TLDR

HighLevel gives you a full SMS automation stack, including phone numbers, two-way texting and workflow-based triggers. You can run fast-response conversations, drip sequences and compliance-safe broadcasts directly inside one CRM.

AI tools inside HighLevel, including the Content AI writer, generate tight message copy and segment-friendly variants. Tracking tools report delivery, reply rate and contact-level engagement.

Core Features You Use

Short and direct for implementation.

• Automated SMS actions inside workflows (form submitted, booking confirmed, abandoned steps).
• Two-way texting for real conversations in one thread.
• Drip sequences using delays and conditional steps.
• Missed-call text back to catch lost leads instantly.
• Keyword-based triggers to route contacts into specific flows.
• Content AI for fast message writing.
• Analytics for delivery, reply rate and workflow-level performance.

SOP: Building a HighLevel SMS Campaign

1. Set Up Your SMS Number

Path: Settings > Phone Numbers
You can buy a number through HighLevel or port an existing one. A dedicated number avoids mixing campaign replies with unrelated communication.

Check the following before moving on:

• Number verified
• Outbound enabled
• Billing method confirmed
• Area code aligned with your audience if you target one region

2. Build a Permission-Based Contact List

Upload contacts or capture new ones through:

• Forms
• Funnels
• Chat widgets
• Appointment calendars

Always confirm SMS opt-in to stay compliant. Add a tag like sms_optin_true so your automations avoid sending to non-consenting contacts.

3. Create the Automation

Path: Automation > Workflows > New Workflow

Create simple triggers first:

• Form submitted
• Appointment booked
• Pipeline stage changed
• Keyword received
• Missed call

Inside the workflow:

1. Add SMS action
2. Write concise copy
3. Insert tokens (contact name, appointment date)
4. Add delays if running multi-step drip
5. Add conditional logic to branch messages based on behavior
6. Add goal tracking if this campaign pushes a specific action

Run a test message to yourself before activation.

4. Launch and Monitor

You check delivery rate first. A low number usually means formatting issues or outdated numbers.

Then check:

• Reply rate
• Click rate (if link included)
• Conversion per workflow goal
• Time-to-first-reply

Adjust timing, message length, and segmentation. Shorter texts with one intent usually outperform multi-topic SMS.

Best Practices That Actually Matter

Keep messages sharp. SMS is interruptive and tiny screens demand clarity.

Practical guidelines:

• Keep 4 to 6 lines max.
• Use a direct CTA, not two.
• Personalize based on behavior, not broad demographics.
• Send during business hours for your region.
• Avoid URL shorteners that carriers flag.
• Review campaign reporting weekly and archive workflows you no longer use.

Want a quick improvement? Add a missed-call text back workflow. It picks up leads who call outside business hours and prevents loss to competitors.

Example HighLevel Workflow Structure

Trigger: Form Submitted - "Lead Capture"
If tag sms_optin_true = true
  SMS: "Thanks {{contact.first_name}}, here is the info you requested..."
  Wait 24h
  SMS: "Still interested? Reply YES and I will send the next step."
Goal: Booking or reply tracked

AI Usage Recommendations

Content AI inside HighLevel cuts message writing time and keeps tone consistent across batches of campaigns.

Use AI to:

• Generate first draft SMS lines
• Create variants for A/B tests
• Rewrite longer emails into SMS versions
• Auto-personalize tone for existing segments

Do a manual pass for accuracy before pushing anything live.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a dedicated number for SMS?
Yes, one number per account keeps campaigns clean and avoids mixed conversations.

Q: Can HighLevel handle two-way texting?
Yes, all replies show in one thread and you can assign them to staff or pipelines.

Q: Does HighLevel support automated drip SMS?
Yes, using delays and workflow branches.

Q: Can I use AI for SMS writing?
Yes, Content AI is built in and can generate variations quickly.

Q: How do I track performance?
Use the reporting views, workflow analytics and message-specific delivery data.