Running a business in Nigeria today means choosing tools that do not just work but also make financial and operational sense. Many companies are starting to rethink their subscriptions, especially when it comes to email, document sharing, and collaboration tools. For years, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) has been the default option. But with rising costs and the need for solutions that understand local challenges, more Nigerian businesses are making the switch.

One platform that has become a serious contender is Zoho Workplace. If you have been wondering how to migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho, this guide will break it down in simple steps so you can transition smoothly without losing productivity.

Why Businesses Are Switching from Google to Zoho  

For a long time, Gmail and Google Docs have been household names for business communication and collaboration. However, many Nigerian SMEs and enterprises are discovering that the cost of Google Workspace keeps increasing while most teams do not even use all the features.

On the other hand, Zoho Workplace offers a cost-effective, feature-rich, and locally supported alternative. Nigerian businesses like it because:

• Affordable pricing: Zoho is known for its budget-friendly subscription plans. You get the core tools you need without paying for unnecessary extras.

• Local support: Through partners like Basecode, you get Nigerian-based support teams who understand your business environment.

• Privacy-first approach: Zoho has a strong reputation for protecting customer data and avoiding ad-driven business models.

• Smooth migration tools: Zoho makes it easy to import your emails, files, and contacts from Google Workspace.

This combination of affordability and practicality is why so many Nigerian businesses are considering a switch.

You may like to read this: Zoho CRM vs Salesforce: Why Nigerian Startups Are Switching

What Is Zoho Workplace (and How It Compares to Google Workspace)  

Zoho Workplace is an all-in-one suite designed to help teams communicate, collaborate, and manage files efficiently. Think of it as the Zoho version of Google Workspace, but more pocket-friendly.

Here is how they compare:

• Zoho Mail vs Gmail: Professional, ad-free email hosting with custom domains.

• Zoho Writer vs Google Docs: A clean and distraction-free word processor.

• Zoho Sheet vs Google Sheets: Spreadsheet tool for analysis and reports.

• Zoho Show vs Google Slides: Presentation software that works online.

• Zoho WorkDrive vs Google Drive: Secure file storage and sharing.

• Zoho Cliq vs Google Chat: Team chat for faster communication.

• Zoho Meeting vs Google Meet: Online meetings and video conferencing.

The major advantage for Nigerian businesses is that Zoho Workplace bundles all these tools at a lower cost while still offering enterprise-grade performance.

Things to Know Before Migrating  

Before you migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho, here are a few things to consider:

1. Data size – How much email and file data do you currently store in Google? The more you have, the longer migration may take.
2. User accounts – List out all staff members who need Zoho accounts and decide their roles.
3. DNS settings – You will need access to your domain’s DNS records to set up Zoho Mail.
4. Downtime planning – While Zoho offers near-zero downtime migration, it is wise to carry out the switch outside peak working hours.
5. Training needs – Your staff may need orientation to quickly adapt to the new tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migration  

Here is how to migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho without headaches:

Step 1: Create a Zoho Workplace Account  

Go to Zoho Workplace and sign up for your business domain. Choose the plan that fits your budget and user size.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain  

Zoho will ask you to verify ownership of your business domain by adding a TXT or CNAME record in your DNS settings. This step ensures your company email (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com) can be hosted on Zoho Mail.

Step 3: Set Up User Accounts  

Add all your employees who will be using Zoho Mail. You can create users manually or bulk import them from a CSV file.

Step 4: Use the Migration Tool  

Zoho provides a Google Workspace Migration Tool that allows you to securely transfer emails, contacts, and calendars.

• Log in to the Zoho Mail Admin Console.

• Choose Data Migration and select Google Workspace as the source.

• Authenticate with your Google Workspace admin credentials.

• Select the users and data you want to migrate.

Step 5: Update MX Records  

Once migration is complete, update your domain’s MX records to point to Zoho Mail servers. This ensures all new emails start landing in Zoho instead of Gmail.

Step 6: Move Files and Documents  

For files in Google Drive, you can use Zoho WorkDrive Migrator or manually download and re-upload critical files. This ensures your team has uninterrupted access to important documents.

Step 7: Test and Validate  

Check that all migrated data is intact. Send test emails, open migrated files, and confirm that team members can log in without issues.

You may also like to read this: How Much Does Zoho CRM Cost for Nigerian Businesses?

Setting Up Zoho Mail and Apps for Your Team  

Once the migration is complete, the next step is helping your team settle into Zoho. Here are a few tips:

• Configure Zoho Mail apps on desktops and mobile phones for easy access.

• Introduce Zoho Cliq for real-time chats, replacing WhatsApp groups used for work.

• Move project documentation to Zoho WorkDrive to keep everything organised.

• Encourage collaboration through Zoho Writer and Zoho Sheet for document and spreadsheet work.

By setting up these tools from the start, your employees can continue their daily tasks without disruption.

Support, Training, and Adoption Tips  

One common issue Nigerian businesses face when switching platforms is employee resistance. Staff may say, “But we are used to Gmail,” or “Zoho looks different.”

To make adoption smoother:

• Host a short training session: Walk your team through Zoho Mail, WorkDrive, and Cliq.

• Provide cheat sheets: Simple guides on how to log in, send emails, or create documents go a long way.

• Highlight the benefits: Remind your staff that Zoho is faster, cleaner, and more secure.

• Offer support channels: Make sure employees know who to call if they face issues.

The more you involve your team in the process, the easier the transition will be.

Getting Help from Basecode  

Migrating from one platform to another can sound overwhelming, especially if you are not very technical. That is where Basecode comes in. As a Zoho-authorised partner in Nigeria, we help businesses migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho without stress.

Whether you need a smooth migration, staff training, or ongoing support, Basecode is here to make the switch effortless for your business.

Final Thoughts  

Switching tools can feel like a big leap, but when you migrate from Google Workspace to Zoho, you are choosing a solution built with affordability, simplicity, and Nigerian business needs in mind. With the right preparation and guidance, you can make the transition smoothly and start enjoying the benefits of Zoho Workplace almost immediately.

If you are ready to take the next step, Basecode can help you migrate quickly, train your staff, and set your business up for long-term success.