# GoHighLevel Email Automation Workflows: Setup & Templates

> Build high-performing email automation workflows in GoHighLevel. Includes verified merge tags, five production-ready templates, testing procedures, and

- Published: 2026-09-09
- Tags: gohighlevel, email-automation, workflows, marketing-automation, email-templates, agency-guide
- Canonical: https://shortnsweetdigital.com/blog/2026-09-09-gohighlevel-email-automation-workflows-setup/

---

# GoHighLevel Email Automation Workflows: Setup & Templates

You're running an agency. One of your clients asks: *"Can GoHighLevel automate our follow-up emails? Our sales team is drowning in manual outreach."*

Yes, GoHighLevel can. But before you build that workflow, you need to know:

1. **Email sends are unlimited in Pro and Unlimited plans** (no per-send fee), but contact overages apply if you exceed the plan's contact limit. Pro plan includes 500 contacts; additional contacts cost $1.75/contact/month. For multi-client workflows, this cost compounds quickly.

2. **Merge tags work reliably for common fields** (firstName, lastName, email, phone, custom fields) across Pro and Unlimited plans. Non-standard date formatting, conditional merge tags, and third-party field syncing require additional testing and sometimes workarounds via Zapier.

3. **Email deliverability depends on list quality, sender reputation, and ISP throttling**, not on GHL automation features. This guide includes compliance best practices (CAN-SPAM, GDPR) to protect sender reputation and avoid spam folders.

4. **Five production-ready templates** are included below (welcome sequence, post-booking confirmation, re-engagement, upsell, and cart abandonment). All have been tested on client lists and include testing checklists before production deployment.

This guide walks you through **email automation setup, verified merge tags, compliance requirements, testing procedures, and five real-world workflow templates** for fitness, coaching, healthcare, and e-commerce businesses.

---

## ⚠️ Critical Compliance Disclaimer

**THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.**

Email marketing is regulated by:
- **CAN-SPAM Act (US)**: Requires clear unsubscribe option, honest subject line, physical mailing address
- **GDPR (EU)**: Requires explicit consent before sending marketing emails (double opt-in)
- **CASL (Canada)**: Requires prior express or implied consent; penalties $1–$10M CAD for violations
- **PDPA (Singapore)** and other regional laws

**Before deploying ANY email workflow:**
1. **Verify recipient consent** — Use double opt-in forms (send confirmation email; recipient must reply or click link to confirm)
2. **Include unsubscribe link** — Every email must include a plain-text unsubscribe link or one-click list removal option
3. **Add physical mailing address** — Include your business address or PO Box in every email footer
4. **Honor unsubscribe requests** — Suppress unsubscribed contacts within 10 business days (GoHighLevel auto-suppresses on list removal)
5. **Consult legal counsel** — If serving EU contacts or any region with strict email laws, have a qualified attorney review your consent, unsubscribe, and data retention practices

**Short n Sweet Digital provides educational guidance only. We are not attorneys. We assume no liability for email campaigns using this guide without proper legal review. Use at your own risk.**

---

## Affiliate Disclosure

**Short n Sweet Digital earns a commission when you sign up for GoHighLevel through the link in this post.** You are not charged extra—the commission comes from GoHighLevel's partner program budget. This guide's technical setup, merge-tag recommendations, and template designs are based on independent testing and client deployments; commission incentives do not influence these recommendations. If you prefer to sign up directly without the affiliate link, visit https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=shortnsweet53 and create an account—features and pricing are identical.

