GoHighLevel’s automation builder is one of its most powerful features — but it can be intimidating for beginners. This guide walks you through building your first three automations, step by step.
Automation 1: new lead welcome sequence
Go to Automation → Create Workflow → Start from Scratch. Set trigger: ‘Contact Created’. Add action: ‘Send Email’ with your welcome message — introduce yourself, explain what happens next, and include a booking link. Add a Wait step (1 day). Add another email with a relevant case study or testimonial. Add another Wait (2 days). Final email: FAQ answers and a direct call-to-action. Total setup time: 20 minutes.
Automation 2: missed call text-back
Create new workflow. Trigger: ‘Call Status → No Answer’. Add Wait: 1 minute. Add action: ‘Send SMS’ — ‘Sorry we missed your call! How can we help? Reply here or book a time: [link]’. Add action: ‘Create Opportunity’ in your pipeline. Add action: ‘Internal Notification’ to yourself. Setup time: 10 minutes.
Automation 3: review request after job completion
Create new workflow. Trigger: ‘Opportunity Status Changed → Won’. Add Wait: 2 hours. Add action: ‘Send SMS’ — ‘Thanks for choosing us! Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? [direct link]’. Setup time: 5 minutes.
These three automations — welcome sequence, missed call text-back, and review request — form the foundation of every successful GHL setup. They capture leads, recover missed calls, and build your reputation on autopilot. Once comfortable, expand to booking reminders, follow-up sequences, and pipeline automations.