What is GoHighlevel/Highlevel?
GoHighlevel, or just Highlevel, as its users call it, is an all-in-one sales and marketing platform for marketing agencies and small businesses. The platform offers every tool needed to run a business successfully at a fixed monthly cost. The platform allows you to white label your software so agencies can use it and brand it like their own. This allows agencies to create a Software as a Service (SaaS) business and an additional monthly recurring revenue stream.
Typically, agencies would perform a job for their client, like building a website or running Facebook ads, only to have the job end or the client cancel their service. Now, agencies have to continue to market to find another client. Now, with Gohighlevel, you can migrate your clients off whatever CRM, email marketing tool, phone system, or funnel software they may be using and run their business entirely off the GoHighlevel platform. The best thing about this is that your clients pay you monthly for these services. You can charge $297, $497, or whatever you want to charge for these services, and your client continues to pay for these each month like a utility, creating a stable recurring monthly revenue.
GoHighlevel sets no limits for its users on any paid plan so that you can have unlimited contacts, websites, funnels, email or text templates, and workflows. There are also no limits for storage, so you can host as many videos, files, documents, or images as you or your clients may have.
For a complete list of features for this platform, you can look at my article GoHighlevel Review.
If you are interested in how GoHighlevel structures its pricing, review my article GoHighlevel Pricing Plans.
What is a Custom Object?
In GoHighLevel, a custom object is a user-defined data structure that allows businesses to manage information and relationships beyond the platform’s standard CRM entities like Contacts, Companies, and Opportunities. This feature particularly benefits organizations with unique processes or specialized data tracking requirements, enabling them to tailor the CRM system to their specific operational needs.
When to Use Custom Objects
Custom objects are ideal in scenarios where standard CRM objects do not adequately capture the complexity or specificity of a business’s data. For example, a property management company might need to track detailed information about properties, such as location, size, availability status, and maintenance records. By creating a custom object named “Homes,” the company can store and manage this data effectively. Similarly, a veterinary clinic could establish a custom object called “Pets” to record each animal’s medical history, associating it with the owner’s contact information to streamline appointment scheduling and treatment tracking.
When to Stick with Standard CRM Objects
While custom objects offer enhanced flexibility, they are not always necessary. Suppose the existing standard objects like Contacts, Companies, and Opportunities suffice for managing your data. In that case, it’s advisable to use them to maintain simplicity and ensure full access to all CRM features. For instance, organizing event attendees can be efficiently handled using the Contacts object, which supports bulk marketing emails and automation features. Introducing a custom object in such cases might lead to unnecessary complexity and potential data duplication.
Creating and Managing Custom Objects
Only administrators have the authority to define custom objects within GoHighLevel. This is done through the Object settings page, where admins can create custom fields and configure associations between the custom object and other CRM entities. These associations link custom objects with standard objects, facilitating complex relationships and workflows within the CRM system. For example, associating a “Homes” custom object with Contacts allows tracking of which clients are interested in or have purchased specific properties.
Utilizing Custom Objects in Workflows
Custom objects can be integrated into various tools within GoHighLevel, including workflows. This integration allows businesses to automate processes involving custom objects, enhancing operational efficiency. For instance, a workflow can be set up to automatically send reminders for maintenance schedules linked to a “Homes” custom object, ensuring timely property upkeep.
Considerations Before Implementing Custom Objects
Before implementing custom objects, assessing whether the standard CRM objects can meet your business needs is crucial. Overcomplicating the CRM structure with unnecessary custom objects can lead to data duplication and confusion. Some CRM features, such as sending bulk marketing emails, are exclusively available with standard objects like Contacts. Therefore, ensure that creating a custom object will not restrict access to essential functionalities.
Configuring Custom Objects in GoHighlevel
Creating custom objects in GoHighLevel enables businesses to tailor the platform to their specific data management needs, allowing for efficient tracking and organization of unique information. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create and manage custom objects within GoHighLevel:
1. Accessing the Custom Objects Section
• Navigate to your Subaccount.
• Click on Settings in the left-hand menu.
