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Introduction: Why Local Presence Matters More Than Ever
Outbound calling has always been a cornerstone of sales outreach, but in today’s environment of robocall-blocking apps and “Spam Likely” labels, getting prospects to actually pick up is a constant battle. Numerous studies confirm that most people are far more likely to answer a familiar local area code than an out-of-state or toll-free number. Kixie’s Local Presence dialing taps into this psychological advantage by automatically displaying a local caller ID-helping your calls stand out in an era of heightened call screening.
For HighLevel users, the synergy between Kixie and HighLevel is particularly powerful. HighLevel offers robust CRM, marketing automation, and pipeline features; Kixie layers in AI-driven local presence, auto-dialing, call logging, and advanced telephony capabilities. The result? A seamless outbound engine where you can appear “local” to prospects anywhere-and see a real boost in answer rates.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to set up Kixie within HighLevel for local presence calls, highlight best practices to avoid spam flags, and share real-world results from businesses that have dramatically increased their pickup rates. Let’s dive in!
Part 1: Setting Up Kixie with HighLevel for Local Presence
1. Sign Up for Kixie (or Upgrade Your Plan)
If you’re new to Kixie, start by creating an account. Make sure you’re on (or upgrade to) a plan that supports Local Presence. Kixie offers two primary modes:
| Local Presence Mode | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Local Presence | You manually pick and purchase local numbers for the areas you want to target. | Teams that call specific regions consistently |
| ConnectionBoost (AI Local Presence) | Kixie automatically provides and rotates local numbers nationwide (and internationally, if needed). | Teams calling diverse locations or high volume |
Both modes let you display a local area code to match your contact’s number. ConnectionBoost simply automates number selection and rotation on your behalf.
2. Install the Kixie PowerCall Chrome Extension
Kixie’s PowerCall dialer is a Chrome extension that enables click-to-call, screen pops, SMS, voicemail drops, and more. Once installed, you’ll log into your Kixie account through the extension. This is where you can configure local presence, verify outbound caller IDs, and view inbound calls-all in the browser.
3. Connect Kixie to HighLevel (LeadConnector)
Next, integrate HighLevel (often labeled “LeadConnector” in Kixie’s CRM integration settings). In the PowerCall dialer:
- Open Settings (the “☰” menu).
- Go to CRM Integration and select Add CRM.
- Choose LeadConnector (HighLevel) from the list.
- Authorize Kixie to access your HighLevel sub-account.
Once connected, Kixie will automatically log calls, SMS, and dispositions to the right HighLevel contact records. Call recordings, call duration, and any notes you take inside the dialer will also flow into HighLevel’s Conversations/activity timeline.
4. Configure Users, Numbers, and Local Presence Settings
After the admin sets up the integration:
- Each user on your Kixie account should sign into the PowerCall dialer and confirm the HighLevel CRM is connected.
- Acquire local numbers if you’re using Standard Local Presence-go to Manage > Numbers in the Kixie dashboard and add numbers in the desired area codes.
- If you’re using ConnectionBoost (AI Local Presence), Kixie will maintain a dynamic pool of numbers for you, automatically matching each contact’s area code at call time.
Finally, toggle Local Presence on in your PowerCall dialer settings. If you’re using ConnectionBoost, you may see it labeled “ConnectionBoost.” Once enabled, Kixie automatically chooses a matching local caller ID for each outbound call.
5. Test Your Setup
Create a test contact in HighLevel with your personal cell number, then click to call it via the Kixie dialer. Confirm that:
- You see a local number on your phone’s caller ID (not your normal business or toll-free number).
- The call is automatically logged in HighLevel (with call outcome, duration, etc.).
If all looks good, you’re ready to start dialing with local presence inside HighLevel!
Part 2: How Kixie’s Local Presence Features Work
Standard Local Presence
Real Local Numbers: Acquire specific local numbers in the area codes you call most often.
Callback Routing: If a contact calls back that local number, it routes to the rep who called them.
ConnectionBoost (AI Local Presence)
50,000+ Real Numbers: Kixie maintains a massive global pool. You don’t have to buy or manage each one.
Dynamic Rotation: Kixie automatically picks the top-performing numbers per area code, reducing spam flags and boosting answer rates.
Progressive Caller ID: Each time you call a prospect, the system can display a different local number, keeping your calls fresh and lowering the chance of being screened or blocked.
Spam Detection and Replacement
Kixie actively monitors each local number’s performance. If a number gets flagged or sees a drop in connect rate, Kixie retires that number and replaces it with a “clean” one. This continuous monitoring helps you preserve strong caller ID reputations across all area codes you dial.
