The brutal truth about switching from Systeme.io and why sometimes you need to break a few things to build something better
The Problem: When “All-in-One” Becomes “All-in-Chaos”
Let me be honest with you—I’ve been running multiple businesses for over a decade, and I thought I’d seen every tech headache possible.
Then I tried to scale with Systeme.io.
Don’t get me wrong. Systeme.io works great when you’re starting out. Simple. Clean. Everything in one place.
But when you’re running 7+ businesses and need systems that actually grow with you? That’s when the cracks start showing.
My Systeme.io breaking points:
- Email builder felt like working with digital duct tape
- Landing pages looked like they were designed in 2015
- Affiliate system was basically non-existent (huge problem when you’re trying to scale)
- Customization options made me want to throw my laptop out the window
After 6 months of fighting with the platform instead of building my business, I knew it was time to make a change.
Attempt #1: The WordPress “Solution” (Spoiler: It Wasn’t)
My first instinct? Go with what I know.
The plan:
- OptimizePress for funnels and landing pages
- OptimizePress checkout system
- OptimizePress Mentor for course delivery
- ConvertKit for email (because I’ve used it for 6 years and it’s bulletproof)
This should have been perfect. OptimizePress has great design flexibility, ConvertKit handles email like a dream, and I could finally build the aesthetic I wanted.
What actually happened: WordPress decided to have a complete meltdown with login emails.
I’m talking about customers not receiving purchase confirmations, password reset emails going to spam, and the entire authentication system acting like it was powered by wishes and caffeine.
Three weeks of troubleshooting. Multiple support tickets. Two different developers.
Nothing worked consistently.
When you’re running a business that depends on people actually being able to access what they bought, email delivery isn’t optional—it’s everything.
Lesson learned: Sometimes the “obvious” solution is obvious because it doesn’t work for your specific situation.
Attempt #2: The SamCart Experiment (So Close, Yet So Far)
Frustrated but not defeated, I pivoted again.
The new plan:
- OptimizePress for landing pages (keeping what worked)
- SamCart for checkout (heard amazing things about their conversion rates)
- SamCart for courses (seemed logical—keep it all in one ecosystem)
- ConvertKit for email (not giving this up)
The checkout experience? Chef’s kiss
SamCart really delivers on conversions. Clean design, smooth flow, and their one-click upsells actually work without feeling sleazy.
But then I tried to build my first course in their platform.
Have you ever tried to create something beautiful with broken tools? That’s what SamCart’s course platform felt like.
What was wrong:
- Video player looked like it belonged on a website from 2010
- Course navigation was confusing for students
- Customization options were basically “pick from these 3 ugly themes”
- The overall learning experience felt… cheap
I spent weeks trying to make it work. Built out entire modules. Uploaded all my content.
But every time I looked at the final result, I kept thinking: “Would I pay premium prices for a course that looks like this?”
The answer was no.
The Final Solution: Why Sometimes You Need 4 Tools to Do 1 Job Right
After two failed attempts, I had a choice: settle for “good enough” or build something I was actually proud of.
I chose to build.
My current stack:
(affiliate links )
- OptimizePress for sales pages and landing pages
- SamCart for checkout and payment processing
- Teachable for course platform and delivery (click the link to get lifetime deal)
- Elfsight for audio lessons in course
- ConvertKit for email marketing
Is it more complex? Yes. Do I have to manage more integrations? Absolutely. Is it worth it? 100%.
Why This Stack Actually Works
OptimizePress Sales Pages: Finally, I can build landing pages that don’t look like they were designed by someone who learned web design from a 2005 tutorial. The design flexibility means I can create pages that match my brand and actually convert.
SamCart Checkout: This is where SamCart shines. Their checkout conversion rates are genuinely impressive, and the one-click upsell functionality has increased my average order value by 40%. Plus, their analytics actually help me understand customer behavior.
Teachable Course Platform: This was the game-changer. Teachable’s course interface is clean, professional, and makes learning feel premium. Students can easily track progress, the video player actually works reliably, and I can customize the experience to match my brand.
The mobile experience alone makes it worth the switch—which is crucial when 60% of my students access courses on their phones.
ConvertKit Email: Six years in, and I’m still not switching. Reliable delivery, powerful automation, and I can actually segment my audience in ways that make sense for my business.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since making the switch, here’s what changed:
- Course completion rates: Up 35% (better user experience = more engaged students)
- Checkout conversion: Up 28% (SamCart’s optimization really works)
- Support tickets: Down 60% (fewer tech issues = happier customers)
- Time spent on tech maintenance: Down 50% (each tool does one thing really well)
But the biggest change? I actually enjoy building courses and funnels again.
What I Learned About Tech Stacks (The Hard Way)
1. “All-in-One” Usually Means “Mediocre at Everything”
When a platform tries to do everything, it rarely does anything exceptionally well. Sometimes you need specialized tools for specialized needs.
2. Your Tech Should Scale With Your Ambitions
What works at $10K/month might not work at $100K/month. Build for where you’re going, not just where you are.
3. Integration Complexity Isn’t Always Bad
Yes, managing 4 tools is more complex than managing 1. But when each tool excels at its specific function, the results speak for themselves.
4. Customer Experience Trumps Everything
Pretty landing pages don’t matter if customers can’t log in. Perfect email sequences are useless if they end up in spam folders. Always prioritize what actually works over what looks good on paper.
5. Sometimes You Have to Break Things to Build Better Things
Two failed migrations taught me more about my business needs than months of “making do” with subpar tools.
Is This Stack Right for You?
Honestly? Maybe not.
If you’re just starting out, the complexity might not be worth it. Stick with simpler solutions until you hit their limitations.
But if you’re scaling and running into these familiar frustrations:
- Landing pages that look amateur
- Checkout flows that lose customers
- Course platforms that make your content look cheap
- Email systems that don’t reliably deliver
Then it might be time to consider building a stack that actually serves your business instead of holding it back.
The Bottom Line
Switching tech stacks is painful. It’s time-consuming. It’s expensive.
But trying to scale a business on inadequate tools is worse.
Your tech stack should amplify your strengths, not mask your weaknesses. It should make you look more professional, not less. And it should definitely not be the reason you’re losing sales or frustrating customers.
Sometimes the best business decision is the one that creates short-term chaos for long-term growth.
Three months later, I can say with certainty: the chaos was worth it.
What’s your biggest tech stack frustration right now? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your horror stories (and maybe help you avoid some of mine).
P.S. If you’re thinking about making a similar switch, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share the specific integration setup that’s working for me and save you some of the trial-and-error headaches I went through.
Building chaotically (but with better tools), Hema