How to bulk add contacts to a workflow in GHL Customer Care. Filter and select contacts, enroll them at once or on a schedule, then track progress and results.
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This article walks you through how to filter contacts (e.g., by tag) and add them to a workflow in bulk using the Add to Automation feature. You’ll find a step-by-step guide, details on the available scheduling modes, and answers to common questions.
The Add to Automation feature lets you select contacts from the Contacts page and enroll them into a workflow in bulk. Instead of waiting for contacts to enter a workflow through a trigger, you can manually push a batch of contacts into any published workflow – all at once, at a scheduled time, or in a drip pattern.
The most common use case is filtering your contact list by a specific attribute (such as a tag), selecting the filtered results, and adding them to a workflow for targeted outreach, re-engagement, or batch processing.
Key Benefits of Adding Contacts to a Workflow in Bulk
Enroll contacts faster: Add multiple contacts to a workflow in one bulk action instead of enrolling them individually.
Target the right audience: Use Advanced Filters (like tags, fields, and opportunity data) to enroll only the contacts you need.
Control when contacts enter: Choose to enroll contacts immediately, at a scheduled date/time, or in drip mode batches.
Reuse segments easily: Save filtered views as Smart Lists so you can repeat the same bulk enrollment anytime.
Track progress and results: Monitor status, timestamps, and statistics from the Bulk Actions page to confirm what was processed.
How to Add Contacts to a Workflow in Bulk
Step 1: Filter Your Contacts
Tip: You can also filter by any other contact field (email, city, contact source, opportunity stage, etc.) or add multiple filters and nested filters to narrow down exactly which contacts you want to enroll.
Navigate to Contacts > SmartLists.Step 1 of 4: Navigate to Contacts > Smart ListsWhat this shows Step 1 of 4: Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.What this showsShows where to go for step 1 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists. For context, this section explains: Tip: You can also filter by any other contact field (email, city, contact source, opportunity stage, etc.) or add multiple filters and nested filters to narrow down exactly which contacts you want to enroll. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. The next step is to click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..Step 1 of 4Path: Contacts > Smart ListsImage 1 of 10Where to goNavigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
Buttons and menus referencedContactsSmartListsAdvancedFiltersTagoperatorvalueApply
Next stepClick Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..All 4 steps in this procedure
Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists. this image
Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..
To filter by Tag, search for “ Tag ” in the filter search bar, then select it.
Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria.
Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel. .Step 2 of 4: Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panelWhat this shows Step 2 of 4: Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..What this showsShows what to click for step 2 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel.. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. The next step is to to filter by Tag, search for “ Tag ” in the filter search bar, then select it.Step 2 of 4Path: Contacts > Smart ListsImage 2 of 10What to clickClick Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..
Buttons and menus referencedAdvancedFiltersContactsSmartListsTagoperatorvalueApply
Next stepTo filter by Tag, search for “ Tag ” in the filter search bar, then select it.All 4 steps in this procedure
Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel.. this image
To filter by Tag, search for “ Tag ” in the filter search bar, then select it.
Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria.
To filter by Tag, search for “Tag” in the filter search bar, then select it.
Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria.Step 4 of 4: Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to…What this shows Step 4 of 4: Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”).What this showsShows what to choose for step 4 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Step 1: Filter Your Contacts" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists.Step 4 of 4Path: Contacts > Smart ListsImage 3 of 10What to chooseSet the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria.
Buttons and menus referencedoperatorvalueApplyContactsSmartListsAdvancedFiltersTag
All 4 steps in this procedure
Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
Click Advanced Filters to open the filter panel..
To filter by Tag, search for “ Tag ” in the filter search bar, then select it.
Set the operator (e.g., “Is”) and choose the tag value you want to filter by (e.g., “follow-up”). Click Apply to filter the contact list. The page will now show only the contacts that match your filter criteria. this image
Step 2: Add to Automation
Select the contacts you want to add to a workflow: You can select individual contacts using the checkboxes, or click Select all at the top to select every contact in the filtered list. The bulk action toolbar appears when at least one contact is selected.
From the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation. This opens the Add to Automation dialog, which displays the selected contacts at the top and the configuration fields below. Step 2 of 2: From the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation. This opens the…What this shows Step 2 of 2: From the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation.What this showsShows what to click for step 2 of 2 in the "Step 2: Add to Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This animation accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Step 2: Add to Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you from the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation. This opens the Add to Automation dialog, which displays the selected contacts at the top and the configuration fields below.Step 2 of 2Image 4 of 10What to clickFrom the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation. This opens the Add to Automation dialog, which displays the selected contacts at the top and the configuration fields below.
Buttons and menus referencedTrigger automationindividual contactscheckboxesSelect all
All 2 steps in this procedure
Select the contacts you want to add to a workflow: You can select individual contacts using the checkboxes, or click Select all at the top to select every contact in the filtered list. The bulk action toolbar appears when at least one contact is selected.