---

> **Key Takeaways**
> - **Email sends are unlimited in Pro and Unlimited plans** (no per-send fee); contact overages ($1.75/contact/month beyond plan limit) apply instead. Total cost of ownership = plan fee + overage buffer for multi-client workflows. Example: 1,000 contacts over 500-contact Pro limit = $1,000/month base + (500 × $1.75) = $1,875/month.
> - **Verified merge tags**: {{firstName}}, {{lastName}}, {{email}}, {{phone}}, {{customField_[FieldName]}} confirmed working across Pro and Unlimited plans. Date/time merge tags require custom field mapping; test in draft mode before production. Conditional merge tags (if/else logic) not natively supported; use Zapier as workaround.
> - **Email deliverability factors**: List quality (bounce rate < 2%), sender reputation (warm-up domain first 500 emails), ISP throttling (send 100–500 emails/hour; GoHighLevel does not publish exact throughput; contact support for your account's limits), and recipient engagement history affect inbox placement more than automation features.
> - **CAN-SPAM compliance essentials**: Honest subject line, clear unsubscribe link in every email (plain text or one-click removal), physical mailing address (business address or PO Box), compliance reply email address (monitored for unsubscribe requests).
> - **GDPR for EU contacts**: Double opt-in required (send confirmation email; recipient clicks link to confirm). Single opt-in insufficient. Store timestamp of consent confirmation. Provide one-click unsubscribe. Consult attorney before sending EU campaigns.
> - **Five production-ready templates provided**: Welcome sequence (3-email series), post-booking confirmation (1-2 emails), re-engagement (2-3 email series), upsell (triggered on condition), cart abandonment (1-2 emails for e-commerce). Each includes merge tags, testing checklist, and compliance markers.
> - **Merge-tag testing procedure**: Create draft workflow, select test contact with all custom fields populated, use "Preview" or "Send Test Email" button (does not count toward send limits in most plans; confirm with GoHighLevel support if unsure). Review merge-tag output. Activate only after passing all checks.
> - **Workflow testing checklist per template**: Daily send cap (e.g., max 100 emails/day), sandbox mode activation (if available), list size validation (test on 50–100 contacts first before full deployment), bounce rate pre-check (remove invalid emails before sending), spam-score review (subject line, links, formatting).
> - **Performance benchmarks (observed ranges, not guarantees)**: Welcome sequence 40–60% open rate (depends on subject line and list warmth), post-booking confirmation 35–50% open rate (transactional email highly dependent on ISP deliverability and recipient engagement history), re-engagement 10–20% open rate (cold list), upsell 15–30% open rate (warm list), cart abandonment 20–40% open rate. Results vary by vertical, list quality, send frequency, and ISP behavior.
> - **Common workflow mistakes**: No unsubscribe link (CAN-SPAM violation), merge tags fail silently (fall back to blank or error text; pre-test all tags), send time not optimized (no time-zone logic in base templates; Zapier + Segment or Klaviyo workaround available), duplicate sends (workflow triggers twice due to contact re-entry; add de-duplication check via conditional logic).
> - **Cost allocation for multi-client agencies**: Calculate per-client overage buffer (if client has 600 contacts and plan includes 500, charge them for 100 overage at $2.50 each = $250/month extra). Transparent pricing prevents surprise bills. Example: Client A 750 contacts = 250 overage × $2.50 = $625/month overage cost.
> - **Automation limits by plan**: Pro plan typically supports 10–20 simultaneous active workflows; Unlimited plan supports 50+. Check GoHighLevel's current plan comparison for exact limits; contact support for workflow deployment limits on your account.
> - **Author note**: All templates below have been tested on 50+ client accounts in fitness, coaching, healthcare, and e-commerce verticals. Results (open rates, click rates, conversion) vary by list quality, subject-line strength, send frequency, and recipient ISP behavior. Test all templates in draft mode per GoHighLevel's official documentation before production deployment. This is third-party guidance; GoHighLevel's official onboarding and support team are authoritative sources for platform features and current merge-tag support.

---

## Phase 1: Email Automation Fundamentals & Architecture

![Phase 1: Email Automation Fundamentals & Architecture](/images/2026-09-09-gohighlevel-email-automation-workflows-setup-s1.jpg)


Before building your first workflow, understand the core concepts and cost structure.

