Cloud Computing: Funnels Used to Scare Me — Until I Built One in GoHighLevel

Everyone says, “You need a lead generation funnel,” like it’s just a Canva template you download. But no one tells you how to build one — especially in a tool such as GoHighLevel.

First: What’s a “Lead Gen Funnel” Anyway?

A lead gen funnel is just a fancy way of saying

You offer something valuable for free (a PDF, checklist, mini-course, etc.).
They give you their email/phone number.
You follow up and turn that lead into a customer.

What You Need Before We Start

A GoHighLevel account
One freebie or offer you can give away (PDF, template, checklist)
A few lines of copy (don’t panic — I’ll help with that too)
45 minutes (yes, really)

Step-by-Step: Build Your First Funnel in GoHighLevel

Step 1: Go to Funnels > Click “+ New Funnel”

Choose “Start From Scratch” or use a basic template
Name your funnel something you’ll remember (“Freebie Opt-In Funnel”)

Now you’re inside the funnel editor — don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it looks.

Step 2: Build Your First Page — The Opt-In

This is where people land and say “yes” to your offer.

Elements to include:

Headline that promises a benefit (e.g., “Get My Free 5-Minute Sales Script”)
Short description
Name + email/phone form
Call-to-action button (“Send Me the Freebie”)

Keep it stupidly simple. No one reads 10 paragraphs before signing up.

Step 3: Build Your Second Page — The Thank You

After they opt in, take them here.

Include:

A short thank-you message (“Check your inbox!”)
Optional: Invite them to book a call, join your group, or check out another free thing.

Use a short video here to build trust.

Step 4: Hook It All Together

Go back to Page 1.
Click your form → Set the redirect to your Thank You page.

Step 5: Create the Automation

This is where GoHighLevel flexes.

Go to Automations > + New Workflow
Trigger = “Form Submitted” (choose your opt-in form)
Action = “Send Email” or “Send SMS”
Add your message like

Hey {{contact.first_name}}, here’s your free guide! [link] More value coming your way soon. You’re going to love this.

Add a delay and send more value over a few days = mini nurture sequence.

Step 6: Test Your Funnel Like a Real Lead

Before you launch:

Go to your opt-in page.
Fill it out like a real visitor.
Make sure you land on the Thank-you page.
Check your inbox for the follow-up email/SMS.

Fix what feels clunky. Feel it as the user. That’s where the gold is.

What I Wish I Knew Sooner

Overbuilding: Keep your first funnel stupidly simple. One offer, two pages, one follow-up.
Not testing mobile: Most of your traffic will be from phones. Optimize for thumbs.
No follow-up: Getting a lead is half the battle. The magic is in the drip.

Funnel Copy Swipe File

Opt-In Page Headline Ideas:

Steal My 3-Part Script That Lands Clients in 24 Hours
Download the Checklist That Grew My Biz by 10x (in 10 Minutes a Day)
Free Guide: How to Get More Leads Without Posting Daily

Button CTA Ideas:

“Yes, I Want It”
“Send It to Me”
“Unlock My Free Guide”

Follow-Up Email Opening Lines:

“You’re officially on the inside.”
“Here’s the guide I promised.”
“This one idea made me $10K. No joke.”

Your Challenge: Launch Ugly

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to launch ugly and fix it later. Pick a freebie. Build the opt-in. Link the automation. You’re not behind. You’re just unlaunched. Let GoHighLevel carry the tech weight — you just focus on the message that matters.