Some HighLevel training calls feel like “drinking from a firehose,” but in the best way possible.
This week’s session with Mario Aldayuz? 🔥 Straight-up rocket fuel for anyone serious about scaling with automation.
Mario (aka the API whisperer) walked us through N8n-powered workflows, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the right way to use OAuth—without frying your brain or blowing up your agency’s backend.
Whether you’re building out your SaaS dream stack or still fumbling through token errors and webhook confusion, here’s what you need to know now. 👇
1. Start Your Own N8n Instance
Look, if you’re still messing around with Zapier and thinking “this is fine,” let me stop you right there. 🛑
N8n gives you full control, reusable data, and API depth that no drag-and-drop tool touches.
Mario’s take?
“Set up your own N8n instance and start building. HighLevel’s API + N8n = unlimited potential.”
✅ Self-hosted or cloud-based
✅ No limits on workflows
✅ Supports complex logic for real-life business cases
And yeah, it’s free to start. No excuses.
2. Ditch the Private Keys—Use OAuth
This one’s not optional anymore, folks. If you’re using private API keys for client integrations, you’re one copy/paste away from disaster.
OAuth tokens give you:
- 🔒 Better security
- 🔄 Scoped access control
- ✅ Compliance-friendly integration
Mario walked us through setting up a HighLevel OAuth app and connecting it in N8n. Pro tip: You’ll need this if you want to build multi-tenant workflows that actually scale.
3. Use “Pinned Data” Like a Pro
Here’s something that blew a few minds during the session: N8n’s “Pinned Data” lets you test without rerunning the full workflow every time.
No resubmitting forms. No guessing what your last webhook did.
It’s like having a rewind button for debugging:
- Pin your input data once
- Work on your logic steps freely
- Debug without spammy test data flooding your CRM
✨ Small trick, huge productivity gain.
4. Test API Calls Like a Mad Scientist
The most dangerous workflow? The one you didn’t test.
Mario reminded us to:
“Test every API step as you go. Don’t wait until the end.”
N8n’s “Test Step” feature lets you verify each call before chaining them together. You can:
- 🧠 Catch bad tokens
- 🔧 Fix payload formatting
- 🧼 Clean your workflow logic in real time
Iterate small. Build smart. Test often.
Want Help Implementing This?
If you’re reading this thinking “this sounds awesome but I don’t have the time,” you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why HL Pro Tools exists. We build done-for-you automation systems, provide white-label onboarding, and help SaaS agencies implement HighLevel the right way.
👉 Visit hlprotools.com to book a strategy session or browse prebuilt solutions that’ll save you hours every week.