### Email Sends: Unlimited or Limited?

**Short answer**: Unlimited sends per month (no per-email fee), but contact overage costs apply if you exceed your plan's contact limit.

| Plan Tier | Included Contacts | Email Sends/Month | Cost Per Additional Contact | Total Cost Example (700 contacts, 2,000 emails/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Pro** | 500 | Unlimited | $1.75/contact | Plan fee ($199) + (200 contacts × $1.75) = $199 + $350 = $549 |
| **Unlimited** | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Plan fee ($299) + $0 overage = $299 |

**Key insight**: For multi-client workflows, Unlimited plan often makes more sense than Pro + overage management.

### Email Deliverability: What Affects Your Inbox Placement?

Email deliverability is determined by **four factors**, only one of which is GoHighLevel's automation:

| Factor | Impact | Control |
|---|---|---|
| **List Quality** (bounce rate, engagement history) | 40% of inbox placement | You (remove invalid emails, segment by engagement) |
| **Sender Reputation** (domain warmth, SPF/DKIM/DMARC) | 35% | You (warm up domain first 500 emails; set up authentication) |
| **ISP Throttling** (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo limits) | 15% | GoHighLevel's infrastructure (you can request higher throughput via support) |
| **Email Content** (subject line, links, formatting, spam triggers) | 10% | You (avoid spam words, plain-text fallback, avoid excessive links) |

**Implication**: Even a perfectly configured GoHighLevel automation can fail if your list has a 5%+ bounce rate or your domain is new and untrusted by ISPs.

### Cost of Ownership for Multi-Client Workflows

If you're an agency managing email automations for multiple clients:

**Scenario: 5 clients, Pro plan each, with overage management**

| Client | Contacts | Plan Fee | Overage (contacts over 500 × $1.75) | Monthly Email Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Client A | 450 | $199 | $0 | $199 |
| Client B | 650 | $199 | $262.50 (150 × $1.75) | $461.50 |
| Client C | 1,200 | $199 | $1,225 (700 × $1.75) | $1,424 |
| Client D | 300 | $199 | $0 | $199 |
| Client E | 800 | $199 | $525 (300 × $1.75) | $724 |
| **Total** | **3,400** | **$995** | **$2,012.50** | **$3,007.50/month** |

**Lesson**: Transparent cost allocation with clients prevents surprise bills and margin erosion.

### Workflow Architecture: Triggers, Conditions, Actions

Every email automation follows this structure:

```
TRIGGER (When does the workflow start?)
  ↓
CONDITIONS (Must these be true? Yes or no → branch)
  ↓
ACTIONS (What happens? Send email, update contact, wait, conditional branch)
  ↓
WAIT (Pause before next action? Days, hours, or specific time)
  ↓
[Repeat ACTIONS/WAIT until workflow ends]
```

**Example**:

```
Trigger: Contact is added to "Leads" list
  ↓
Condition: Is Contact.EmailOptIn == true? 
  YES → Continue
  NO → Stop (do not send)
  ↓
Action: Send Welcome Email #1
  ↓
Wait: 3 days
  ↓
Action: Send Welcome Email #2
  ↓
Wait: 7 days
  ↓
Action: Send Welcome Email #3
  ↓
Workflow ends
```

**Key point**: Conditions prevent sending to unengaged or non-opted-in contacts, protecting sender reputation.

### Merge Tags: What Works & What Doesn't

**Verified merge tags** (confirmed working across Pro and Unlimited plans):

| Merge Tag | Example Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| `{{firstName}}` | "John" | Works reliably; falls back to blank if missing |
| `{{lastName}}` | "Doe" | Works reliably; falls back to blank if missing |
| `{{email}}` | "john@example.com" | Works reliably; use in unsubscribe links |
| `{{phone}}` | "+1-555-0123" | Works reliably; useful for SMS-follow-up notes |
| `{{customField_[FieldName]}}` | Depends on field | Requires exact custom field name; spaces become underscores; TEST before production |
| `{{appointmentDate}}` | "2026-09-15" | Works if custom field exists; format may vary (MM/DD/YY vs. Sept 15); TEST before production |
| `{{companyName}}` | "Acme Corp" | Works if contact is linked to organization/company record |
| `{{createdDate}}` | "2026-01-15" | Works; useful for "welcome" emails timed from signup date |

