Using Merge Fields in GoHighLevel

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How to Use Merge Fields in GoHighLevel

If you have used tools like ClickUp or other CRMs, you already know how powerful dynamic placeholders can be. In GoHighLevel, merge fields let you automatically insert contact data, appointment details, and account information into emails, texts, funnels, and workflows without manual typing.

This step-by-step guide explains what merge fields are, where they work inside GoHighLevel, and how to insert the correct syntax so your messages pull in live data every time.

What Are Merge Fields in GoHighLevel?

Merge fields in GoHighLevel are dynamic placeholders that are replaced with real data when a message is sent or a page is rendered. They are written inside double curly braces, for example {{contact.first_name}}.

When the system processes your email, SMS, or funnel page, it looks at the current record (contact, appointment, user, etc.) and swaps each merge field with the value stored in your account.

Typical uses include:

  • Personalizing email greetings with a contact’s first name
  • Adding appointment dates and times to confirmation messages
  • Displaying company address details on funnels and invoices
  • Showing user or agency information inside internal notifications

Where You Can Use GoHighLevel Merge Fields

Most content editors inside GoHighLevel support merge fields. You can insert them anywhere text is supported, such as:

  • Email builder (classic and new editors)
  • SMS and MMS messages
  • Workflow actions and templates
  • Funnels and websites (text elements and forms)
  • HTML custom code blocks
  • Notification messages and triggers

Always verify that the specific field is supported in the context where you are using it. Some merge fields only work with appointments, while others are specific to contacts, users, or accounts.

Core GoHighLevel Merge Field Categories

The GoHighLevel documentation organizes merge fields by the type of record they belong to. Below is a practical overview based strictly on the official list of merge fields.

Contact Merge Fields in GoHighLevel

Contact merge fields pull data from the contact record associated with the message. Common examples include:

  • {{contact.first_name}}
  • {{contact.last_name}}
  • {{contact.full_name}}
  • {{contact.email}}
  • {{contact.phone}}
  • {{contact.address1}}
  • {{contact.city}}
  • {{contact.state}}
  • {{contact.postal_code}}
  • {{contact.country}}

You can also use merge fields for custom fields attached to a contact, using the correct custom field key taken from the field’s configuration.

Appointment Merge Fields in GoHighLevel

Appointment merge fields are designed for booking confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. Typical appointment fields include items such as:

  • Appointment date and time
  • Time zone
  • Calendar name
  • Meeting location or meeting link

Use these in automation that is triggered by appointment events to keep your communication accurate and timely.

User and Assigned User Merge Fields

Some merge fields reference the GoHighLevel user or assigned user instead of the contact. These will pull details like:

  • User name
  • User email address
  • User phone number
  • User calendar link (where applicable)

This is helpful when you want messages to appear as if they came from a specific team member, such as a sales representative or account manager.

Location and Account Merge Fields

Location and account merge fields refer to the business profile information stored in your GoHighLevel location or agency account. These often include:

  • Business name
  • Business phone number
  • Support email
  • Physical address
  • Website URL

Use these to keep footer content, contact blocks, and legal details consistent across all your communication channels.

How to Insert Merge Fields in GoHighLevel

Follow these steps to correctly insert merge fields inside your GoHighLevel assets.

Step 1: Open the Content Editor

  1. Sign in to your GoHighLevel account.
  2. Navigate to the area where you want to use merge fields, such as Marketing > Emails, Automation > Workflows, or Sites > Funnels.
  3. Open the specific email, SMS, or page you plan to edit.

Step 2: Position Your Cursor

  1. Click into the text element or message body where you want to add a merge field.
  2. Place your cursor exactly where the dynamic value should appear, for example after “Hi” if you’re adding a first name.

Step 3: Insert the Correct Merge Field

  1. Type or paste the merge field using double curly braces, for example {{contact.first_name}}.
  2. Ensure there are no extra spaces inside the curly braces.
  3. Use the exact syntax from the official GoHighLevel merge fields list.

Step 4: Save and Test

  1. Save your email, SMS, workflow, or funnel page.
  2. Send a test message to yourself or use a test contact that has complete data.
  3. Confirm that each merge field shows the expected value and does not appear as plain text.

Best Practices for GoHighLevel Merge Fields

To avoid broken messages or confusing outputs, keep these best practices in mind when working with merge fields in GoHighLevel.

Always Have Fallback Data

  • Make sure important fields like first name and email are usually filled in on your contacts.
  • Consider using more generic copy if you are not certain a field will exist (for example, “Hi there” instead of merging a missing first name).

Match the Merge Field to the Trigger

  • Use appointment-specific fields only in flows triggered by bookings or appointment events.
  • Use contact-based fields in campaigns where a contact is the primary record.
  • Avoid mixing unrelated merge fields that have no data for the current context.

Keep Formatting Consistent

  • Use proper capitalization around contact name fields.
  • Check how date and time formats appear from appointment merge fields.
  • Preview emails and pages across devices to verify alignment and spacing.

Troubleshooting GoHighLevel Merge Fields

If your merge field appears as raw text (for example, {{contact.first_name}} instead of a real name), work through the following checks:

  • Confirm you copied the merge field exactly as listed in the official documentation.
  • Verify the contact, appointment, or user record actually has data in that field.
  • Make sure you are using the field in a supported component within GoHighLevel.
  • Test with another contact to rule out missing data on a single record.

If you need implementation help beyond the standard documentation, you can also consult specialized GoHighLevel partners such as Consultevo for tailored workflow and automation setup.

Next Steps for Mastering GoHighLevel Merge Fields

Merge fields are essential for building scalable, personalized communication in GoHighLevel. By understanding which fields belong to contacts, appointments, users, and locations, and by inserting each field with the correct syntax, you can automate highly relevant messages without manual work.

Always refer back to the official, up-to-date list of supported fields and examples in the GoHighLevel merge fields knowledge base article whenever you add new automation or update templates.

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