How to Use GoHighLevel Workflow Actions to Create and Update Opportunities
Automating opportunity management is essential when you scale beyond simple tools like ClickUp and basic CRMs. In this guide, you will learn step by step how to use the GoHighLevel workflow action called Create/Update Opportunity so that your pipelines stay accurate without manual data entry.
The instructions below are based on the official documentation for the Create/Update Opportunity workflow action and walk you through every setting you need to configure.
Accessing the GoHighLevel Workflow Builder
Before you can use the Create/Update Opportunity action, you must open the workflow builder inside your GoHighLevel account.
- Log in to your GoHighLevel sub-account.
- Navigate to Automation in the left-hand menu.
- Click on Workflows.
- Create a new workflow or open an existing one where you want to manage opportunities.
Once you are inside the workflow editor, you can add the specific action that will create or update an opportunity in your selected pipeline.
Adding the Create/Update Opportunity Action in GoHighLevel
Within the workflow editor in GoHighLevel, you will add a new action and configure it to manage opportunities automatically.
- Click the + button at the step where you want to add the action.
- Select Create/Update Opportunity from the list of actions.
- The configuration panel for the action will open on the right side of the screen.
This action tells GoHighLevel to either create a new opportunity or update an existing one based on the workflow contact and the settings you choose.
Core Settings for GoHighLevel Opportunities
The main fields in the Create/Update Opportunity action determine exactly where and how the opportunity is created or updated.
Choose the Pipeline
Select the pipeline where the opportunity should live:
- Open the Pipeline dropdown.
- Choose the correct pipeline for this workflow (for example, Sales Pipeline or Onboarding).
The pipeline controls the overall path that the opportunity will follow inside GoHighLevel.
Select the Opportunity Stage
After choosing a pipeline, select the exact stage:
- Open the Stage dropdown.
- Pick the stage that represents the status you want, such as New Lead, Qualified, or Won.
The stage defines where in the pipeline the opportunity appears once the workflow runs.
Assign the Opportunity Owner
To control who is responsible for the opportunity, configure the owner:
- Use the Assigned To dropdown.
- Select a specific user, or leave it unassigned if you prefer to manage ownership separately.
Assigning owners helps your GoHighLevel users track and follow up with leads more consistently.
Configuring Opportunity Details in GoHighLevel
Beyond pipeline and stage, you can set detailed information about the opportunity using the Create/Update Opportunity action.
Opportunity Name
The opportunity name helps you identify what the deal is about.
- Use a static label such as New Demo Request, or
- Insert dynamic fields like the contact name to generate personalized names.
This field is what you will see in the pipeline view in GoHighLevel.
Monetary Value
The Value field represents the potential revenue:
- Enter a fixed amount if all opportunities from this workflow are similar in value.
- Or map it from a custom field if you store variable pricing per contact.
Accurate values allow GoHighLevel to calculate pipeline totals and forecast revenue correctly.
Opportunity Status: Open or Lost
You can control whether the opportunity is active or closed as lost:
- Set the Status to Open for active deals.
- Set it to Lost when you use the workflow to mark deals that did not convert.
This is useful for automations that move deals to a final stage and close them automatically.
How GoHighLevel Decides to Create vs Update
The Create/Update Opportunity action can either generate a new opportunity or modify an existing one for the same contact. Understanding this logic is critical for clean data.
Matching Existing Opportunities
When the workflow reaches this action, GoHighLevel checks for an existing opportunity linked to the contact in the selected pipeline.
- If an opportunity exists in that pipeline, the action will update that opportunity.
- If no opportunity exists, the action will create a new one using your settings.
This behavior prevents duplicate opportunities when the same contact runs through the workflow multiple times.
Updating Pipeline, Stage, and Fields
When updating:
- The pipeline and stage will change to match what you set in the action.
- Value, name, and status will also be updated with the new values you define.
Use this to move opportunities automatically between stages in GoHighLevel as contacts complete certain triggers, such as submitting a form or booking an appointment.
Best Practices for GoHighLevel Opportunity Workflows
To get predictable results from the Create/Update Opportunity action, follow these recommendations.
Use Clear Pipeline Structures
- Design distinct pipelines for different products or teams.
- Avoid mixing unrelated processes in one pipeline.
- Align workflow triggers with the stages they should update.
A clean structure helps GoHighLevel reporting and avoids confusion among team members.
Prevent Duplicate Opportunities
- Use one main workflow to create the first opportunity for a contact.
- Use separate workflows only to update pipeline stages for that same opportunity.
- Check existing automation rules before adding another Create/Update action.
This approach keeps each contact tied to a single, accurate opportunity per pipeline.
Align Status and Stages
- Use Open status for all active stages.
- Set Lost status only in final stages that represent closed deals.
- Ensure your reporting filters are consistent with how you set statuses in the workflow.
Aligning status and stage logic helps your GoHighLevel dashboards remain accurate.
Troubleshooting the GoHighLevel Create/Update Opportunity Action
If the action does not behave as expected, review these common issues:
- Wrong pipeline selected: Double-check that the pipeline matches the one visible on your Opportunities page.
- Stage not appearing: Ensure the stage exists in the selected pipeline and is active.
- Unexpected updates: Confirm that another workflow is not also using Create/Update Opportunity for the same pipeline and contact.
- No opportunity created: Verify that the contact entering the workflow is valid and that required fields are filled.
Testing with a single contact record before activating the automation for all leads is a good way to validate your configuration.
Additional Resources for GoHighLevel Users
For more advanced automation strategies and service support, you can explore specialized resources beyond the in-app help. A helpful starting point is the consulting and implementation material available at Consultevo.
You can also review the original product documentation that explains this action in detail on the official support page here: GoHighLevel Create/Update Opportunity Workflow Action.
By correctly configuring the Create/Update Opportunity workflow action, you ensure that every lead is tracked, every stage change is automated, and your GoHighLevel pipelines remain a reliable source of truth for your sales and service teams.
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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