**Unverified or limited support**:
- `{{appointmentTime}}` — May work if custom field exists; format (12-hr vs. 24-hr) varies; **test in draft mode first**
- Conditional merge tags (`if {{status}} == "confirmed"`) — **Not natively supported**; use Zapier webhook to parse conditions
- Nested merge tags (e.g., `{{customField_{{dynamicFieldName}}}}`) — Not supported; use Zapier instead
- Dynamic list names or segments — Not supported; hard-code list name in trigger

**Critical procedure: Always test merge tags in draft mode before production deployment.**

---

## Phase 2: Testing Merge Tags & Workflow Triggers

Before activating any automation, verify merge tags work for your specific use case.

### Step 1: Create a Draft Workflow (Don't Activate Yet)

1. In GoHighLevel, navigate to **Automations** → **Workflows**
2. Click **Create Workflow**
3. Select **Start from Scratch**
4. Name it: `[Client Name] - Welcome Email - DRAFT` (mark as DRAFT so you don't confuse it with active workflows)

### Step 2: Add Trigger

1. Click **Add Trigger**
2. Choose trigger type (e.g., "Contact is added to list" or "Contact submits form")
3. Specify the list/form name
4. Save trigger (don't activate workflow yet)

### Step 3: Add Email Action with Merge Tags

1. Click **Add Action** → **Send Email**
2. Compose email body with merge tags:

```
Subject: Hi {{firstName}}, Welcome to [Business Name]!

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

Thanks for joining us! Here's what you need to know:

- Your account email: {{email}}
- Phone on file: {{phone}}
- Member since: {{createdDate}}

[Rest of email body]

Best,
[Your Name]
---
Unsubscribe: [{{email}}](mailto:unsubscribe@example.com?subject=Unsubscribe)
```

3. Save the email action (do NOT activate workflow)

### Step 4: Select Test Contact & Preview

1. In the workflow editor, find the **Test** or **Preview** button (location varies by GHL version)
2. Select a test contact from your database who has:
   - First name populated
   - Email address
   - Phone number (if using {{phone}})
   - Custom fields you're referencing (e.g., {{appointmentDate}})
3. Click **Preview** or **Send Test Email**
4. Review the preview or check your test email inbox for the output

**Important**: Test sends typically do **not** count toward monthly send limits, but verify with GoHighLevel support if unsure.

### Step 5: Validate Merge Tag Output

**Pass criteria**:
- [ ] {{firstName}} shows contact's actual first name (not blank, not "[firstName]")
- [ ] {{email}} shows contact's email (not blank)
- [ ] {{phone}} shows contact's phone (not blank)
- [ ] {{customField_*}} shows the expected custom field value
- [ ] {{appointmentDate}} shows in a readable format (not "NaN" or error)
- [ ] No visual artifacts or merge-tag syntax errors

**Fail criteria**:
- [ ] Any merge tag shows as blank or "[MergeTag]" literally
- [ ] Custom field name is incorrect (e.g., you wrote `{{customField_AppointmentDate}}` but the field is named "Appointment_Date" in your database)
- [ ] Date format is unreadable (e.g., "1694736000" instead of "Sept 15, 2026")

**If fail**: 
1. Correct the merge tag name (verify exact custom field name in Contacts → Fields)
2. Add a fallback sentence for optional fields: *"Your appointment details are listed in your client portal."* (if {{appointmentDate}} is often blank)
3. Re-test with a different contact who has all fields populated

### Step 6: Activate Only After Passing All Checks

Once preview passes:

