Cold Email Outreach Using HighLevel. A Clear Guide for UK Businesses.
How to stay compliant with GDPR & HighLevel
Is Cold Email Legal Under GDPR?
Here’s the straight answer (without the scare tactics).
Cold outreach is legal in the UK and EU - if you follow the rules.
This page explains exactly what you can and can’t do, and gives you a simple, compliant checklist you can use today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide (and any associated downloads or web pages) is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content does not constitute legal advice. GDPR and data protection laws can be complex and may vary depending on your specific circumstances or jurisdiction. You are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified legal professional or data protection officer (DPO) to ensure your business practices, policies, and communications are fully compliant.
What the Law Actually Says (GDPR + PECR)
Three regulations apply:
1. GDPR (UK GDPR) - governs personal data: This covers lawful basis, data storage, privacy rights, and documentation.
2. PECR - governs marketing communications: This determines who you can contact and how.
3. Local EU laws (if you target EU businesses): The UK is more flexible than countries like Germany - but the same general principles apply.
They all agree that:
B2B emails to corporate addresses are allowed without consent IF they are relevant, fair and you have a legal basis.
The Legal Basis You Need: Legitimate Interest
Cold outreach does not require consent. Instead, GDPR allows B2B email marketers to rely on Legitimate Interest as their lawful basis.
To use this basis legally, you must:
Have a genuine business interest
Show the outreach is necessary and proportionate
Respect the recipient’s rights
Include an easy opt-out
Complete a Legitimate Interest Assessment (LIA)
An LIA is essential. It’s your evidence that you followed the rules. Read on to learn more...
What Is a Legitimate Interest Assessment (LIA)?
A Legitimate Interest Assessment (LIA) is a risk assessment to determine if an organization can lawfully process personal data based on "legitimate interests" under regulations like the GDPR. It involves a three-part test: a purpose test to identify a legitimate interest, a necessity test to confirm the processing is required, and a balancing test to ensure the organization's interest does not override the individual's rights and freedoms. Documenting an LIA is crucial for accountability and proves that the potential impact on individuals has been considered.
A LIA is a simple internal document that proves you’ve thought about:
Why you're contacting someone
Whether it's reasonable
Whether it affects their rights
Whether email is the least intrusive method
What data you’ll store
How you’ll offer opt-outs
LIA Example:
Take a peek at an example LIA Form.
Please Note: You do not send the LIA to contacts. You simply keep it on file in case the ICO ever asks.
When Cold Email Is Legal in the UK
Cold B2B outreach is compliant when:
1. You're emailing business addresses
e.g., [email protected].
Not [email protected].
2. The email is relevant to their job
Example: marketing software → Marketing Manager.
3. You include a clear opt-out
"Reply STOP to opt out" is fine.
4. You only store minimal business data
Name, company, email, role.
5. You stop emailing after an opt-out
Immediately!
6. Your outreach is proportionate
No spammy sequences or aggressive automation.
7. You complete and retain an LIA
This is your safety net. Do not forget to complete this internal assessment.
Is Automated Email Outreach Allowed?
As we're using HighLevel for our cold email outreach you may be wondering if there are any rules around using automation to send emails.
Under GDPR, automated cold email outreach is permitted, as long as you stick to the rules laid out on this page. The method you're using is not important, it’s the purpose and process that must comply.
How to Stay 100% Compliant (Simple Checklist)
Before sending the campaign:
Complete an LIA
Confirm emails are business emails
Confirm the message is relevant
Add an opt-out line
Add a privacy link
Keep the data minimal
Document your data source
During the campaign:
Respect opt-outs instantly
Avoid sending large, intrusive sequences
Track reply intent
Monitor delivery and spam feedback
After the campaign:
Delete contacts after 12 months of inactivity
Update suppression lists
Review LIA annually
In Conclusion: HighLevel is an excellent platform for cold outreach as long as you configure it correctly.
Cold B2B email is allowed under the UK GDPR and PECR rules as long as your outreach is relevant, respectful, and properly documented.
You can legally use:
Automated workflows
Multi-step sequences
AI-assisted messaging
Email tracking
Dynamic personalisation
Pipelines & automations
Just make sure you set up:
A suppression list
Opt-out management
LIA documentation
Data minimisation fields
Correct sending domain & warmup
A compliant privacy notice
Stick to the rules and it's all groovy.
For more articles on HighLevel and GDPR, check out the Hub page here.
Meet Tim, Your HighLevel Expert
"With over 25 years of digital marketing expertise and as the UK's first certified HighLevel administrator, I've helped businesses of all sizes transform their marketing operations and achieve dramatic growth.
GDPR compliance is essential for every business operating in the EU/UK, including businesses who provide services to customers in that area.
However, it's often overlooked and and under-prioritised, which could leave your business open to serious penalties for non-compliance."
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Ready to get GDPR compliant?
Introducing: The All-in-One Snapshot to Keep Your Communications Compliant
The HighLevel GDPR Snapshot gives you plug-and-play HighLevel templates, compliant workflows, policy generators, and a full setup guide. Everything you need to make compliance part of your growth strategy.
GDPR Compliance Made Easy for HighLevel Marketers & Agencies
Don't Delay! Get the GDPR HighLevel snapshot today and kiss goodbye to GDPR worries.
GDPR Snapshot FAQ
Still unsure this is right for you? Check out the FAQ.
Is this snapshot only for UK users?
No - it’s designed to comply with UK and EU GDPR, so it’s perfect for anyone targeting customers in the UK or Europe. If your clients or leads are based there, this applies to you.
What platforms does it work with?
It’s built for HighLevel - so if you use GoHighLevel, you’re good to go. Just import the snapshot and start using the prebuilt assets.
Is there any training included?
Yes - a short companion course is coming soon, walking you through how to set everything up and how to talk to clients about compliance. You'll get access as soon as it's ready.
Do I need separate consent for each channel?
Yes. The snapshot includes granular consent options so users can opt-in to email, SMS, and WhatsApp individually - in line with GDPR best practices.
Can I use this for client accounts?
Absolutely - this is ideal for agencies. Use it as-is or customise it for each client. It saves hours of setup time and helps you sell GDPR compliance as a premium add-on.
Does this replace legal advice?
No. This snapshot gives you a solid, compliant working system - but it’s not a substitute for formal legal advice. Always check with a legal professional if you're unsure about specific situations.
What if I already have forms in HighLevel?
No problem - just assign your existing forms to the pre-built workflows and it'll work perfectly.
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Disclosure: Boost My Business an independent entity from HighLevel. We are not an agent or employee of HighLevel and have no authority to make binding contract or represent HighLevel. We receive referral payments from HighLevel. The opinions expressed here are our own and shall NOT be interpreted or considered as representations, guarantees, or statements made by HighLevel Inc or any of its subsidiaries, agents, or assigns.