “quick wins” → show ROI in week one.
• Give them reports + training resources.

Migration Example

• Client leaves HubSpot at $800/month.
• Agency moves them into GoHighLevel → $297 SaaS Mode + $1,000 agency retainer.
• Migration completed in 10 days with snapshot.
• Client sees ROI reporting + automated engagement from day one.
• Retention secured + upsell path opened.

ROI of Migrations

• Migration fee: $1,500–$5,000 one-time.
• Ongoing retainer: $1,000–$2,500/month.
• Add SaaS Mode = $297/month recurring.
• Every migration = recurring revenue anchor.

Best Practices

• Always over-communicate timelines.
• Use checklists in GHL pipelines for migration tasks.
• Automate repetitive migration steps with workflows.
• Charge for migrations—it positions you as premium.
• Train VAs to handle data cleanup tasks.

Internal Link Map

• Links into Agency Operations Pillar (coming).
• Sideways to:
  • Training VAs & Teams
  • Selling Snapshots as SaaS
  • SaaS Setup & Pricing

Affiliate CTAs

👉 Start your GoHighLevel trial
👉 Train your migration team in Bootcamp
👉 Explore SaaSPreneur for scaling

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to migrate a client into GoHighLevel?
A: Simple migrations = 3–5 days, complex setups = 10–14 days.

Q: Do all automations need to be rebuilt?
A: Yes—lift-and-shift rarely works. Rebuild with GoHighLevel workflows for better results.

Q: Can you migrate from HubSpot or ActiveCampaign easily?
A: Yes—contacts + data import via CSV, automations need manual rebuild.

Q: Should agencies charge for migrations?
A: Always. Free migrations undervalue your expertise and create scope creep.

Q: How do you train staff for migrations?
A: Use snapshots + SOP checklists inside GoHighLevel, combined with Bootcamp training.