Setting up a new agency in GoHighLevel can feel overwhelming. There's account configuration, client structures, automations, integrations—the list goes on. That's exactly why GoHighLevel built Agency LaunchPad, a guided, video-based onboarding experience designed to get you productive in hours, not weeks.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the LaunchPad feature, show you the essential setup steps, and share the best practices that help agencies hit the ground running. Whether you're launching your first sub-account or scaling to hundreds of clients, this roadmap will save you time and prevent costly configuration mistakes.
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What Is Agency LaunchPad and Why It Matters
Agency LaunchPad is GoHighLevel's built-in onboarding system—a structured, video-guided pathway that takes new agency admins from zero to operational faster than traditional documentation alone. It's not just a checklist; it's an interactive experience that adapts to your agency's size and use case.
Here's why it matters: agencies that use LaunchPad typically realize value within their first week, compared to 3-4 weeks for those navigating the platform manually. You avoid configuration errors, redundant setup steps, and the dreaded "where do I even start?" paralysis.
LaunchPad covers everything from account creation through client onboarding templates, white-label settings, billing configuration, and basic automation setup. It's essentially a condensed version of GoHighLevel's entire ecosystem, purpose-built for agencies.
💡 Pro Tip
Don't skip LaunchPad even if you think you know the platform. Agency-specific configurations differ from standard CRM setups, and LaunchPad ensures you're following GoHighLevel's recommended structure from day one.
How to Access and Navigate LaunchPad
When you first log into GoHighLevel as an agency admin, LaunchPad typically appears as a welcome modal or prominent sidebar widget. If you've already passed the initial login, you can access it from your dashboard settings.
To find LaunchPad:
- Log in to your GoHighLevel agency account
- Look for a "LaunchPad" or "Getting Started" button on your main dashboard
- Alternatively, navigate to Settings → Agency Settings → LaunchPad
- Click "Start Onboarding" to begin the guided experience
The interface is intuitive: each section displays your progress, the current task, a short video explanation, and action steps. You'll see checkmarks as you complete items, building momentum as you progress through the setup.
Step 1: Create Your Agency Account and Profile
Your first LaunchPad task is setting up your agency profile. This is foundational—it establishes your business identity within GoHighLevel and determines how your branding appears in client portals and automations.
What to configure:
- Agency Name: Exactly as you want it displayed to clients
- Logo and Branding: Upload your agency logo for white-label consistency
- Contact Information: Primary phone, email, and support contact details
- Business Address: Billing address and service location(s)
- Timezone: Critical for scheduling, automations, and reporting accuracy
- Preferred Currency: If handling billing, match your market
LaunchPad provides video guidance for each field, explaining why each matters for client communication and platform functionality. Don't rush this step—accurate profile data prevents downstream errors in invoicing and client communications.
Step 2: Set Up Your First Sub-Account
Sub-accounts are where your clients live in GoHighLevel. A sub-account is an isolated, branded workspace for each client—complete with its own CRM, automations, contacts, and reporting. This is what separates a professional agency operation from a DIY setup.
LaunchPad walks you through creating your first sub-account with clear prompts:
- Client Name: Name of the business you're servicing
- Industry: Helps GoHighLevel suggest relevant templates and automations
- Sub-Account Admin: Designate who manages this client's account (usually you initially)
- White-Label Settings: Your branding or client's branding in their workspace
- Module Access: Choose which features (CRM, SMS, Email, Funnels, etc.) the client can use
The video component shows real-world examples of properly structured sub-accounts, including how to organize contacts, set permission levels, and establish naming conventions that scale as you add more clients.
💡 Pro Tip
Establish a consistent naming convention for sub-accounts from day one. Something like "Client Name - Industry" keeps your account list organized as you scale to 10, 50, or 100+ clients.
This is built into GoHighLevel. Try it free for 30 days →
Step 3: Configure Automations and Workflows
Automations are where GoHighLevel delivers real value. LaunchPad's automation section guides you through setting up your first client workflow—typically a lead capture funnel connected to automated follow-up sequences.
Key automations covered in LaunchPad:
- Lead Capture Funnels: Website forms that automatically add contacts
- Email Sequences: Multi-step nurture flows triggered by contact actions
- SMS Campaigns: Automated text message follow-ups and reminders
- Task Automation: Auto-assign tasks to team members based on lead activity
- Two-Way Messaging: Enable clients to reply to campaigns and engage naturally
The video tutorials show practical examples: a real estate agent using GoHighLevel might see a workflow for capturing property inquiries and auto-responding with listings. A service provider might see a booking automation. This context-specific guidance makes configuration feel less abstract and more directly applicable to your clients' needs.
Best Practices for Maximizing LaunchPad
To get the most from the LaunchPad experience, follow these agency-proven practices:
1. Complete LaunchPad Before Adding Multiple Clients
Finish the full onboarding sequence with your first sub-account. This builds muscle memory and establishes your foundational setup correctly before scaling.
2. Document Your Configuration Choices
Take screenshots of key decisions—your automation flows, naming conventions, permission structures. You'll reference these when onboarding additional clients and team members.
3. Test Automations End-to-End
Don't just set up a workflow and assume it works. LaunchPad includes testing steps—use them. Fill out your own form, verify the automation triggers, confirm the email delivery.
4. Set Up White-Label Branding Immediately
If you're positioning GoHighLevel under your agency brand, configure this early. It affects how clients perceive the platform and reinforces your agency's authority.
5. Create a Client Onboarding Template
LaunchPad includes guidance on creating reusable client onboarding templates. Build one generic template during your setup process, then customize it for each new client. This massively speeds up scaling.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Even with LaunchPad's guidance, agencies sometimes stumble on these common issues:
Incorrect Timezone Configuration: A mismatched timezone causes automations to trigger at the wrong times. If your agency is in EST but you set the account to PST, all scheduled campaigns run 3 hours off. Verify this in your agency profile and again in each sub-account.
Overly Complex First Automation: New agencies often try to build elaborate 20-step sequences before testing simple flows. Start with a basic lead capture → welcome email sequence. Add complexity once you've proven it works.
Ignoring Permission Levels: Don't give all team members full account access "just in case." LaunchPad addresses this, but many agencies skip it. Restrict access by role—team members should see only what they need.
Skipping the Video Content: The LaunchPad videos aren't optional filler—they contain critical context. Watching them takes 30 minutes and prevents hours of troubleshooting later.
Not Setting Up a Secondary Admin: If you're the only agency admin and something happens to your account, your entire operation stalls. LaunchPad guides you to create a secondary admin early. Do it.
Final Thoughts
Agency LaunchPad exists because GoHighLevel understands that the first few hours of platform setup determine your long-term success. It's the difference between an agency that scales smoothly and one that spends months fixing configuration problems.
The feature combines step-by-step guidance, video context, and best-practice defaults into a streamlined experience. If you follow the LaunchPad sequence, answer its configuration questions thoughtfully, and test your workflows before going live, you'll have a solid, scalable foundation.
And if you haven't tried GoHighLevel yet, now's the time. The 30-day free trial gives you plenty of runway to explore LaunchPad, set up your agency properly, and prove the platform's value to your first clients. Start your trial today and see why thousands of agencies run their entire business on one platform.