From the bulk action toolbar, click Trigger automation. This opens the Add to Automation dialog, which displays the selected contacts at the top and the configuration fields below. this image
Step 3: Configure the Automation
Fill in the following fields: Action Name: A name for this bulk action, shown in the tracking report on the Bulk Actions page. For example, “Workflow automation bulk import.” Automation Type: Select “Workflow” to enroll contacts into a workflow. Workflow: Choose the workflow you want to add the contacts to. The dropdown lists all published workflows in your account. Mode: Choose when and how contacts should be enrolled. See the Scheduling Modes section below for details.
Click Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the number of contacts being processed (e.g., “Add to Automation 10 Contacts is in progress/is scheduled”).Step 2 of 3: Click Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the…What this shows Step 2 of 3: Click Add to Automation.What this showsShows what to click for step 2 of 3 in the "Step 3: Configure the Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This animation accompanies step 2 of 3 in the "Step 3: Configure the Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you click Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the number of contacts being processed (e.g., “Add to Automation 10 Contacts is in progress/is scheduled”). The next step is to click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.Step 2 of 3Image 5 of 10What to clickClick Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the number of contacts being processed (e.g., “Add to Automation 10 Contacts is in progress/is scheduled”).
Buttons and menus referencedAdd to Automation.WorkflowCheck Progress
Next stepClick Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.All 3 steps in this procedure
Fill in the following fields: Action Name: A name for this bulk action, shown in the tracking report on the Bulk Actions page. For example, “Workflow automation bulk import.” Automation Type: Select “ Workflow ” to enroll contacts into a workflow. Workflow: Choose the workflow you want to add the contacts to. The dropdown lists all published workflows in your account. Mode: Choose when and how contacts should be enrolled. See the Scheduling Modes section below for details.
Click Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the number of contacts being processed (e.g., “Add to Automation 10 Contacts is in progress/is scheduled”). this image
Click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.
Click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.Step 3 of 3: Click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to…What this shows Step 3 of 3: Click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.What this showsShows what to click for step 3 of 3 in the "Step 3: Configure the Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Step 3: Configure the Automation" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". At this point in the walkthrough you click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.Step 3 of 3Image 6 of 10What to clickClick Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list.
Buttons and menus referencedCheck ProgressWorkflowAdd to Automation.
All 3 steps in this procedure
Fill in the following fields: Action Name: A name for this bulk action, shown in the tracking report on the Bulk Actions page. For example, “Workflow automation bulk import.” Automation Type: Select “ Workflow ” to enroll contacts into a workflow. Workflow: Choose the workflow you want to add the contacts to. The dropdown lists all published workflows in your account. Mode: Choose when and how contacts should be enrolled. See the Scheduling Modes section below for details.
Click Add to Automation. A success confirmation appears showing the number of contacts being processed (e.g., “Add to Automation 10 Contacts is in progress/is scheduled”).
Click Check Progress to go to the Bulk Actions page, or Dismiss to return to the Contacts list. this image
Scheduling Modes
The Mode setting controls when the selected contacts are enrolled into the workflow. There are three options:
Send All at Once
All selected contacts are added to the workflow immediately. This is the default mode and works well when timing is not a concern.
Additional fields: None.
Send All at Once (image 7 of 10)What this shows All selected contacts are added to the workflow immediately.What this showsIllustrates the "Send All at Once" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot appears in the "Send All at Once" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". The text alongside this image reads: All selected contacts are added to the workflow immediately. This is the default mode and works well when timing is not a concern. Immediately after, the guide continues: All selected contacts are added to the workflow at a specific date and time that you choose. Useful for aligning enrollment with a campaign launch or business hours.Image 7 of 10What this coversAll selected contacts are added to the workflow immediately. This is the default mode and works well when timing is not a concern.Next stepAll selected contacts are added to the workflow at a specific date and time that you choose. Useful for aligning enrollment with a campaign launch or business hours.
Send at Scheduled Time
All selected contacts are added to the workflow at a specific date and time that you choose. Useful for aligning enrollment with a campaign launch or business hours.
Additional fields:
Field
Description
Pick a Start Date & Time
The date and time when all contacts will be enrolled. Displayed in your account’s timezone.
Send in Drip Mode (image 8 of 10)What this shows Field Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when all contacts will be enrolled.What this showsIllustrates the "Send in Drip Mode" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot appears in the "Send in Drip Mode" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". The text alongside this image reads: Field Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when all contacts will be enrolled. Displayed in your account’s timezone. Immediately after, the guide continues: Contacts are enrolled in batches over a period of time rather than all at once. Ideal for large contact lists where you want to stagger enrollment to avoid overwhelming your workflow or to spread out communications.Image 8 of 10What to chooseField Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when all contacts will be enrolled. Displayed in your account’s timezone.
