Understanding GoHighLevel Marketplace App Distribution Types
If you build SaaS tools or automations in ClickUp and want to launch them as apps, knowing how GoHighLevel Marketplace distribution works is essential. This guide walks you step by step through each distribution type so you can publish your app with the exact visibility and control you need.
We will cover private and public options, agency-level targeting, and how to adjust your settings once your app is live. Use this as a practical checklist while you configure your app in the marketplace.
What Is a GoHighLevel Marketplace App Distribution Type?
A GoHighLevel Marketplace app distribution type defines who can see, install, and use your app inside the GoHighLevel ecosystem. When you create or manage an app, you must select one of these visibility options before publishing.
The distribution type affects:
- Which accounts or agencies can find your app
- Whether the app appears as public in the Marketplace
- How you test or restrict early versions of the app
- How you roll out to selected agency clients
Choosing the correct option ensures your GoHighLevel app is only accessible to the right users at the right stage of your release cycle.
Overview of GoHighLevel Distribution Options
GoHighLevel currently offers four main distribution types for Marketplace apps:
- Private App
- Public App
- Restricted Public App
- Agency Only App
Each type serves a different purpose, from internal testing to broad public release. Below you will find a detailed explanation of each option and how to decide which one fits your GoHighLevel deployment strategy.
Private App in GoHighLevel Marketplace
A Private App is visible only to the developer account that owns it. This is the ideal mode when you are:
- Prototyping new integrations or workflows
- Testing custom features internally
- Debugging or validating authentication and API usage
Key Characteristics of a Private GoHighLevel App
- Only your GoHighLevel account can see or install the app
- The app does not appear in the public Marketplace
- Best suited for development and QA stages
How to Use the Private Distribution Type
- Create your app in the GoHighLevel Marketplace developer area.
- Select Private as the distribution option during setup.
- Install and test the app only within your own account.
- When testing is finished, change the distribution type to another option that matches your deployment plan.
This approach keeps unfinished work hidden while you refine your GoHighLevel integration.
Public App Distribution in GoHighLevel
A Public App is available to every account across the entire GoHighLevel platform. Once approved and published, any user can discover, install, and use the app from the Marketplace.
Key Characteristics of a Public GoHighLevel App
- Maximum visibility across all GoHighLevel accounts
- Best for mature, production-ready apps
- Ideal when you want broad adoption and Marketplace exposure
When to Choose Public Distribution
Use the Public distribution type when:
- Your app is stable and fully tested
- You are ready for general release to all GoHighLevel users
- You want your listing to appear among other public Marketplace apps
Before going public, ensure your documentation, support, and pricing (if any) are ready for scale.
Restricted Public GoHighLevel Apps
A Restricted Public App is technically public but only installable by accounts you explicitly approve. This hybrid model combines Marketplace visibility with controlled access.
Key Characteristics of a Restricted Public App
- Listed as public in the GoHighLevel Marketplace
- Install access is limited to whitelisted or approved accounts
- Useful for pilots, betas, or phased rollouts
Typical Use Cases for Restricted Public Distribution
Consider the Restricted Public option if you want to:
- Run a closed beta with selected GoHighLevel agencies or clients
- Limit early access while gathering feedback
- Gradually open up the app to more users without switching fully to Public immediately
This option provides exposure while maintaining tight control over who can actually deploy the app within GoHighLevel.
Agency Only Apps in GoHighLevel
An Agency Only App is accessible solely to agencies that you specify. This is highly focused and particularly suited to white-label, bespoke, or client-specific solutions inside GoHighLevel.
Key Characteristics of a GoHighLevel Agency Only App
- Available only to selected agencies, not to all accounts
- Ideal for agency-specific or private-label solutions
- Useful when distribution is based on business relationships
When to Use Agency Only Distribution
This distribution type fits when:
- You build custom tools for partner agencies using GoHighLevel
- You want to limit visibility to a closed group of agencies
- Your commercial model or contract requires restricted access
It allows precise targeting while still leveraging the GoHighLevel Marketplace infrastructure.
How to Choose the Right GoHighLevel Distribution Type
Selecting the correct distribution type should reflect both your app maturity and your go-to-market strategy.
Step-by-Step Selection Framework
- Define your release stage
- Early development & testing: choose Private
- Closed beta or pilot: choose Restricted Public or Agency Only
- Full release: choose Public
- Identify your audience
- Only internal team: Private
- Selected agencies: Agency Only
- Selected mixed accounts: Restricted Public
- Entire GoHighLevel user base: Public
- Plan your rollout path
- Private → Restricted Public → Public
- Private → Agency Only for select partners
By mapping your product lifecycle to these GoHighLevel options, you can move from testing to broad availability with minimal friction.
Managing and Changing Your GoHighLevel App Distribution
You can adjust your distribution type as your app evolves.
Best Practices for Updating Distribution
- Document every change so your team knows when the app becomes visible to more GoHighLevel users
- Notify existing agencies or beta testers before switching from Restricted Public or Agency Only to full Public
- Re-test installation and permissions each time you change the distribution setting
Always verify how your app appears in the GoHighLevel Marketplace after each update to avoid unintended exposure.
Additional Resources for GoHighLevel App Developers
To dive deeper into official documentation about Marketplace app distribution types in GoHighLevel, review the original help article here: GoHighLevel Marketplace App Distribution Type.
If you need strategic assistance with positioning, SEO, or scaling your GoHighLevel-based SaaS, you can also consult with specialists at Consultevo for tailored growth and optimization support.
By understanding how each distribution type works and planning your rollout carefully, you can launch and manage GoHighLevel Marketplace apps with full control over visibility, access, and adoption.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.
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