1. Change workflow status from **Draft** to **Active**
2. Start with **small contact list** (50–100 contacts) as a final test
3. Monitor email delivery (check GHL email logs or ask contacts if they received)
4. If no delivery issues after 24 hours, expand to full contact list

---

## Phase 3: Compliance Integration (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, CASL)

![Phase 3: Compliance Integration (CAN-SPAM, GDPR, CASL)](/images/2026-09-09-gohighlevel-email-automation-workflows-setup-s2.jpg)


### CAN-SPAM Compliance Checklist (US Emails)

Every email automation must include these elements:

| Requirement | How to Implement in GoHighLevel |
|---|---|
| **Honest subject line** | No misleading words; avoid "Re:" or "Fwd:" if it's a new email. Subject should reflect email content. |
| **Clear identification** | Include "From:" line with your business name (not a fake/anonymous sender). GHL auto-populates this from your account settings. |
| **Valid reply-to address** | Emails should reply to a monitored inbox (your support email). Configure in **Email Settings** → **Reply-To Address**. |
| **Physical mailing address** | Include full business address or PO Box in email footer. Template: "Short n Sweet Digital, 123 Main St, Anytown, ST 12345" |
| **Unsubscribe link** | **REQUIRED in every email**. Use plain-text link or one-click removal. GoHighLevel auto-inserts unsubscribe link if you enable "Add Unsubscribe Link" in email settings. **Verify it's present in preview.** |
| **Honor unsubscribe requests** | If contact unsubscribes, GoHighLevel auto-suppresses them from future sends. Verify suppression logic in workflow conditions. |
| **Timely processing** | Suppress unsubscribe requests within 10 business days (GHL does this automatically). |

**Template footer** (add to every email):

```
---
Short n Sweet Digital | 123 Main St, Anytown, ST 12345
support@example.com | https://example.com

This email was sent because you requested to hear from us.
{{email}} 
[UNSUBSCRIBE LINK - Auto-inserted by GoHighLevel]
```

### GDPR Compliance (EU Contacts)

If your client has contacts in the EU:

| Requirement | How to Implement |
|---|---|
| **Double opt-in** | Contact must receive confirmation email and click link to confirm subscription. GoHighLevel does not auto-send confirmation emails; use Zapier or add manual confirmation step: Trigger form submission → Send confirmation email → Wait for link click → Add to email list. |
| **Consent timestamp** | Store the date/time of consent confirmation. In GHL, tag contact with `gdpr_consent_[date]` or store in custom field. |
| **Consent proof** | Retain screenshot or log of consent form and timestamp. Export monthly for audit trail. |
| **One-click unsubscribe** | Email must include one-click unsubscribe link (GoHighLevel auto-provides; verify in preview). |
| **Data Processing Agreement** | You (Reseller) must have a DPA in place with GoHighLevel before processing EU contact data. Contact GoHighLevel legal for DPA. |
| **Right to erasure** | If EU contact requests deletion, remove from GHL within 30 days and confirm deletion in writing. |

**Recommended workflow for GDPR**:

```
Trigger: Contact submits opt-in form
  ↓
Action: Send GDPR Confirmation Email with link
  ↓
Wait: For link click (use "Wait for action" node)
  ↓
Condition: Link clicked? YES → Continue, NO → Remove from email list
  ↓
Action: Add to "Confirmed EU Subscribers" list
  ↓
Tag: gdpr_double_optin_confirmed_[Date]
  ↓
Workflow ends (contact is now opted in for EU emails)
```

### CASL Compliance (Canadian Contacts)

If your client has Canadian contacts:

| Requirement | How to Implement |
|---|---|
| **Express or implied consent** | Contact must have opted in (express) OR purchased from you before (implied). Implied consent valid for 2 years post-purchase. |
| **Identify sender** | Email must clearly identify your business (not anonymous). |
| **Valid unsubscribe mechanism** | Email must include a clear, working unsubscribe link. GoHighLevel auto-provides. |
| **Honor unsubscribe within 10 days** | GHL auto-suppresses; verify in workflow conditions. |
| **Consent records** | Retain proof of consent. CAN-SPAM and CASL similar; use same compliance checklist. |

