This guide walks you through setting up Email, Phone, and SMS inside HighLevel, so you can manage all communications from one platform. By completing these configurations, you’ll be able to send authenticated emails, make and forward calls, and send both individual and bulk SMS messages — including personalized, large-scale SMS campaigns directly from your Contacts tab.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Setup Email
- Setup Phone
- Forward Phone Calls
- Contact a Contact
- Contact Bulk Contacts
- What is Bulk SMS
- Key Benefits of Sending Bulk SMS
- How to Send Bulk SMS via Contacts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
Setup Email
Setting up a dedicated email domain ensures better inbox placement, higher deliverability, and a stronger sender reputation.
Steps
Navigate to Settings → Email Services.
Click Dedicated Domain and IP.
Click Add Domain.
Enter your subdomain (for example, lc.mydomain.com) and click Add & Verify.
Follow the on-screen DNS record instructions from your registrar.
Click Verify Records once the updates are complete.
Click the 3-dot menu → Set Headers.
Enter your From Name and From Email, then click Save.
Your email setup is now complete and ready for verified sending.
Setup Phone
Adding a phone number allows you to make and receive calls directly from within HighLevel.
Steps
Go to Settings → Phone Numbers.
Click Add Number → Add Phone Number.
Filter numbers by Country or Area Code.
Choose your preferred number.
Click Proceed to Buy.
Your number will appear under Manage Numbers once added.
Forward Phone Calls
Forwarding ensures incoming calls are automatically redirected to a number of your choice.
Steps
Navigate to Settings → Phone Numbers.
Click the 3-dot menu → Edit Configuration.
Enter the number where calls should be forwarded.
Click Save.
Your call forwarding setup is now active.
Contact a Contact
Easily reach individual contacts from their profile using SMS, Email, or Phone.
Steps
Navigate to Contacts.
Select the contact you wish to reach.
Use the message composer tabs to select SMS, Email, or Phone.
Screenshot: Contact record view showing SMS, WhatsApp, and Email tabs.
Contact Bulk Contacts
Send communications to multiple contacts simultaneously or apply bulk actions such as sending a message or performing list updates.
Steps
Go to Contacts → Smart Lists.
Apply filters to target your audience.
Screenshot: Filters panel showing filter options such as Business Name, Company Name, and Tag.
Select contacts using the checkboxes on the left.
Use the toolbar at the top to perform bulk actions like sending an Email or SMS.
Screenshot: Bulk Actions toolbar displayed above the contacts list.
The Bulk SMS feature allows you to send personalized text messages to multiple contacts in just a few clicks. From promotions to reminders, you can compose, schedule, and track SMS campaigns at scale—all within the Contacts tab.
What is Bulk SMS
Bulk SMS lets you send one SMS message to multiple contacts simultaneously. It’s ideal for marketing campaigns, service notifications, or time-sensitive updates. This feature ensures consistent communication with your audience without needing to message each contact individually.
Key Benefits of Sending Bulk SMS
Using Bulk SMS helps streamline communication while maintaining personalization and delivery control.
Save time: Message hundreds or thousands of contacts with one action.
Consistent communication: Ensure all recipients receive the same information.
Personalized content: Use custom fields and templates for tailored messages.
Flexible delivery options: Choose to send instantly, schedule for later, or drip messages in batches.
Track results: Monitor delivery and performance through the Bulk Actions dashboard.
How to Send Bulk SMS via Contacts
Follow these steps to create and send an SMS campaign directly from your Contacts tab.
Step 1: Select Contacts
Go to Contacts and use the checkboxes on the left to select the recipients for your message.
Step 2: Open the Bulk SMS Window
Click the SMS icon in the top menu bar to open the Bulk SMS setup window.
Step 3: Select the Sending Phone Number
From the From Phone Number dropdown, choose the number to send from.
If left blank, the system uses the last number used per contact or the account default.
Step 4: Compose or Select a Message Template
Type your custom message or select a saved template from SMS Templates.
You can personalize messages using custom fields and add emojis or attachments if needed.
Step 5: Choose a Delivery Method
Send All at Once
Immediately sends your message to all selected contacts.
Send at Scheduled Time
Set a specific date and time for delivery.
Send in Drip Mode
Sends messages in smaller batches for improved pacing and deliverability.
Drip Mode fields:
Pick a Start Date & Time: When sending begins.
Number of Messages per Batch: Number of contacts per send batch.
Repeat After: Time delay between each batch (in minutes, hours, or days).
Send On: Select specific weekdays for sending.
Time Window: Define allowed sending hours based on account timezone.
End At: The latest time messages can be sent each day; messages outside this window resume the next day.
Step 6. Send the SMS
Click Send SMS to submit your campaign. The action will be queued and processed automatically.
Step 7: Track Results in Bulk Actions
Go to Contacts → Bulk Actions to view campaign status and performance metrics such as sent, delivered, failed, or skipped messages.
Click Show Stats for detailed delivery reports, including carrier responses and failure reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I don’t select a “From” phone number?
The system uses the last number used for that contact or defaults to the account’s primary number.
Q: Can I cancel a scheduled bulk SMS?
Sent messages cannot be canceled. Contact Support immediately for help with scheduled or drip sends.
Q: How does Drip Mode handle time zones?
Drip Mode uses your account’s local time zone.
Q: Will unsubscribed contacts receive messages?
No. HighLevel automatically excludes unsubscribed or DND contacts to maintain compliance.
Q: Can I track failed messages?
Yes. Go to Bulk Actions → Show Stats for detailed error reports.
Q: Can I use the same number for calls and SMS?
Yes, as long as the number is enabled for both.
Q: Why verify my email domain?
A verified domain ensures better inbox placement and prevents spam issues.
Q: How can I increase messaging limits?
Contact Support to request an increase after demonstrating consistent, compliant sending activity.
Learn More
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