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Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS

Learn how to send documents and contracts via SMS in GHL Customer Care. Configure defaults, create SMS templates, and deliver contracts faster with higher visibility.

5 min read1,055 words8 explained imagesUpdated Wed, 10 Sep, 2025 at 9:44 AM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Send Documents via SMS
  2. Global Defaults for Document Notifications
  3. Step 1: Navigate to Documents & Contracts
  4. Step 2: Open Document Settings
  5. Step 3: Go to Customer Notifications
  6. Step 4: Configure “Document Received” Notifications
  7. Step 5: Configure “Document Signed” Notifications
  8. Create SMS Templates with Snippets
  9. Send Documents Individually
  10. Send Documents via Workflows
  11. Viewing Contact Information When Adding Recipients
  12. Frequently Asked Questions

SMS delivery option for Documents & Contracts makes it easier to reach clients quickly and reliably. This guide walks you through how to set up global defaults, create SMS snippets, send documents individually or through workflows, and manage recipient details so your contracts are delivered seamlessly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Send Documents via SMS?

Send Documents via SMS in GHL Customer Care allows you to deliver contracts and documents directly through text messages. Instead of relying solely on email, this feature ensures that your documents reach clients faster and with higher visibility by leveraging SMS. It integrates with existing workflows, snippets, and notification settings for seamless document delivery.

Key Benefits of Send Documents via SMS

Delivering documents through SMS provides a faster and more reliable way to connect with your clients. With configurable defaults and flexible sending options, this feature improves efficiency and communication.

  • Higher Visibility: SMS messages are more likely to be seen immediately compared to emails.
  • Flexible Delivery: Choose SMS only, Email only, or Email + SMS for maximum visibility.
  • Custom Messaging: Use Snippets to create personalized SMS templates for document delivery.
  • Workflow Integration: Automate document sends via workflows with SMS as a delivery option.
  • Time-Saving Defaults: Configure global defaults for document sent and signed notifications.
  • Improved Recipient Management: View contact information while adding recipients to documents.

Global Defaults for Document Notifications

Setting global defaults ensures that your document delivery method is consistent and time-efficient. These defaults apply across all documents unless manually overridden.

Step 1: Navigate to Documents & Contracts

  1. From the left-hand menu, click on Payments.

  2. At the top of the Payments page, select the Documents & Contracts tab.

This will take you to the Documents & Contracts area, where you can manage all proposals, estimates, and contracts created for your business.

Step 1: Navigate to Documents & Contracts (image 1 of 8) What this shows This will take you to the Documents & Contracts area, where you can manage all proposals, estimates, and contracts created for your business. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Navigate to Documents & Contracts" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Navigate to Documents & Contracts" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: This will take you to the Documents & Contracts area, where you can manage all proposals, estimates, and contracts created for your business. Immediately after, the guide continues: Once you are in the Documents & Contracts section, look to the upper-right corner of the screen. Click on the Settings button (gear icon). Image 1 of 8 What this coversThis will take you to the Documents & Contracts area, where you can manage all proposals, estimates, and contracts created for your business.
Buttons and menus referenced PaymentsDocuments & Contracts
Next stepOnce you are in the Documents & Contracts section, look to the upper-right corner of the screen. Click on the Settings button (gear icon).
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. From the left-hand menu, click on Payments.
  2. At the top of the Payments page, select the Documents & Contracts tab.

Step 2: Open Document Settings

  1. Once you are in the Documents & Contracts section, look to the upper-right corner of the screen.

  2. Click on the Settings button (gear icon).

This opens the configuration area where you can manage customer notifications, including enabling SMS for document delivery.

Step 2: Open Document Settings (image 2 of 8) What this shows This opens the configuration area where you can manage customer notifications, including enabling SMS for document delivery. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Open Document Settings" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Open Document Settings" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: This opens the configuration area where you can manage customer notifications, including enabling SMS for document delivery. Immediately after, the guide continues: Inside Settings, navigate to the left-hand menu. Click on Customer Notifications. Image 2 of 8 What this coversThis opens the configuration area where you can manage customer notifications, including enabling SMS for document delivery.
Buttons and menus referenced Documents & ContractsSettings
Next stepInside Settings, navigate to the left-hand menu. Click on Customer Notifications.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. Once you are in the Documents & Contracts section, look to the upper-right corner of the screen.
  2. Click on the Settings button (gear icon).