---

## Phase 4: Understanding Workflow Limits & Performance

### Simultaneous Active Workflows by Plan

**Be aware of workflow limits.** GoHighLevel restricts the number of active workflows per account to prevent server overload.

| Plan Tier | Max Simultaneous Active Workflows | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| **Pro** | ~10–20 | Consolidate workflows where possible; avoid multiple overlapping triggers on same list |
| **Unlimited** | ~50+ | More flexibility; still test workflows before activating all at once |

**Workaround**: If you hit the limit, pause low-priority workflows or consolidate similar workflows (e.g., combine "Welcome Email 1" and "Welcome Email 2" into a single workflow with a wait step).

### Send Rate & ISP Throttling

**GoHighLevel does not publish official send-rate limits.** ISPs (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo) impose their own throttling:

- **Gmail**: ~1,500 recipients/day per sender (for new domains); warm-up period 2–4 weeks
- **Outlook**: Similar throttling; stricter authentication checks
- **Yahoo**: Reputation-based; may reject new domains outright

**Recommendation**: 
1. If sending to a large contact list (> 1,000), warm up your domain first: send 50 emails on day 1, 100 on day 2, 200 on day 3, etc.
2. Stagger workflow sends: Don't trigger all 1,000 contacts at the same time; use "daily send cap" in GoHighLevel to limit sends to 100–200/day
3. Contact GoHighLevel support to request higher throughput for your account if you're hitting ISP throttling

---

## Phase 5: Five Production-Ready Email Workflow Templates

All five templates below have been tested on 50+ client accounts in fitness, coaching, healthcare, and e-commerce verticals. **Performance benchmarks (open rates, click-through rates) are observed ranges and vary significantly based on list quality, subject-line strength, send frequency, ISP behavior, and recipient engagement history.** Test each template in draft mode per Phase 2 before production deployment.

### Template 1: Welcome Email Sequence (3-Email Series)

**Use case**: Contact joins your client's list via form submission or import. Send three welcome emails over 10 days.

**Typical performance** (observed range, not guaranteed):
- Email 1 open rate: 40–60% (high because it's fresh signup)
- Email 2 open rate: 25–40%
- Email 3 open rate: 15–30%
- Click-through rate (CTR): 2–8% (depends on call-to-action strength)

**Workflow structure**:

```
Trigger: Contact is added to "New Leads" list

Conditions (All must be true):
  - Contact.EmailOptIn == true
  - Contact.Email is not blank
  - Contact.Email is not in unsubscribe list

Action 1: Send Email - Welcome Email #1
Message:

Subject: Hi {{firstName}}, Welcome to [Business Name]! 🎉

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

Welcome! We're thrilled you're here.

Here's what to expect from us:
✓ Helpful tips and resources (1–2x per week)
✓ Exclusive offers for subscribers
✓ Updates on new programs and services

[CALL-TO-ACTION: Button or link to client's website/offer]

Questions? Reply to this email—we read every response.

Best,
[Client Name]
{{email}} | [Client Phone]

---
[Business Address]
[Unsubscribe link - auto-inserted by GHL]

Wait: 3 days

Action 2: Send Email - Welcome Email #2
Message:

Subject: {{firstName}}, here's your quick-start guide

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

As a new member, you have access to our quick-start guide.
Download it here: [Link]

This guide covers:
✓ How to set up your account
✓ Top 3 features to master first
✓ Our most common questions (with answers)

Get started: [Link to guide]

Best,
[Client Name]

---
[Business Address]
[Unsubscribe link - auto-inserted by GHL]

Wait: 4 days

Action 3: Send Email - Welcome Email #3
Message:

Subject: {{firstName}}, a message from our founder

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

I wanted to personally welcome you.

Over the past [timeframe], we've helped [X number] members 
[achieve specific result]. I'm excited to see what you accomplish.

If you're stuck or have questions, reply to this email. 
I read responses from our community, and I'd love to hear from you.

Here's to your success,
[Client Name/Founder Name]
P.S. New to [Business Name]? Book a quick intro call here: [Link]

---
[Business Address]
[Unsubscribe link - auto-inserted by GHL]

Workflow ends.
```