• Select Objects from the settings options.
2. Creating a New Custom Object
• Click on the “Add Custom Object” button.
• In the creation form, provide the following details:
• Singular Name: The singular form of your object’s name (e.g., “Pet”).
• Plural Name: The plural form of your object’s name (e.g., “Pets”).
• Primary Display Field Name: The main identifier for records of this object (e.g., “Pet Name”).
• Icon: Choose an icon that represents the object for easy identification.
• Description: A brief explanation of the object’s purpose.
• After filling in the details, click “Create Custom Object” to finalize the creation.
3. Editing a Custom Object
• Once created, your custom object will appear in the Objects list.
• To edit, click on the custom object’s name.
• Note that the Primary Display Field and Internal Names cannot be edited after creation.
4. Deleting a Custom Object
• Click on the three dots (kebab menu) next to the custom object’s name.
• Select “Delete” from the dropdown menu.
• Type “DELETE” in the confirmation box to confirm.
• Be cautious: deleting a custom object is irreversible and will remove all associated records, associations, workflows, and custom fields.
5. Adding Records to a Custom Object
• Navigate to the specific custom object from the left-hand panel.
• Click on the “Add” button (e.g., “Add Pet”) to create a new record.
• Fill in the required fields in the form that appears.
• Click “Save” to store the record or “Save and Add Another” to continue adding records.
6. Updating Existing Records
• Locate and click on the record you wish to update.
• In the record’s detail view, click the “Edit” button.
• Modify the necessary fields.
• Click “Save” to apply the changes.
7. Managing Associations with Related Objects
• Within a record’s detail view, find the “Related Objects” section.
• Click “Add” next to the object type you want to associate (e.g., Contacts).
• Search for and select the related record.
• Click “Associate” to link the records.
8. Deleting a Custom Object Record
• Open the record you intend to delete.
• Click on the three dots (kebab menu) in the top-right corner.
• Select “Delete Record” from the dropdown.
• Confirm the deletion that appears in the prompt.
• Remember, deleting a record is permanent and cannot be undone.
By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage custom objects in GoHighLevel, ensuring your CRM system aligns with your business’s unique data requirements.
GoHighlevel Custom Objects Conclusion
Custom objects in GoHighLevel provide a powerful way to tailor your CRM to your business’s unique needs. Whether you’re managing data that doesn’t fit into standard CRM entities or creating specialized workflows, custom objects offer unparalleled flexibility and control. By empowering businesses to structure, track, and utilize data in a way that reflects their specific operations, this feature opens up endless possibilities for optimization and growth.
Creating and managing custom objects allows you to go beyond the limitations of traditional CRM tools. You can define unique data structures, associate them with existing entities like Contacts and Companies, and seamlessly integrate them into your workflows. This ensures that all business processes are interconnected, creating a cohesive and efficient operational framework.
However, the key to leveraging custom objects effectively lies in careful planning and thoughtful implementation. While creating custom objects for every unique data need is tempting, over-complicating your CRM setup can lead to data duplication and hinder user adoption. It’s essential to assess whether a custom object truly adds value or if the data can be managed within the existing framework of standard CRM objects.
The integration of custom objects into GoHighLevel workflows adds another layer of functionality. Automating tasks and notifications based on custom object data can save time, reduce errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. For instance, a property management company can automate maintenance reminders for specific properties, or a veterinary clinic can streamline pet vaccination schedules. The ability to automate processes tailored to your unique data means that your CRM becomes not just a tool for storage but a driver of efficiency and action.
To start with custom objects, focus on understanding your business’s data needs and how they align with your overall goals. Clearly define the purpose of each custom object, map out the data it will contain, and plan how it will interact with other CRM components. With GoHighLevel’s intuitive interface and robust capabilities, creating and managing custom objects is straightforward and accessible, even for businesses without extensive technical expertise.
In summary, custom objects are more than just a feature—they are a strategic asset. By using them wisely, you can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, making GoHighLevel a central pillar of your business success. Start exploring custom objects today, and see how they can transform the way you work!