How to Set Up WhatsApp Trigger Links in GoHighLevel
Managing conversations across tools like ClickUp and GoHighLevel can be complex, but adding trigger links to WhatsApp message templates keeps your automation organized and trackable. This guide explains step by step how to configure WhatsApp templates and insert trigger links inside your GoHighLevel account.
You will learn how to prepare trigger links, request WhatsApp template approval, and correctly use variables so every link works reliably in your campaigns.
What Are WhatsApp Trigger Links in GoHighLevel?
In GoHighLevel, a trigger link is a special URL you can place inside a WhatsApp template. When a contact clicks the link, the platform can:
- Track the click activity at contact level
- Fire automation workflows and triggers
- Segment contacts based on engagement
For WhatsApp, trigger links are usually inserted into pre-approved templates so you can send compliant campaigns and still capture clicks inside GoHighLevel.
Prerequisites Before Adding Trigger Links in GoHighLevel
Before you add trigger links to your WhatsApp templates in GoHighLevel, make sure you have the following in place:
- An active WhatsApp business connection inside your sub-account
- Access to the Marketing > Templates section
- At least one trigger link created with the correct destination URL
Once these items are ready, you can start building or editing your WhatsApp templates to include the correct variables.
Step 1: Create or Locate Your Trigger Link in GoHighLevel
First, confirm that you already have a trigger link in your GoHighLevel sub-account. If not, create one and copy its URL value for use in the template.
- Open your GoHighLevel sub-account.
- Navigate to the section where trigger links are managed (typically under Marketing or within the automation tools).
- Create a new trigger link and set the destination URL (for example, a booking page or product page).
- Save the trigger link and copy the full generated URL.
This URL will be referenced in your WhatsApp template variables so that each outbound message can include a trackable link.
Step 2: Open Your WhatsApp Template in GoHighLevel
Next, access the WhatsApp template you want to update with trigger links.
- In GoHighLevel, go to Marketing > Templates.
- Choose the WhatsApp tab or filter to view only WhatsApp templates.
- Click on the template you want to edit, or create a new WhatsApp template if needed.
Make sure the template type and language match what you need for your campaign, because approved WhatsApp templates cannot be freely changed later without reapproval.
Step 3: Insert the Trigger Link Variable in the Template Body
WhatsApp templates in GoHighLevel often use numbered variables such as {{1}}, {{2}}, and so on. To insert a trigger link, you map one of these variables to the trigger link URL.
When editing the template body:
- Decide where the clickable link text will appear, for example: “Click here to confirm your booking: {{1}}”.
- Assign the corresponding variable (for example,
{{1}}) to be replaced by the trigger link URL when the message is sent. - Keep your wording clear and short so the contact understands they are clicking a link.
Use only one link per variable. If you need multiple links in one message, plan separate variables for each one.
Step 4: Configure the Trigger Link Mapping in GoHighLevel
After you save the WhatsApp template, you must ensure that the variable is actually filled with the trigger link when the message is sent from GoHighLevel.
- Open the workflow, campaign, or automation where this WhatsApp template will be used.
- Add or edit a Send WhatsApp action and select your template.
- Locate the field that maps template variables (such as
{{1}}) to values. - Paste the trigger link URL generated earlier into the correct variable slot.
When the automation runs, GoHighLevel will replace the template variable with your trigger link, and clicks will be tracked in the contact’s activity timeline.
Step 5: Submit the Template for WhatsApp Approval
WhatsApp requires template approval before you send messages at scale. Inside GoHighLevel, review your template carefully before submitting:
- Confirm that the template body text is clear and compliant with WhatsApp policies.
- Ensure variables are used correctly and no placeholder is left unused.
- Verify that your trigger link URL is correct and points to an appropriate destination.
Once you submit the template for approval, you must wait for WhatsApp to approve it before using it in live campaigns.
Step 6: Test Your GoHighLevel WhatsApp Trigger Links
Always test your new template and automation to confirm that trigger links work correctly inside GoHighLevel.
- Create a test contact with your own phone number.
- Enroll the test contact into the workflow or campaign that sends the WhatsApp template.
- Send the message and open it on your phone.
- Click the trigger link and verify that it opens the correct page.
- Check the contact record in GoHighLevel to see that the link click is tracked.
If you do not see click activity or the link does not open correctly, go back and confirm that the variable mapping and trigger link URL are set up properly.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Trigger Links in GoHighLevel
To get consistent results and keep your account healthy, follow these practices when working with WhatsApp trigger links in GoHighLevel:
- Use descriptive link text: Instead of just showing the raw URL, instruct the user clearly (for example, “Confirm your appointment” or “View your quote”).
- Keep messages short: WhatsApp performs best with concise content. Avoid long paragraphs around your trigger link.
- Limit the number of links: Too many links in one message can hurt engagement and may lead to confusion.
- Monitor performance: Regularly check click data inside GoHighLevel to refine your templates and automations.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Trigger Links in GoHighLevel
If your trigger links are not working as expected inside GoHighLevel WhatsApp templates, check the following:
- Template variables: Confirm the correct placeholder (such as
{{1}}) is used in both the template and the automation step. - Approval status: Make sure your WhatsApp template is actually approved and not in a pending or rejected state.
- URL formatting: Verify that the full URL, including
https://, is used when mapping the trigger link. - Contact opt-in: WhatsApp requires valid opt-in; messages may not deliver if the contact has not consented.
For additional platform-level details and the most current behavior of WhatsApp trigger links, refer to the original documentation on the official GoHighLevel help center.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources
Once you are comfortable with WhatsApp trigger links in GoHighLevel, expand your automation strategy by:
- Segmenting contacts based on trigger link clicks
- Building follow-up workflows driven by WhatsApp engagement
- Testing different templates and link placements to improve conversion rates
If you need expert implementation or strategic help with GoHighLevel setups, you can explore consulting and done-for-you services at Consultevo.
By following the steps in this guide, you can reliably configure, approve, and track WhatsApp trigger links in GoHighLevel, ensuring your campaigns are both compliant and performance-focused.
Need Help With ClickUp?
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