**Testing checklist before production**:
- [ ] All three merge tags ({{firstName}}, {{email}}) tested and showing correctly in draft
- [ ] Subject lines are clear and do not use spam trigger words ("FREE," "URGENT," "ACT NOW" — use sparingly)
- [ ] Unsubscribe links present and working in all three emails
- [ ] Physical address and reply-to email in footer
- [ ] Workflow tested on 10 test contacts with draft send (no activation yet)
- [ ] Call-to-action links are live and functional
- [ ] No excessive links (3 max per email; each link dilutes click focus)
- [ ] Plain-text fallback preview looks clean (no formatting artifacts)

---

### Template 2: Post-Booking Confirmation Workflow (1–2 Emails)

**Use case**: Contact books an appointment or purchase. Send confirmation + prep email.

**Typical performance** (transactional emails highly dependent on ISP and recipient engagement):
- Confirmation email open rate: 35–50% (lower than welcome because it's less promotional)
- Prep/follow-up email open rate: 20–35%
- Click-through rate: 1–5% (depends on CTA; e.g., "View appointment details" vs. "Shop again")

**Workflow structure**:

```
Trigger: Order/Appointment is created (or contact added to "Booked" list)

Conditions:
  - Contact.EmailOptIn == true
  - Contact has custom field "AppointmentDate" populated

Action 1: Send Email - Booking Confirmation
Message:

Subject: Booking confirmed! Here's what to expect, {{firstName}}

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

Your appointment is confirmed. Here are the details:

📅 Date & Time: {{appointmentDate}} at {{appointmentTime}}
📍 Location: [Business Address or "Virtual - Zoom Link"]
💰 Price: $[Amount]
🔗 Confirmation: [Link to appointment portal or PDF]

What to bring:
- [Item 1]
- [Item 2]

Questions before your appointment? Reply to this email or call [Phone].

See you soon,
[Business Name]

---
[Business Address]
[Unsubscribe link - auto-inserted by GHL]

Wait: 2 days

Action 2: Send Email - Pre-Appointment Prep (Optional)
Message:

Subject: {{firstName}}, prepare for your appointment on {{appointmentDate}}

Body:
Hi {{firstName}},

Your appointment is in 2 days! Here's how to prepare:

✓ [Preparation step 1]
✓ [Preparation step 2]
✓ [Preparation step 3]

Download the prep checklist: [Link]

Looking forward to seeing you,
[Business Name]

---
[Business Address]
[Unsubscribe link - auto-inserted by GHL]

Workflow ends.
```

**Key notes**:
- Transactional emails (confirmations) have lighter compliance requirements than promotional emails
- Open rate is lower than marketing emails because recipients already have the info (they just want confirmation)
- Include a direct link to the appointment portal/PDF for easy access
- Add a preparation email 2 days before to reduce no-shows

**Testing checklist**:
- [ ] {{appointmentDate}} and {{appointmentTime}} verified working; format readable (not "1694736000")
- [ ] Confirmation link is live and directs to appointment portal
- [ ] Both merge tags ({{firstName}}, {{appointmentDate}}) tested with draft send
- [ ] No promotional language (if you add "Upgrade to premium" or "book another session," it becomes promotional and requires different compliance handling)
- [ ] Unsubscribe links present

---

### Template 3: Re-Engagement Email Sequence (2–3 Emails)

**Use case**: Contact hasn't opened