HighLevel Smart Double Opt-in Email Automation

Creating a smooth and efficient double opt-in process is critical for managing leads and ensuring you have verified email addresses. In this tutorial, we’ll explore a unique method for setting up a “smart” double opt-in system in HighLevel. Unlike traditional approaches, this method ensures users only need to opt in once, regardless of how many lead magnets or forms they interact with in the future.

Let’s dive into how this setup works and why it’s a better solution than the typical two-automation system.

Step-By-Step Video Tutorial

Why a “Smart” Double Opt-In System?

Many tutorials show how to build a double opt-in system using two automations: one for tagging users when they click a trigger link and another to proceed based on that tag, or creating a double opt-in solely within the single automation that confirms their email. However, this approach forces users to double opt-in every time they interact with a new form or lead magnet. That redundancy can lead to frustration and inefficiency.

The method covered here introduces a smart opt-in check at the start of your automations. If a user has already opted in, they bypass the process. If they haven’t, they go through the opt-in workflow. Once opted in, the system tags them, granting permanent clearance for future automations.

How the Smart Double Opt-In Workflow Works

Step 1: Create a Trigger Link

  1. Navigate to Marketing → Trigger Links: Create a new trigger link for your double opt-in process.
  2. Name the Link: Use something descriptive like “Double Opt-In.”
  3. Set the URL: This link can redirect users to any destination, such as a thank-you page, funnel step, or external website.
  4. Save the Link: This link will later be used in the confirmation email sent to users.

Step 2: Build the Automation

  1. Start with a Trigger: Use an inbound webhook or a form submission to trigger your workflow. This begins the process when a user interacts with your lead magnet or form. However they opt in is how you trigger this automation. In most cases, don’t forget to configure the “create contact” action (which is added automatically) and will add or update a contact to your HighLevel contacts.
  2. Add an “If/Else” Branch: The first step in the automation checks if the user has already double opted in.
    • Condition: Check if the user has the “Double Opt-In” tag.
    • If Yes: Proceed directly to fulfilling the lead magnet or form submission request.
    • If No: Continue to the next step to request double opt-in confirmation.
  3. Send a Confirmation Email:
    • Use the email builder to create a message prompting users to confirm their email address. You can also use an email template to make something fancier that you can reuse across multiple automations.
    • Include the trigger link created earlier as the confirmation link. For example:
      • Subject: “Please Confirm Your Email”
      • Insert the trigger link into the email text or button using the normal linking feature (click the little tag icon when creating a link to access your trigger links).
  4. Add a Goal to Wait for Confirmation:
    • Set the goal to trigger when the user clicks the double opt-in link.
    • Ensure the system pauses until the goal is met.
  5. Tag the User Upon Confirmation:
    • Add the “Double Opt-In” tag to the user once they click the confirmation link. This tag signifies that they’ve completed the opt-in process.
  6. Fulfill the Lead Magnet:
    • Now go back to the other side of the If/Else and proceed with fulfilling the lead magnet. Send the promised lead magnet or content (e.g., a PDF or access link). This ensures users receive what they signed up for.
  7. Add a “Go-To” Action:
    • After tagging the user (back on the “not confirmed” side of the If/Else), use a “Go-To” action to direct them to the fulfillment step/side of the If/Else (which is the email you created in Step 6). This keeps the workflow streamlined and ensures all users, whether new or previously opted in, end up at the same fulfillment step.

Reusability Across Multiple Automations

One of the standout features of this approach is its reusability. When a user interacts with a new lead magnet or form in the future, the system will:

  1. Check if they already have the “Double Opt-In” tag.
  2. Skip the confirmation process if they’ve opted in before.
  3. Proceed directly to content delivery, saving time and improving user experience.

This eliminates the need for duplicating the opt-in process across multiple automations.

Why This Method is Superior

  • Efficiency: Users only need to opt in once, even if they engage with multiple forms or lead magnets.
  • User Experience: Reduces friction by skipping unnecessary steps for returning users.
  • Accuracy: Ensures you only collect valid, confirmed email addresses.
  • Scalability: Simplifies management for businesses with multiple lead magnets or form-based campaigns.

Areas for Improvement in HighLevel

While this solution works seamlessly, it would be even better if HighLevel introduced a native double opt-in feature. For example:

  • Built-In Double Opt-In Step: An action in workflows to enforce opt-in before proceeding.
  • Global Opt-In Settings: A toggle to apply opt-in status across all automations automatically.

Until such features are added, this method provides an elegant workaround that saves time and reduces complexity.

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