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TL;DR — A trigger link is a trackable URL that sends a contact to a page while firing a background action — add a tag, start a workflow, move a pipeline stage. Create in Marketing → Trigger Links, drop into email/SMS, and use the "Trigger Link Clicked" workflow trigger to automate the response. Works in SMS, email, and DMs — not funnel-page buttons. A click becomes a measurable intent signal you act on automatically.
What are trigger links?
A trigger link looks like a normal link but doubles as an automation trigger. It sends the contact to your destination URL and, behind the scenes, records the click on their activity timeline and can start or advance an automation. It's how you turn "they clicked" into "so do this next" — automatically.
How to create one
- Marketing → Trigger Links → Add Link.
- Give it a clear name (e.g. "Webinar Registration – Q3") and paste the destination URL. Save — GoHighLevel makes a unique trackable link.
- Insert it in an email/SMS: select the text or button, open link settings, choose Trigger Link, pick your link.
- Automate it: in a workflow, add the "Trigger Link Clicked" trigger → your link → actions (tag, sequence, pipeline move, team notification).
- Test before sending — confirm it redirects and fires the workflow.
Where they work (and don't)
Trigger links work in SMS, email, Google Business Profile messages, and Facebook / Instagram / WhatsApp DMs — but not as buttons on funnel or website pages. They're a messaging tool. For on-page actions, use a form instead.
Trigger links vs the other ways GoHighLevel tracks a click
A trigger link tracks a click inside a message you sent. It does not tell you where the contact originally came from, and confusing the two is the most common attribution mistake on the platform. They solve different problems and most accounts need both.
| Question you are answering | What to use |
|---|---|
| "Did this contact click the offer I texted them?" | Trigger link |
| "Which campaign or ad did this lead originally come from?" | Lead source tracking with UTM custom fields |
| "Which paid keyword produced the booked call?" | Google Ads offline conversion tracking |
| "Which of my contacts are interested in topic X?" | Trigger link click that adds a tag |
Worth knowing before you rely on it: a trigger link click is a strong signal but not a perfect one. Email security scanners at some corporate mail providers pre-fetch links to check them for malware, which can register as a click the human never made. If a workflow fires an urgent sales call off a single click, expect the occasional false positive, and consider requiring a second signal (a reply, a form, or a page visit) before anything high-stakes fires.
What to automate with them
| Click on… | Fire this |
|---|---|
| A specific offer link | Start a follow-up workflow while intent is hot |
| A product/service link | Add a tag for that interest → segment |
| A key "book a call" link | Move the deal to the next pipeline stage |
| A high-value link | Notify your team for immediate personal outreach |
Best practices: name links clearly (not "Link 1"), group them by campaign so reporting stays clean, don't overload one message with many trigger links (it muddies tracking), and always send a test first. A click on the right link is one of the strongest buying signals you get — make sure the automation behind it is worth firing.
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Frequently asked questions
What are trigger links?
Trackable URLs that send a contact to a page while firing a background action (tag, workflow, pipeline move). Every click logs to the timeline.
How do I create one?
Marketing → Trigger Links → Add Link → name + destination URL. Insert via Trigger Link option in email/SMS; automate with "Trigger Link Clicked".
Where do they work?
SMS, email, GBP messages, FB/IG/WhatsApp DMs — not funnel/website page buttons.
Trigger link vs lead source?
A trigger link tracks a click in a message you sent. Lead source tracking answers where the contact came from. Different jobs; most accounts need both.
What can I automate?
Follow-up on offer clicks, tag on product interest, move pipeline stage, notify team on high-value clicks.