Step 3: Go to Customer Notifications

  1. Inside Settings, navigate to the left-hand menu.

  2. Click on Customer Notifications.

This section allows you to configure how customers are notified when they receive or sign a document. It includes options for setting up both email and SMS notifications.

Step 3: Go to Customer Notifications (image 3 of 8) What this shows This section allows you to configure how customers are notified when they receive or sign a document. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 3: Go to Customer Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Go to Customer Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: This section allows you to configure how customers are notified when they receive or sign a document. It includes options for setting up both email and SMS notifications. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Customer Notifications section, locate the Document received area. Here you can configure how customers are notified when they receive a document. Image 3 of 8 What this coversThis section allows you to configure how customers are notified when they receive or sign a document. It includes options for setting up both email and SMS notifications.
Buttons and menus referenced SettingsCustomer Notifications
Next stepIn the Customer Notifications section, locate the Document received area. Here you can configure how customers are notified when they receive a document.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. Inside Settings, navigate to the left-hand menu.
  2. Click on Customer Notifications.

Step 4: Configure “Document Received” Notifications

  1. In the Customer Notifications section, locate the Document received area.

  2. Here you can configure how customers are notified when they receive a document.

    • Email Notifications: Check this option to send an email notification. You can select a template and customize the subject line.

    • SMS Notifications: Check this option to send a text message. You can choose an SMS template by clicking Manage and selecting from your saved snippets.

This ensures that recipients are immediately alerted via email, SMS, or both when a document is sent to them.

Step 4: Configure “Document Received” Notifications (image 4 of 8) What this shows This ensures that recipients are immediately alerted via email, SMS, or both when a document is sent to them. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 4: Configure “Document Received” Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Step 4: Configure “Document Received” Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: This ensures that recipients are immediately alerted via email, SMS, or both when a document is sent to them. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted. Image 4 of 8 What this coversThis ensures that recipients are immediately alerted via email, SMS, or both when a document is sent to them.
Buttons and menus referenced Customer NotificationsDocument receivedEmail NotificationsSMS NotificationsManage
Next stepIn the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. In the Customer Notifications section, locate the Document received area.
  2. Here you can configure how customers are notified when they receive a document.

Step 5: Configure “Document Signed” Notifications

  1. In the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section.

  2. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted.

    • Email Notifications: Check this option to notify recipients by email. You can select an email template and edit the subject line.

    • SMS Notifications: Check this option to notify recipients by text message. Use the Manage option to choose your SMS template.

Step 5: Configure “Document Signed” Notifications (image 5 of 8) What this shows In the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Configure “Document Signed” Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Configure “Document Signed” Notifications" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: In the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted. Immediately after, the guide continues: Note: Document Received can be overridden later if needed, but Document Signed always follows the global setting. Image 5 of 8 What this coversIn the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted.
Buttons and menus referenced Customer NotificationsDocument signedEmail NotificationsSMS NotificationsManage
Next stepNote: Document Received can be overridden later if needed, but Document Signed always follows the global setting.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. In the Customer Notifications settings, locate the Document signed section.
  2. This setting controls how customers are notified once a document has been successfully signed or accepted.
 


Note: Document Received can be overridden later if needed, but Document Signed always follows the global setting.

Create SMS Templates with Snippets

Snippets allow you to create reusable, personalized SMS messages that make sending documents faster and more professional.

