How to Use the GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder
The GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder makes it easy to automate two-way messaging across channels, similar to how ClickUp helps organize workflows. In this guide, you will learn step by step how to enable, configure, and optimize Conversation AI flows so your account can automatically respond to leads and customers through SMS and WhatsApp.
This how-to article is based on the official Conversation AI Flow Builder documentation and walks you through every key setting, including phone number configuration, handling of contact replies, and smart routing to human agents.
What the GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder Does
The Conversation AI Flow Builder in GoHighLevel lets you design automated message flows that answer inbound messages and follow up with contacts. It works inside an existing or new Conversation AI Setup and supports SMS and WhatsApp channels.
At a high level, you can:
- Automatically respond to common questions via SMS or WhatsApp.
- Use AI to generate personalized answers.
- Hand off conversations to human users when needed.
- Control how replies are handled after automation runs.
This feature helps agencies and businesses reduce manual workloads while still providing fast, accurate support and sales replies within GoHighLevel.
Requirements Before You Build a GoHighLevel AI Flow
Before building an AI flow, make sure the following prerequisites are in place in your GoHighLevel account:
- You have access to Conversation AI in your sub-account.
- You have at least one SMS or WhatsApp number configured.
- You are working from inside a Conversation AI Setup in the Conversations area.
Once these are ready, you can start using the builder to create and test your automation.
How to Access the GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder
To open the Conversation AI Flow Builder, follow these steps in GoHighLevel:
- Go to the Conversations section in your sub-account.
- Open or create a Conversation AI Setup.
- Choose the flow you want to configure and click to open the builder.
The Flow Builder is the visual canvas where you connect triggers, AI response steps, and routing actions to define what happens when a contact messages your business.
Channels Supported in GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder
The Conversation AI Flow Builder supports two main messaging channels inside GoHighLevel:
- SMS: Standard text messages handled through your configured phone numbers.
- WhatsApp: Messages handled via your approved WhatsApp numbers.
You can design different flows per channel or reuse similar logic across both channels depending on your business needs.
Step-by-Step: Configuring a GoHighLevel SMS Flow
To configure an SMS-based Conversation AI flow, work through the following steps inside the builder:
1. Choose the Conversation AI Setup
First, select or create the Conversation AI Setup where you want the SMS automation to run. The builder works from this context and will connect to the phone numbers attached to that setup.
2. Select Your Phone Number
In the SMS section of the flow builder, pick the phone number you want the Conversation AI to use. This number will be responsible for sending automatic replies and receiving contacts' responses.
If you manage multiple numbers inside GoHighLevel, choose the one dedicated to support, sales, or campaigns for this flow.
3. Configure How Contact Replies Are Handled
After the AI sends an SMS, you must define what happens when a contact replies. In the Flow Builder, you can set reply handling policies, for example:
- Let AI continue responding automatically within the flow.
- Stop automation and assign the conversation to a human user.
- Route based on specific keywords or intents detected in the message.
These settings give you fine control over when automation runs and when your team takes over the conversation.
4. Add AI Response Steps in GoHighLevel
Next, add one or more AI response steps. Each step can be configured to:
- Read the contact's latest message.
- Use Conversation AI to generate a contextual reply.
- Send the answer back via SMS using the selected phone number.
You can create different branches within the flow so the AI adapts to contact intents, such as booking, pricing questions, or support issues.
5. Route Conversations to Users
The GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder lets you transfer active SMS conversations to a human user or team when needed. Configure routing nodes to:
- Assign the conversation to a specific user.
- Assign to a team or round-robin group.
- Stop AI responses once a human joins the thread.
This routing ensures that complex or sensitive questions are handled by real agents, while AI still manages simpler or repetitive interactions.
Step-by-Step: Configuring a GoHighLevel WhatsApp Flow
WhatsApp flows in the GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder follow a similar structure to SMS, with WhatsApp-specific number selection.
1. Open the WhatsApp Flow Section
Inside your Conversation AI Setup, switch to the WhatsApp portion of the flow so you can define how WhatsApp messages will be automated.
2. Select Your WhatsApp Number
Choose the WhatsApp-enabled phone number that will send and receive automated replies. This must be a WhatsApp-approved number connected to your account.
3. Define Reply Handling for WhatsApp
Just like with SMS, set what should happen when contacts reply on WhatsApp. You can keep the AI active, send conversations to a user, or use branching logic based on message content and intent.
4. Add AI and Routing Steps
Build out your WhatsApp flow with AI response nodes and routing nodes. The AI will analyze each inbound WhatsApp message and reply based on your configured instructions, then escalate to team members when necessary.
Best Practices for Using GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flows
To get the most out of the Conversation AI Flow Builder in GoHighLevel, keep these best practices in mind:
- Start simple: Begin with a basic flow that answers common questions before adding complex branches.
- Test thoroughly: Send test SMS and WhatsApp messages to verify that replies, routing, and handoffs behave as expected.
- Monitor conversations: Regularly review message history in the Conversations area to refine prompts, AI behaviors, and routing rules.
- Align flows with goals: Create different flows for lead capture, appointment booking, or support to keep each journey focused.
Where to Learn More About GoHighLevel Conversation AI
For full technical details, screenshots, and the latest updates, refer to the official GoHighLevel documentation for the Conversation AI Flow Builder at this support article.
If you need strategic help planning AI flows, funnels, or full GoHighLevel implementations, you can also work with specialists at Consultevo, who focus on optimization and automation for agencies and businesses.
Summary: Implementing the GoHighLevel Conversation AI Flow Builder
The Conversation AI Flow Builder in GoHighLevel gives you a structured way to automate SMS and WhatsApp conversations while keeping a clear path for human handoff. By selecting the right phone numbers, configuring how replies are handled, and combining AI steps with routing nodes, you can build reliable flows that respond quickly and accurately to your audience.
Set up a dedicated Conversation AI Setup, configure your SMS and WhatsApp flows, test them thoroughly, and monitor ongoing conversations. Over time, refine your flows to better match the questions and intents your contacts send, turning GoHighLevel into a powerful hub for conversational automation and customer engagement.
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