The Most Common Mistake Agencies Make with GoHighLevel Branded Domains

https://help.gohighlevel.com/support/solutions/articles/48001143244-branding-system-generated-links-api-domain-

If you’re an agency using GoHighLevel, you’re likely focused on building streamlined funnels, automations, and client experiences. But there’s one critical, often-missed setup detail that can quietly damage trust, hurt click-through rates, and create confusion:

Failing to configure branded domains for client sub-accounts.

By default, GoHighLevel sends out links from your agency-level domain, like calendar invites, form submissions, or trigger links. That means every client’s automation might be using your domain rather than their own.

This looks unprofessional, off-brand, and even suspicious to your clients’ leads.

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Key Takeaways

  • Client links default to the agency’s domain unless a branded domain is configured per sub-account.
  • Unbranded links look generic, often causing trust issues and lower engagement.
  • Setting up a branded domain is quick, easy, and essential for client trust.
  • Supported domain providers like Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, and Google make setup seamless.
  • Agencies can enhance their onboarding process by automating branded domain setup.

What Are Branded Domain?

How to Brand System-Generated Links (API Domain) : HighLevel Support Portal

Branded domains in GoHighLevel are custom subdomains that agencies set up for each client (sub-account) to ensure that all outbound links, such as calendar invites, form links, and trigger links, match the client’s actual business name or website.

Instead of sending links that look like this:

https://link.agencydomain.com/form/abc123
Your client can send links like

https://link.clientbrand.com/form/abc123

This simple change enhances brand consistency, boosts recipient trust, and improves click-through rates because the link looks like it’s truly coming from the business the lead interacted with.

Key Benefits of Branded Domains:
✅ Boosts Brand Recognition
Leads see a domain that matches the sender’s business.

✅ Improves Trust & Credibility
People are more likely to click on familiar-looking links.

✅ Reduces Spam Flags
Domain-matched URLs are less likely to be flagged by email or SMS filters.

✅ Enhances the White-Labeled Experience
Your clients won’t see your agency’s name in their links—only theirs.

Would you like a visual diagram showing how branded domains work?

How to Properly Set Up a Branded Domain in GoHighLevel

Setting up Whitelabel Domain, API Domain, Email Sending Domain, Sites Domain, Client Portal Domain & more : HighLevel Support Portal

Fixing this issue takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it the right way:

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Access the Client Sub-Account
    Go to the sub-account → Settings → Domains.

  2. Click “Add Branded Domain“
    Choose a subdomain (e.g., link.clientname.com) that reflects your client’s brand.

  3. Update DNS Settings
    If the domain is hosted with:

    • GoDaddy, Google Domains, Cloudflare, or purchased through GoHighLevel → DNS is updated automatically.

    • Other providers → Manually add the provided CNAME record in the DNS dashboard.

  4. Verify the Domain
    Once the DNS propagates, GoHighLevel will mark the domain as verified and ready to use.

  5. Test Your Automation
    Send a trigger link or calendar invite to confirm that links now display your client’s branded domain.

How to Make This a Seamless Part of Client Onboarding

To ensure every client benefits from this setup:

  • Create a branded domain checklist as part of your onboarding SOP.
  • Include the domain setup in your snapshot templates.
  • Use workflow reminders to notify your team if a sub-account is missing a branded domain.
  • Offer branded domain setup as a value-add in your SaaS plans.

Cost Breakdown for Branded Domain Setup

While GoHighLevel does not charge extra for branded domain support, here’s what you might expect in terms of costs:

ItemTypical Cost
Domain Registration$10–$20/year (GoDaddy, Namecheap)
SSL CertificateFree via GoHighLevel
DNS Setup (Auto-configured)Free (with supported providers)
Manual DNS Setup Time~10–15 mins (internal task)

Tip: If you offer done-for-you services, you can easily charge $49–$99 for branded domain setup as part of a client’s onboarding package.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say your client is “Green Horizon Landscapes.” Without a branded domain, the trigger link in their SMS campaign might look like this:

https://link.youragency.com/quote-request

But with a branded domain setup, it becomes

https://link.greenhorizonlandscapes.com/quote-request

Not only does this look polished—it builds immediate trust, ensures consistency, and increases engagement rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Every client should have their own branded domain or subdomain to maintain brand consistency and trust.

Not entirely, but you can streamline it by adding it to your onboarding checklist or using automated task reminders in your workflows.

Yes, the branded domain feature is available across all sub-accounts, regardless of pricing tier.

Yes! Branded domains are less likely to be flagged by spam filters and increase link click-through rates.

Conclusion

Branded domains might seem like a small detail, but they carry a big impact. Ignoring them can erode client trust, damage your brand’s reputation, and reduce conversion rates.

The fix is simple. Take 10 minutes to set up a branded domain for each client sub-account, and your agency will instantly look more professional, secure, and on-brand.

💡 Pro tip: Add “Branded Domain Configuration” to your onboarding checklist today and watch how much smoother client launches become.

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