Part 3: Best Practices to Avoid Spam Flags and Increase Connect Rates
Local presence dialing can yield dramatic results-some teams see 300-400% increases in pickup rates-but you still need to use it strategically. Here’s how:
| Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Rotate Your Numbers | Using the same number repeatedly for high-volume calling can trigger spam flags |
| Pace Your Calls | Multiple calls to the same lead in a short time can lead to spam labeling |
| Leave Voicemails and Send SMS | Multi-channel follow-up increases engagement even when calls aren’t answered |
| Comply with DNC/TCPA | Legal compliance is essential for maintaining your calling reputation |
| Focus on Conversation Quality | Local presence gets you in the door; your pitch closes the sale |
Part 4: Real-World Impact: Data and Case Studies
Dramatic Jumps in Answer Rates
Industry data shows that calls from local area codes are up to four times more likely to be answered than those from toll-free or out-of-state numbers. Kixie also reports that many users see a 300%-400% improvement in connect rates once they enable local presence.
Before Kixie: 1% pickup rate on cold calls
After Kixie with local presence: 10% answer rate
Result: 10x improvement in live conversations and revenue opportunities
Better Conversations, Fewer “Spam Likely” Calls
Local presence helps your number appear more legitimate from the get-go. Many prospects answer simply out of curiosity because they see a familiar area code. Kixie’s dynamic rotation further reduces the chance that any single number gets flagged as spam.
Part 5: Supercharging HighLevel Automations with Kixie
One of the biggest perks of combining HighLevel and Kixie is the ability to automate your entire outreach strategy:
Workflows Triggered by Call Outcomes
If a call disposition in Kixie is “No Answer,” HighLevel can automatically schedule another attempt or send a follow-up text.
PowerLists for Rapid Dialing
Create a list in HighLevel and push it into a Kixie PowerList. Reps can then auto-dial each contact with local presence, log every outcome, and seamlessly move on to the next lead.
Integrated SMS
Kixie’s texting is also logged in HighLevel. You can set up nurture sequences that combine calls, SMS, and emails, all orchestrated in one system.
This end-to-end integration means your team can handle more leads in less time, while ensuring that every conversation is logged and triggers the right follow-up actions automatically.
Part 6: Compliance and Ethical Considerations
Local Presence vs. Spoofing Local presence uses real, legally obtained phone numbers with matching area codes. Illegal spoofing is when a caller displays a number they don’t own to deceive recipients. Kixie’s numbers are STIR/SHAKEN compliant and properly verified.
| Consideration | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| TCPA Compliance | Respect do-not-call lists and time-of-day restrictions |
| State Telemarketing Laws | Be aware of state-specific regulations that may apply |
| Transparency | Be honest if asked about your location; explain you serve clients in their area |
| STIR/SHAKEN | Kixie’s numbers are properly authenticated to reduce spam flags |
Transparency If a prospect asks, “Are you really in my city?” be honest. You can simply clarify you’re calling from a national company but serve clients in their area. Prospects generally just appreciate that you’re straightforward; the initial local caller ID simply helped them pick up.
Part 7: Troubleshooting Tips
Call Logging Issues
If calls aren’t logging in HighLevel, confirm your Kixie-HighLevel integration is still authorized and that each user is logged in correctly.
Call Quality
Use a stable internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome. If you experience persistent lag or dropped calls, try an Ethernet connection and minimize heavy bandwidth usage.
Spam Flags
Lean on Kixie’s AI number rotation. If a number does get flagged, Kixie can replace it automatically. Avoid overly high call volumes or extremely short calls that can trigger spam detection.
Conclusion: Unlocking Higher Answer Rates with Kixie + HighLevel
Outbound calling remains one of the most direct ways to generate leads and close deals-if people answer the phone. Kixie’s local presence dialing, embedded right within HighLevel’s CRM and automations, changes the equation by displaying familiar area codes that get picked up at much higher rates. Add in rotating caller IDs, integrated texting, and instant call logging, and you have a modern sales engagement engine that rivals enterprise call centers.
- Set Up Kixie + HighLevel: Connect your systems so every call, text, and disposition logs in one place.
- Enable Local Presence: Appear local to any prospect for a massive boost in connect rates.
- Use Automation: Workflows, power dialing, and multi-channel follow-up let you scale outreach without losing the personal touch.
- Stay Compliant and Ethical: Use real numbers, respect DNC lists, and quickly build rapport when people answer.
By combining HighLevel’s robust CRM workflows with Kixie’s dialer intelligence, your team can focus on what actually closes deals: having real conversations with qualified prospects. Turn on local presence, refine your call strategy, and watch as more “voicemails” become “hellos.” It’s a simple upgrade with a potentially game-changing impact on your sales metrics.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a free Kixie trial (or confirm your current plan), integrate your HighLevel sub-account, and enable local presence. Your outbound call answer rates-and your bottom line-will likely thank you.
Interested in more tips for call strategy, texting campaigns, or HighLevel automations? Check out Kixie’s support resources or contact us to learn how our AI-driven Local Presence, ConnectionBoost, and PowerCall dialer can help transform your team’s outreach.
