Introduction

With Zendesk Sell scheduled to shut down by 2027, businesses are now racing against time to secure their CRM data and ensure continuity. If you’re a Zendesk Sell user, migrating to a robust platform like Zoho CRM is no longer tough.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan, prepare, and execute a smooth migration from Zendesk Sell to Zoho CRM while minimizing disruption. Senthuraa Technologies, a certified Zoho Partner, has helped numerous businesses transition seamlessly, and this step-by-step guide reflects our best practices.

Pre-Migration Planning

Step 1: Assess Your Current Setup

Before migrating, take stock of your Zendesk Sell environment:

• Data audit: Identify all Contacts, Leads, Deals, and Accounts.

• Custom fields & modules: Note any fields or modules unique to your workflow.

• Automation & workflows: Document all rules, triggers, and processes.

• Integrations: List third-party apps and connections.

• Historical data volume: Understand how much data needs migrating.

Decide which data to migrate versus archive to optimize performance in Zoho CRM.

Step 2: Define Migration Goals

Set clear objectives:

• Data integrity: Ensure no loss of vital CRM data.

• Timeline: Align migration with business cycles.

• Budget: Plan resources for internal staff or migration services.

• Success metrics: Define KPIs for migration success.

• Stakeholder alignment: Confirm buy-in from sales, marketing, and support teams.

Step 3: Choose Your Migration Method

Option A: Manual CSV export/import – Suitable for small datasets; time-intensive but free.
Option B: Third-party migration tools – Efficient for medium-sized datasets but requires technical expertise.
Option C: Professional migration services – Expert handling, zero data loss, and end-to-end support.

Preparing Zoho CRM

Step 4: Set Up Your Zoho CRM Account

Create a Zoho CRM account with the plan that suits your business. Configure:

• Company profile

• Currency & timezone

• Fiscal year settings

• User roles & permissions

Step 5: Customize Zoho CRM Structure

Map Zendesk Sell fields to Zoho CRM:

• Create custom fields for unique data.

• Set up custom modules if necessary.

• Design page layouts and pipelines to mirror existing processes.

Step 6: Configure Automation & Workflows

Recreate automation from Zendesk Sell in Zoho CRM:

• Workflow rules and email templates

• Lead assignment rules

• Blueprint configurations to automate sales stages

Download your free CRM migration checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

The Migration Process

Step 7: Data Extraction from Zendesk Sell

Export your CRM data:

1. Navigate to Settings → Data → Export.

2. Select modules: Contacts, Leads, Deals, Accounts.

3. Choose date ranges and download CSV files.

Pro Tip: Export in batches to prevent data loss.

Step 8: Data Cleaning & Preparation

Before importing:

• Remove duplicate records

• Standardize phone numbers, date formats, and addresses

• Correct incomplete or corrupted data

• Merge duplicate contacts or companies

Tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or data-cleaning software can help.

Step 9: Field Mapping

Prepare a field mapping document:

• Map Zendesk Sell fields → Zoho CRM fields

• Handle custom fields carefully

• Note fields without direct equivalents

Downloadable Template: Field Mapping Checklist

Step 10: Import Data into Zoho CRM

1. Go to Zoho CRM Setup → Data Administration → Import

2. Select module (Leads, Contacts, Accounts, Deals)

3. Upload CSV files

4. Map columns to Zoho CRM fields

5. Set duplicate handling rules and run import

Order Matters: Accounts → Contacts → Deals → Activities/Tasks

Screenshot: Zoho CRM Import Wizard

Step 11: Migrate Relationships & Dependencies

• Link contacts to accounts

• Associate deals with contacts/accounts

• Transfer task/activity history

• Import emails, notes, and attachments

Common Migration Challenges & Solutions

1. Data Loss During Migration – Always backup, migrate in phases, verify each batch.

2. Custom Field Compatibility – Pre-create fields in Zoho CRM and map carefully.

3. Broken Integrations – Document all integrations and test post-migration.

4. Large Historical Data Volume – Archive old data, import only relevant records.

Why Choose Senthuraa for Your Migration?

Find any difficulties while migrating, or planning to migrate with a professional experts.

Senthuraa Technologies offers expert CRM migration services:

• Certified Zoho CRM consultants

• Proven track record with Zendesk Sell migrations

• Zero data loss guarantee

• Customized migration strategies

• End-to-end support including post-migration training

• India-based support team

Book a free consultation with Senthuraa for a seamless CRM migration.

Conclusion

Migrating from Zendesk Sell to Zoho CRM may seem daunting, but with the right planning and professional support, it can be smooth and efficient. Key takeaways:

• Audit and prepare your data carefully

• Map fields and replicate automation in Zoho CRM

• Test and validate before going live

By starting early, you avoid disruptions, protect your CRM data, and position your business for future growth with a robust and affordable platform.

Ready to migrate? Book a free consultation with Senthuraa today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to switch from Zendesk Sell to Zoho CRM?
   Export data from Zendesk Sell, clean and map fields, and import into Zoho CRM using the import wizard.

   
   

2. What happens after the Zendesk Sell shutdown in 2027?
   Users must migrate their data to an alternative CRM. Zoho CRM provides a stable and affordable platform for this transition.

   
   

3. Can automation rules from Zendesk Sell be replicated in Zoho CRM?
   Yes, workflow rules, email templates, and assignment rules can all be recreated in Zoho CRM.

   
   

4. What is included in a CRM data migration checklist?
   Backup, field mapping, import testing, user training, and post-migration validation to ensure zero data loss.

   
   

5. Is professional migration service necessary?
   While small datasets can be manually migrated, professional services like Senthuraa ensure zero downtime, no data loss, and expert handling.