GoHighLevel SMS Campaign Rejection Guide

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GoHighLevel SMS Campaign Rejection Guide

If you use ClickUp for task management and GoHighLevel for marketing, you may occasionally see SMS campaigns rejected by carriers. This how-to guide explains the official rejection reasons used by mobile carriers and shows you, step by step, how to fix and resubmit rejected SMS campaigns inside GoHighLevel.

All reasons and resolutions are based on the carrier rules documented in the official support resource here: Campaign Rejection Reasons and Resolutions.

How GoHighLevel Handles SMS Campaign Reviews

When you submit an SMS campaign in GoHighLevel for A2P 10DLC registration, it is reviewed by carriers against strict content and compliance rules. If the content does not meet those standards, the campaign is rejected with a specific reason code and a short description.

Inside the GoHighLevel interface you will see the rejection reason listed with your campaign. To fix a rejected campaign you must:

  1. Identify the rejection reason code and description.
  2. Edit your campaign content to remove the violation.
  3. Ensure your brand and use case are compliant.
  4. Resubmit your campaign through GoHighLevel for review.

Common GoHighLevel Campaign Rejection Reasons

The following sections summarize the most frequent carrier rejection categories you will see applied to SMS campaigns created through GoHighLevel. For each category you will find an explanation, common triggers, and practical steps to resolve the issue before you resubmit.

1. GoHighLevel Rejections for SHAFT Content

Carriers strictly prohibit SHAFT content: sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, and tobacco/vaping (including CBD and cannabis). Campaigns that fall into these categories are rejected automatically.

Typical reasons:

  • Explicit or implied sexual content, adult services, or escort offers.
  • Hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory messages.
  • Promotions related to alcohol where prohibited by carrier rules.
  • Sale or promotion of firearms, ammunition, or related accessories.
  • Marketing of tobacco, vape products, CBD, or cannabis.

How to fix it:

  1. Remove all SHAFT-related terms from your SMS templates and examples.
  2. Change the campaign purpose to a compliant use case (for example, appointment reminders instead of product promotion).
  3. If your business is inherently in a restricted vertical, you generally cannot send these messages via A2P 10DLC in GoHighLevel and must choose a different communication channel.

2. GoHighLevel Rejections for Loan, Debt, and Finance Content

Carriers heavily scrutinize campaigns related to loans, credit repair, debt collection, or financial services. High-risk or misleading finance content is often rejected.

Typical reasons:

  • Debt forgiveness or debt consolidation offers that appear deceptive.
  • High-interest loans, payday loans, or unclear fee structures.
  • Messages that impersonate banks or financial institutions.

How to fix it:

  1. Clarify who you are and what financial service you provide.
  2. Avoid exaggerated promises like “guaranteed approval” or “instant debt erasure.”
  3. Include accurate terms and avoid any language that could be perceived as misleading.

3. Lead Generation and Affiliate Marketing Rejections in GoHighLevel

Lead generation and affiliate campaigns are frequently rejected if they appear deceptive or if consent is unclear.

Typical reasons:

  • Sending traffic to generic lead funnels that resell user data.
  • Unclear branding where the recipient cannot tell who is sending the message.
  • Messages that act as “gateway” texts to multiple third-party offers.

How to fix it:

  1. Ensure the brand in your GoHighLevel campaign matches the brand shown on your website and in your messages.
  2. Clearly state who you are and what specific service or offer is being promoted.
  3. Avoid broad “earn money fast” or “work from home” style language that carriers often classify as spam.

Consent and Opt-Out Issues in GoHighLevel Campaigns

Carriers focus heavily on user consent and opt-out. Many rejected campaigns in GoHighLevel fail because they do not clearly prove consent or do not present an easy way to stop messages.

4. Missing or Weak Call-to-Action / Opt-In Proof

Typical reasons:

  • You cannot demonstrate how people joined your list.
  • Opt-in is bundled with another action and not clearly stated.
  • Your example messages do not match the described opt-in method.

How to fix it:

  1. Document a clear opt-in method: web form, checkout form, in-store form, or keyword signup.
  2. Ensure the opt-in form includes explicit consent for SMS and identifies your brand.
  3. Update campaign examples in GoHighLevel so they match how users actually opt in.

5. Missing Required Opt-Out Language in GoHighLevel SMS

Every campaign must include a simple, standard way for users to stop receiving messages.

Typical reasons:

  • Messages lack any “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” instruction.
  • Opt-out wording is vague or buried in long text.
  • The opt-out terms in examples do not match carrier expectations.

How to fix it:

  1. Add a clear line such as “Reply STOP to opt out” in your initial message flow.
  2. Make sure your GoHighLevel workflows respect opt-outs automatically.
  3. Update example messages in the campaign submission to show the opt-out language.

Content Quality and Transparency in GoHighLevel

Beyond consent, carriers evaluate whether the message content is transparent, non-deceptive, and aligned with the brand and website you submit through GoHighLevel.

6. Deceptive, Misleading, or Spammy Content

Typical reasons:

  • Overly aggressive language or unrealistic claims.
  • Misleading discount, prize, or sweepstakes messaging.
  • Unclear purpose of the text or hidden fees.

How to fix it:

  1. Rewrite your messages to be factual, transparent, and specific.
  2. Remove clickbait-style phrases designed only to trigger responses.
  3. Make sure the offer in your SMS matches the offer on your landing page.

7. Website and Brand Inconsistencies

Typical reasons:

  • The website provided in the GoHighLevel registration is incomplete or under construction.
  • The brand name in the campaign does not match the website branding.
  • The website has little or no information about the business.

How to fix it:

  1. Update your website with clear branding, contact information, and content about your business.
  2. Make sure your legal entity and trading name are consistent across your website, SMS content, and GoHighLevel brand details.
  3. Resubmit after your website clearly supports the use case described in your campaign.

Step-by-Step: Fix and Resubmit a Rejected GoHighLevel Campaign

Use the following process every time you see a rejected campaign in your GoHighLevel account.

  1. Open the campaign details: Navigate to your A2P 10DLC campaign settings inside GoHighLevel and locate the rejection message.
  2. Read the rejection category: Identify whether the issue is SHAFT content, consent, opt-out, brand/website, or deception.
  3. Compare with your templates: Review all SMS examples and workflows tied to that campaign in GoHighLevel.
  4. Update content: Remove prohibited terms, strengthen consent language, and add clear opt-out instructions.
  5. Align brand and website: Ensure your website and brand information match what you entered in the campaign.
  6. Save and resubmit: After making changes, resubmit the campaign for carrier review through GoHighLevel.

Best Practices to Prevent Future GoHighLevel Rejections

Following best practices greatly reduces the risk of campaign rejections and improves long-term deliverability.

  • Use clear, honest language that accurately reflects your offer.
  • Keep a record of how each contact opted in to receive SMS.
  • Include “Reply STOP to opt out” (or equivalent) in your initial or recurring messages.
  • Avoid SHAFT and other prohibited verticals entirely in GoHighLevel SMS.
  • Keep your website updated so carriers can verify your business and use case.

Where to Get More Help with GoHighLevel Compliance

For deeper compliance strategy and funnel optimization around GoHighLevel, you can work with specialized consultants such as ConsulTevo, who focus on marketing automation and deliverability.

For the most accurate and current list of carrier rejection reasons, always refer back to the official resource: GoHighLevel Campaign Rejection Reasons and Resolutions. Using these guidelines, you can adjust your campaigns, maintain compliance, and keep your SMS messages delivering successfully through GoHighLevel.

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If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.

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