Struggling with Zoho One's complexity? Discover if migrating to GoHighLevel (GHL) simplifies your workflows or if optimizing your current stack is the better path. This guide breaks down pros, cons, costs, and steps for a smooth transition.

Understanding Your Zoho One Challenges

For small teams like yours—a two-person Canadian operation managing multiple brands—Zoho One's extensive suite can feel overwhelming. With over 45 integrated apps including Zoho CRM, Campaigns, Forms, Sites, Projects, Bookings, and Sign, it's powerful but often leads to over-engineering.

• Fragmented workflows across multiple apps, causing inefficiency
• Steep learning curve for non-technical users
• Email and SMS setup confusion, especially for CASL compliance
• Feature overload: Zoho Projects are robust but excessive for small teams
• Enterprise-level tools don't scale well for just two users

If these resonate, it's time to evaluate alternatives. Zoho One starts at $45 USD per user per month (billed annually, approximately $61 CAD as of 2026), totaling about $1,464 CAD yearly for two users—but does the value justify the hassle? Let's explore solutions.

Solution 1: Full Switch to GoHighLevel

What It Entails

GoHighLevel is an all-in-one CRM and marketing platform designed for agencies and small businesses. Replace your entire Zoho stack with GHL's unified dashboard, using sub-accounts to manage multiple brands effortlessly.

• Single Unified Interface: Say goodbye to jumping between Zoho apps—everything from CRM to automations lives in one place.
• Built-in SMS and Email: Native Twilio integration for SMS and email campaigns, no extra setup like Zoho Campaigns.
• Drag-and-Drop Funnel Builder: More intuitive than Zoho Sites for creating landing pages and sales funnels.
• Native Multi-Brand Support: Sub-accounts handle branding without Zoho's multi-org complexity.

Potential Pitfalls

• Email Limits: 200-500 sends/day per sub-account; warm your domain gradually to avoid spam flags.
• CASL Compliance: Manual setup for consent checkboxes—Zoho Campaigns has built-in templates, but GHL is flexible with custom fields.

Solution 2: Hybrid Zoho + GHL Setup

Selective Integration

Keep Zoho CRM and Bookings for familiarity, while using GHL for marketing tools like funnels and SMS. Ditch Projects, Sites, and Sign.

• Retains Zoho's strong CRM data and pipeline automations.
• GHL adds superior SMS and funnels.

Pros: Low-risk phased rollout. Cons: Two platforms mean dual logins and sync issues.

Solution 3: Other All-in-One Options

GHL Competitors for Canadian SMBs

If GHL doesn't fit, consider alternatives like HubSpot or ActiveCampaign with better Zoho-like features.

Solution 4: Optimize Your Zoho One Setup

Streamline Without Migrating

• Retain data and Google/QuickBooks integrations.
• Master core apps—Zoho training can help.

Solution 5: GHL with Expert Assistance

Pro-Setup for Success

• Custom setup ensures CASL compliance and QuickBooks sync.
• Accelerates launch from months to weeks.

Real-User Stories: Zoho to GHL

Community feedback highlights successes and challenges such as improved SMS ROI but noting simpler reporting.

Canada-Focused Tips

CASL Essentials

Ensure express consent, unsubscribes, and sender ID. In GHL, set up non-pre-checked consent checkboxes and timestamp consents.

Your 8-Week Migration Roadmap

Core Migration (4-6 Weeks)

• Week 1: Sub-accounts, import one brand.
• Week 2: Funnels/forms.
• Week 3: Email/SMS auth.

Annual Cost Breakdown (2026 USD)

Our Recommendation

For Your Specific Situation

Choose GHL if bookings/SMS drive revenue, simple setup is feasible, and basic reports suffice.

Essential Resources

• GHL University
• GHL Facebook Group