Let’s talk about something I wish someone had warned me about earlier in my HighLevel journey: Snapshots. 🧨
They’re one of the most powerful features in HighLevel… and also one of the easiest ways to accidentally blow up a client account if you’re not careful. Trust me — I’ve been there.
On a recent HL Pro Tools Zoom session, our guy Mario Aldayuz (Head of Partnerships at HL Pro Tools) dropped some must-hear advice that every agency using snapshots needs to know. Whether you’re building them from scratch or importing from a template, one wrong move can trigger an automation nightmare.
So, here’s what we learned — and what you can start doing today to keep things running smooth, steady, and client-friendly.
The Problem: Snapshots That Self-Destruct
Ocean (shoutout if you’re reading this 👋) brought up a common fear we’ve all had at some point:
“I loaded a snapshot, and suddenly, emails and texts just started sending.”
Yup. That happens when automations fire off the moment they’re imported, without context, logic, or timing. Not fun when it’s a real client account.
But it’s preventable. Here’s how.
Mario’s Method: Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Mario shared a system that’s saved our team hours of cleanup and client panic:
✅ 1. Always start with a dummy account.
This is your sandbox. Load the snapshot into a clean HighLevel subaccount that’s not live, so you can test and tweak in peace.
✅ 2. Disable all workflows before anything else.
Seriously. Turn. Them. Off.
Then go folder by folder and turn on what’s needed — only when you’re 100% sure it’s safe.
✅ 3. Use clear documentation.
Snapshots aren’t just drag-and-drop magic. You need to know what each workflow does, what triggers it, and how it connects to the bigger system. If you didn’t build it, ask the provider for documentation.
✅ 4. Split large brands or verticals into smaller snapshots.
Got a multi-channel brand or an agency with different niches? Don’t cram it all into one giant snapshot. Break it into modular pieces. Easier to test, update, and scale later.
TL;DR: Your Snapshot Checklist
Here’s your step-by-step:
📦 Load the snapshot into a dummy account
⛔ Turn off all workflows immediately
🔍 Test workflows one at a time
📁 Organize by folder or channel
📑 Demand documentation from the source
🔄 Break bigger brands into smaller snapshots
If you do this, you’ll avoid premature automations, awkward client calls, and the dreaded “why did I just get 16 text messages from you?” email.
Final Thoughts: Snapshots Should Save Time, Not Cost It
Look, HighLevel snapshots are like cloning your best work. But only if you handle them with care.
By taking time to test and organize properly, you’ll actually go faster in the long run — with fewer fires to put out, more trust from clients, and way better results.
Want help making your snapshot life easier? We’ve got you covered at 👉 hlprotools.com
Cool Free Thing: Turn Clients Into Raving Fans
Before you can help businesses with your service, you need to build trust. Fast.
The secret weapon? ⭐️ Testimonials.
In the spirit of giving you the tools we actually use…
I want to hand you my team’s Testimonial Workflow. It’s the exact system we use at HL Pro Tools to:
✅ Collect testimonials on autopilot
✅ Organize them without the mess
✅ Drop them right where they convert best