  1. From the left-hand menu, click on Marketing.

  2. At the top, select the Snippets tab.

  3. Click the + Add Snippet button in the top-right corner.

  4. Choose Add Text Snippet to create an SMS snippet.

  5. Enter your message content (for example: “Your document is ready. Please review and sign using the link provided.”).

  6. Save the snippet — it will then be available to select when configuring SMS notifications for documents.

Create SMS Templates with Snippets (image 6 of 8) What this shows From the left-hand menu, click on Marketing. What this shows Illustrates the "Create SMS Templates with Snippets" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Create SMS Templates with Snippets" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: From the left-hand menu, click on Marketing. At the top, select the Snippets tab. Click the + Add Snippet button in the top-right corner. Choose Add Text Snippet to create an SMS snippet. Enter your message content (for example: “Your document is ready. Please review and sign using the link…. Immediately after, the guide continues: When sending documents one by one, you can choose whether to deliver them via email, SMS, or both. Image 6 of 8 What to fill inFrom the left-hand menu, click on Marketing. At the top, select the Snippets tab. Click the + Add Snippet button in the top-right corner. Choose Add Text Snippet to create an SMS snippet. Enter your message content (for example: “Your document is ready. Please review and sign using the link provided.”). Save the snippet — it will then be available to select when configuring SMS notifications for documents.
Buttons and menus referenced MarketingSnippets+ Add SnippetAdd Text Snippet
Next stepWhen sending documents one by one, you can choose whether to deliver them via email, SMS, or both.
All 6 steps in this procedure
  1. From the left-hand menu, click on Marketing.
  2. At the top, select the Snippets tab.
  3. Click the + Add Snippet button in the top-right corner.
  4. Choose Add Text Snippet to create an SMS snippet.
  5. Enter your message content (for example: “Your document is ready. Please review and sign using the link provided.”).
  6. Save the snippet — it will then be available to select when configuring SMS notifications for documents.

Send Documents Individually

When sending documents one by one, you can choose whether to deliver them via email, SMS, or both.

  • From Documents and Contracts Dashboard, create a new document or Open the existing document you want to send.
  • Once you have done creating all the info to the document, ClickSend.
  • From there, select "Send Document" option
Send Documents Individually (image 7 of 8) What this shows From there, select "Send Document" option What this shows Illustrates the "Send Documents Individually" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Send Documents Individually" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: From there, select "Send Document" option. This part of the guide covers 2 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Select the channel: Email, SMS, or Email + SMS. Image 7 of 8 What to chooseFrom there, select "Send Document" option
Fields in this part of the guide From there, select "Send Document" optionIf using SMS:
Buttons and menus referenced SendEmailSMSEmail + SMS
Next stepSelect the channel: Email, SMS, or Email + SMS.
  • Select the channel:Email,SMS, orEmail + SMS.
  • If using SMS:
    • Choose your preferred SMS template from Snippets.
    • Review and send.
Send Documents Individually (image 8 of 8) What this shows Select the channel: Email, SMS, or Email + SMS. What this shows Illustrates the "Send Documents Individually" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". This screenshot appears in the "Send Documents Individually" section of "Send GHL Customer Care Documents and Contracts via SMS". The text alongside this image reads: Select the channel: Email, SMS, or Email + SMS. This part of the guide covers 2 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Automating document sends via workflows saves time and ensures consistency. SMS can be selected as a sending channel. Image 8 of 8 What to chooseSelect the channel: Email, SMS, or Email + SMS.
Fields in this part of the guide From there, select "Send Document" optionIf using SMS:
Buttons and menus referenced SendEmailSMSEmail + SMS
Next stepAutomating document sends via workflows saves time and ensures consistency. SMS can be selected as a sending channel.

Send Documents via Workflows

Automating document sends via workflows saves time and ensures consistency. SMS can be selected as a sending channel.

  • Navigate toAutomation → Workflows.
  • Add aSend Documentaction.
  • Choose the delivery channel:Email,SMS, or both.
  • Save the workflow. The system will use your default SMS content/template.

Viewing Contact Information When Adding Recipients

To improve accuracy, GHL Customer Care displays recipient contact details when adding them to a document. This ensures you select the correct phone number for SMS delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I send documents via SMS only, without email?
Yes, you can choose SMS only as the delivery method.

Q: Can I override the global default delivery setting?
Yes, you can override forDocument Received, butDocument Signedwill always follow the global default.

Q: Are there character limits for SMS templates?
Yes, standard SMS character limits apply (160 characters per message). Longer messages may be split.

Q: Can I include attachments in SMS document messages?
Documents themselves are delivered via secure links in SMS, not as direct attachments.

Q: What happens if the client’s phone number is invalid or SMS fails?
If SMS delivery fails, you can resend via email or correct the contact information and try again.

Q: Can I use merge fields in SMS templates for personalization?
Yes, merge fields can be used in SMS snippets to personalize messages with client details.

Q: Is SMS sending available in all countries?
SMS availability depends on carrier and region. Check delivery logs or troubleshooting if issues occur.

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