Buttons and menus referencedFieldDescriptionPick a Start Date & TimeNumber of Messages per BatchRepeat after
Next stepContacts are enrolled in batches over a period of time rather than all at once. Ideal for large contact lists where you want to stagger enrollment to avoid overwhelming your workflow or to spread out communications.Send in Drip Mode
Contacts are enrolled in batches over a period of time rather than all at once. Ideal for large contact lists where you want to stagger enrollment to avoid overwhelming your workflow or to spread out communications.
Additional fields:
Field
Description
Pick a Start Date & Time
The date and time when the first batch of contacts will be enrolled.
Number of Messages per Batch
How many contacts to enroll in each batch.
Repeat after
The interval between batches. Set the number and unit (Days, Hours, or Minutes).
Send in Drip Mode (image 9 of 10)What this shows Field Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when the first batch of contacts will be enrolled.What this showsIllustrates the "Send in Drip Mode" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot appears in the "Send in Drip Mode" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". The text alongside this image reads: Field Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when the first batch of contacts will be enrolled. Number of Messages per Batch How many contacts to enroll in each batch. Repeat after The interval between batches. Set the number and unit (Days, Hours, or Minutes). Immediately after, the guide continues: After submitting, you can track the bulk action on the Bulk Actions page. Navigate to Contacts > Bulk Actions to view all your bulk action requests.Image 9 of 10What to chooseField Description Pick a Start Date & Time The date and time when the first batch of contacts will be enrolled. Number of Messages per Batch How many contacts to enroll in each batch. Repeat after The interval between batches. Set the number and unit (Days, Hours, or Minutes).
Buttons and menus referencedFieldDescriptionPick a Start Date & TimeNumber of Messages per BatchRepeat after
Next stepAfter submitting, you can track the bulk action on the Bulk Actions page. Navigate to Contacts > Bulk Actions to view all your bulk action requests.
Tracking Progress
After submitting, you can track the bulk action on the Bulk Actions page. Navigate to Contacts > Bulk Actions to view all your bulk action requests.
The Bulk Actions page shows:
Action Label: The name you provided when creating the action.
Operation: The automation type (e.g., Workflow).
Status: Whether the action is In Progress, Scheduled, or Complete.
User: Who initiated the bulk action.
Created / Completed: Timestamps for when the action was created and completed, shown in your account’s timezone.
Statistics: Click the statistics icon to view a detailed breakdown of the action’s results.
You can filter the Bulk Actions page by date range, status, action type, and user to quickly find any specific request.
Tracking Progress (image 10 of 10)What this shows You can filter the Bulk Actions page by date range, status, action type, and user to quickly find any specific request.What this showsIllustrates the "Tracking Progress" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow".This screenshot appears in the "Tracking Progress" section of "How to Add Contacts in Bulk to a Workflow". The text alongside this image reads: You can filter the Bulk Actions page by date range, status, action type, and user to quickly find any specific request. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Can I filter contacts by other fields besides tags?Image 10 of 10What to fill inYou can filter the Bulk Actions page by date range, status, action type, and user to quickly find any specific request.
Buttons and menus referencedContactsBulk Actions
Next stepQ: Can I filter contacts by other fields besides tags?All 6 steps in this procedure
Action Label: The name you provided when creating the action.
Operation: The automation type (e.g., Workflow).
Status: Whether the action is In Progress, Scheduled, or Complete.
User: Who initiated the bulk action.
Created / Completed: Timestamps for when the action was created and completed, shown in your account’s timezone.
Statistics: Click the statistics icon to view a detailed breakdown of the action’s results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I filter contacts by other fields besides tags?
Yes. The Advanced Filters panel supports filtering by any contact field (email, city, contact source, created date, opportunity stage, etc.) as well as custom fields. You can combine multiple filters and nested filters to precisely target the contacts you want to enroll.
Q: Does the workflow need to be published?
Yes. Only published workflows appear in the Workflow dropdown. Make sure your workflow is published before using this feature.
Q: What is the difference between Send at Scheduled Time and Send in Drip Mode?
Send at Scheduled Time enrolls all selected contacts at a single chosen date and time. Send in Drip Mode staggers enrollment by sending contacts in batches at regular intervals – useful for spreading out communications over days or hours.
Q: Where can I track the progress of my bulk action?
Navigate to Contacts > Bulk Actions. You’ll see all your bulk action requests with their current status, timestamps, and a statistics breakdown.
Q: Can I save a Smart List filter and reuse it for future bulk imports?
Yes. After applying your Advanced Filters, you can save the filtered view as a Smart List. The next time you need to enroll the same segment, just open that Smart List, select the contacts, and trigger the automation.
