GoHighLevel Integrations: What Connects Natively and What Still Needs Zapier

Table of Contents

• Introduction – Why Integrations Matter for Agencies

• GoHighLevel Native Integrations Explained

  • Email & Communication Apps

  • Payment Gateways

  • Calendar & Scheduling Tools

  • Ads & Analytics Platforms

  • E-commerce & Membership Systems

• Where Zapier Still Comes In

• Pros and Cons: Native Integrations vs. Zapier Workflows

• Zapier Alternatives to Explore with GoHighLevel

• How to Decide: Native vs. Zapier for Your Agency

• Real-World Examples of Agencies Using Integrations

• Best Practices for Setting Up Integrations in GHL

• Final Takeaways – Building a Connected Tech Stack with GHL

• FAQs

Introduction – Why Integrations Matter for Agencies

Running a marketing agency without smooth integrations is like trying to run a marathon with untied shoelaces you’ll get tripped up sooner or later.

Clients don’t just want results; they want efficiency, fast reporting, and smooth communication. That’s why GoHighLevel integrations are such a hot topic for agencies in 2025.

GHL is already an all-in-one CRM and automation platform, but agencies often need to connect it with external tools: email, ads, payments, or project management. The good news? GHL’s ecosystem keeps expanding. The catch? Not everything is native sometimes, you’ll still need Zapier or an alternative to bridge the gap.

Let’s dive in.

GoHighLevel Native Integrations Explained

GoHighLevel has been steadily rolling out more native apps so agencies can ditch expensive third-party connectors. Here’s what connects directly inside GHL without Zapier.

1. Email & Communication Apps

• SMTP/IMAP: Direct integration with Gmail, Outlook, Office 365.

• Twilio: For SMS/MMS automation.

• Mailgun: For email sending and tracking.

• Facebook Messenger & Instagram DMs: Connect social messaging to your GHL inbox.

👉 Benefit: No jumping between platforms your client comms all land in one unified inbox.

2. Payment Gateways

• Stripe: The most popular native option for invoices, subscriptions, and SaaS billing.

• PayPal (limited support in some regions).

👉 Agencies selling memberships, retainers, or courses can set up recurring revenue models natively.

3. Calendar & Scheduling Tools

• Google Calendar

• Outlook 365 Calendar

👉 This powers GHL’s built-in booking system, avoiding double-booking nightmares.

4. Ads & Analytics Platforms

• Facebook Ads Manager

• Google Ads

• TikTok Ads (beta rollout)

• Google Analytics & GA4

👉 See ROI directly in your GHL dashboard instead of flipping between multiple ad platforms.

5. E-commerce & Membership Systems

• Shopify (newer native integration)

• WooCommerce (via direct API)

• WordPress Membership Plugins

👉 Perfect for agencies serving e-commerce or info-product businesses.

Where Zapier Still Comes In

Despite the rapid growth of GHL native apps, there are still gaps. This is where Zapier (or similar tools) saves the day.

Tools that still need Zapier:

• Project Management (Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Monday.com)

• Advanced Accounting (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks)

• Marketing Tools (HubSpot add-ons, Typeform, SurveyMonkey)

• Specialized CRMs (Salesforce, Pipedrive if clients require dual systems)

• Advanced E-commerce (Shopify extensions, Etsy, Amazon Seller Central)

Example: You want every new GHL lead to create a card in Trello → Zapier handles that in seconds.

Pros and Cons: Native Integrations vs. Zapier Workflows

Native Integrations

✅ Faster, more reliable
✅ Lower cost (no Zapier fees)
✅ Easier setup inside GHL
❌ Limited options (still rolling out)

Zapier

✅ Huge library of 5,000+ apps
✅ Super flexible workflows
✅ Great for custom solutions
❌ Can get expensive fast ($20–$100+/month)
❌ Extra failure points—more moving parts

👉 Bottom line: Use native where possible. Use Zapier only when you need niche workflows.

Zapier Alternatives to Explore with GoHighLevel

If you’re tired of Zapier’s pricing, you’re not alone. Agencies are exploring other automation tools that pair well with GHL:

• Make (formerly Integromat): Visual automation builder, cheaper for heavy users.

• Pabbly Connect: Lifetime deal options, perfect for agencies with budget constraints.

• n8n.io: Open-source automation, customizable if you have dev resources.

• Albato: Growing in popularity for cost-conscious marketers.

👉 These platforms often integrate with GHL’s API just like Zapier sometimes at a fraction of the cost.

How to Decide: Native vs. Zapier for Your Agency

Ask yourself:

1. Is it mission-critical? → Go native if possible.

2. Do I need flexibility? → Zapier or Make gives more options.

3. What’s my budget? → Native is free, Zapier adds recurring costs.

4. How often does this workflow run? → High-volume automations cost more in Zapier.

Example: If you’re syncing 10 leads/day to Google Sheets, Zapier is fine. But if it’s 10,000 leads/month, look for a native or API-driven solution.

Real-World Examples of Agencies Using Integrations

• Local SEO Agency: Uses native Google My Business + GHL integration for reputation management, but relies on Zapier to push reviews into Slack for team visibility.

• E-commerce Agency: Runs Shopify sales natively inside GHL but uses Make to push inventory alerts to their warehouse software.

• Coaching Business Agency: Automates bookings through GHL Calendar → Google Calendar (native), then uses Zapier to send reminders in Slack channels for coaches.

Best Practices for Setting Up Integrations in GHL

• Start Native First: Always check if GHL already supports it natively.

• Keep It Simple: Don’t overcomplicate automations.

• Test Workflows Thoroughly: A broken integration = lost revenue.

• Document Your Tech Stack: Avoid confusion when scaling your agency.

• Audit Monthly: Remove unnecessary Zaps or integrations you’re paying for but not using.

Final Takeaways – Building a Connected Tech Stack with GHL

The future of GoHighLevel integrations is exciting. Each month, new GHL native apps are added, meaning agencies can simplify their tech stack and save money on Zapier.

But don’t ditch Zapier (or its alternatives) just yet it’s still a lifesaver when GHL doesn’t cover niche tools.

👉 The best strategy? Use native for reliability, Zapier for flexibility, and alternatives like Make/Pabbly for cost efficiency. That’s how forward-thinking agencies are building scalable, automated systems in 2025.

FAQs

1. Does GoHighLevel integrate with Shopify natively?
Yes, Shopify is now supported natively inside GHL.

2. Can I connect QuickBooks directly to GHL?
Not yet you’ll need Zapier or Pabbly for accounting workflows.

3. Is Zapier required for SMS in GHL?
No, SMS runs natively through Twilio.

4. What’s the best Zapier alternative for GHL?
For most agencies: Make (advanced, visual) or Pabbly (budget-friendly).

5. Will GHL keep adding more native integrations?
Yes GHL is actively expanding its integration marketplace in 2025.