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GoHighLevel setup checklist

36 steps, in the order that avoids rework. Tick items as you go: progress is saved in this browser only. Print it if you prefer paper.

0 of 36 complete

Phase 1

Foundations

Everything else inherits these settings.

Business profile completeLegal name, address, phone, website and logo. These feed templates, invoices and A2P.
Time zone set correctlyAccount, users and calendars should agree, or reminders and wait steps fire at the wrong time.
Users added with the right rolesGive each person only the permissions they need. Never share logins.
Two-factor authentication onProtect the account that holds all your customer data.
Naming conventions written downDecide how you will name workflows, tags, fields and pipelines before anyone creates them.

Phase 2

Deliverability problems are hard to fix after you have a bad sending reputation.

Website/funnel domain connectedConnect your domain or subdomain and confirm SSL is active.
Dedicated email sending domain set upUse a subdomain (e.g. mail.yourdomain.com) for sending, rather than a shared default.
SPF, DKIM and DMARC verifiedAdd the DNS records and confirm they verify before your first campaign.
Default From name and email setA real person or business name and an address on your domain.

Phase 3

Texting without registration is filtered by US carriers.

Phone number purchased or portedChoose a local number for your main area, or plan the port of your existing number.
Call forwarding and voicemail configuredCalls should reach a person or a sensible voicemail.
A2P 10DLC brand and campaign submittedRequired for texting US numbers from a 10-digit number. Check readiness first.
Opt-out handling testedText STOP from a test phone and confirm DND is set on the contact.
Missed-call text-back decidedIf you use it, write the message and test it.

Phase 4

Structure decides how readable your data is a year from now.

Pipelines and stages match your sales processStages should describe real events (Booked, Showed), not vague labels.
Custom fields created with the right typesDropdowns for fixed choices, dates for dates. Separate contact vs opportunity fields.
Custom values for reusable detailsBusiness phone, booking link, addresses: change once, update everywhere.
Tag taxonomy agreedA short set of prefixed tags (src-, intent-, status-) instead of hundreds of one-offs.
Smart lists for daily workSaved views your team actually uses, e.g. “New leads not contacted”.

Phase 5

Calendar mistakes become double bookings and no-shows.

Calendar type chosen per useIndividual, round robin, class or service, depending on how you book.
Availability, buffers and notice setMinimum scheduling notice and buffers prevent impossible bookings.
Google/Outlook sync connected per userUnder each user’s own account so their busy times are respected.
Confirmation and reminders plannedTie reminders to appointment status so cancelled bookings get none.

Phase 6

Every form should feed a known field and a known workflow.

Forms map to the right fieldsTest a submission and check every value lands in the intended field.
SMS consent language on phone formsBrand name, frequency, rates, HELP/STOP and policy links.
UTM/source capturedHidden fields or source tracking so you know where leads come from.
Integrations connected under a business accountMeta, Google and Stripe connected by an owner-level account, not a contractor.

Phase 7

Build last, once the structure exists.

Speed-to-lead workflowInstant SMS/email plus an internal notification for new leads.
Appointment workflowConfirmations, reminders, showed/no-show branches.
Re-entry decided for every workflowWrite the reason in the workflow description.
Goal events stop sequencesBooking or buying should end nurture immediately.
Every path tested with test contactsCheck execution logs, not just your inbox.

Phase 8

An account nobody understands will not stay clean.

Test contacts kept for future checksYour own phone and email, clearly labelled.
Documentation writtenWhat exists, where it lives, and how to change it safely.
Reporting dashboard set upLead volume by source, speed to lead, booked rate and show rate.
Monthly health check scheduledWorkflow errors, integrations, deliverability and stale opportunities.