Let’s be real — snapshots are awesome. They let you duplicate full-blown client systems in minutes. Workflows, funnels, triggers… it’s like magic. ✨
But here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud:
If you’re not careful, snapshots can also blow up in your face. 💥
I’ve seen automations go off at the worst times:
- Welcome emails firing before anyone signs up
- Missed call texts going to wrong numbers
- Full nurture campaigns launching… on a test contact 😬
So when Mario Aldayuz (our Head of Partnerships over HL Pro Tools) dropped into a Zoom call recently to talk about snapshot strategy, I paid extra close attention.
Here’s what I took away — and what I think every agency using HighLevel needs to know before importing their next snapshot.
The Snapshot Mistake That’ll Haunt You Later
During the session, Ocean (a smart-as-heck agency operator) brought up a nightmare scenario:
Imported a snapshot. It looked great. But then… preloaded automations started firing on real contacts. 😱
If that’s ever happened to you, you know the panic. Your client’s blowing up your Slack. You’re scrambling to stop the drip.
Mario’s fix? Slow. It. Down.
Here’s the mantra:
🧘 “Load the snapshot like a pro, not a cowboy.”
Action Plan: How to Load Snapshots Without Chaos
Step 1: Use a dummy account
This is non-negotiable. Before you touch a client subaccount, test everything in a clean dummy space.
Step 2: Turn off every workflow
No exceptions. Disable all workflows on import so nothing runs until you say so.
Step 3: Audit folder by folder
Don’t just glance. Test. Send the email. Trigger the SMS. Make sure things make sense for that specific client.
Step 4: Ask your snapshot provider for documentation
You’d be shocked how many workflows rely on one trigger or tag being set just right. Without docs? You’re flying blind.
Step 5: Break complex brands into modular snapshots
Running multi-brand, multi-offer, or multi-vertical agencies?
Mario recommends creating smaller, more focused snapshots so you don’t overload the system or your sanity.
Think of Snapshots Like Explosives (in a good way)
Handled right? They can blow open opportunity.
Handled wrong? They just blow things up.
So next time you grab that killer new template or “done-for-you” system, remember:
👉 Test in a dummy subaccount first.
👉 Disable everything.
👉 Turn on piece by piece.
👉 Only go live when you’re 100% confident.
Final Thought: Smart Agencies Move Slow to Scale Fast
Look, I get it. You’re excited to wow a new client. But the real pros don’t rush implementation. They control the system. They test. They plan.
That’s how you get consistent, scalable, client-loving results with HighLevel.
Want Help Avoiding This Stuff Entirely?
This is exactly what we do at hlprotools.com.
If you’re tired of duct-taping your builds and praying things don’t break:
✅ We’ve got battle-tested snapshots
✅ Templates that won’t nuke your subaccounts
✅ Live help, training, and systems built to scale
👉 Check us out. Your future self will thank you.
Cool Free Thing: Steal My Testimonial Workflow ⭐️
Before you can help a business, they need to trust you. And what builds trust faster than anything?✨ Real testimonials.
In the spirit of free stuff (and not sounding like every other agency), I want to give you our internal Testimonial Workflow. This bad boy helps you:
📸 Gather killer reviews
🎬 Organize & edit video clips
🧩 Plug testimonials into sales funnels like a pro
