Before You Begin
Important Considerations
- Plan to run both platforms in parallel for at least 1-2 weeks during transition
- Migrate during a period of lower email marketing activity when possible
- Communicate with your subscribers about any changes they might notice
- Ensure your new platform's sending reputation is warmed up before sending to your full list
10-Step Migration Process
Export Your Subscribers
Export your complete subscriber list with all available data (names, emails, custom fields, tags, segments).
Tips:
- Request a full data export from your current provider
- Ensure the export includes custom fields and tags
- Save backup copies of your exported data
Document Your Automations
Take screenshots and document the logic of all your automation sequences before cancelling your old provider.
Tips:
- Create visual flowcharts of complex automations
- Document trigger conditions and timing settings
- Note any special conditions or segment filters
Export Email Templates
Save copies of your email templates, including both the HTML versions and any images or assets used.
Tips:
- Save HTML versions of important templates
- Download and organize all media assets used in emails
- Document any special template settings
Map Custom Fields
Create a mapping document to track how custom fields in your old platform will translate to your new platform.
Tips:
- Create a spreadsheet showing old fields vs. new fields
- Note any data type differences between platforms
- Plan how to handle fields that don't have direct equivalents
Update Integration Points
Identify all third-party tools that connect to your email platform and plan to update these connections.
Tips:
- List all connected tools and plugins
- Research equivalent integration methods on the new platform
- Plan to update website forms and popups
Import Subscribers to New Platform
Import your subscriber data to your new platform, ensuring all data maps correctly.
Tips:
- Start with a small test import first
- Verify custom fields are mapping correctly
- Check that segmentation data transfers properly
Rebuild Automation Sequences
Recreate your automation workflows in your new platform, testing each step thoroughly.
Tips:
- Prioritize your most critical automations first
- Test each automation with sample subscribers
- Document any workflow changes needed due to platform differences
Test Everything Before Going Live
Send test emails, trigger test automations, and verify all functions are working as expected.
Tips:
- Create a testing checklist for each critical function
- Send test emails to multiple email clients and devices
- Verify tracking and analytics are working properly
Update External Links & Forms
Replace all subscription forms, landing pages, and links to your email platform across your website and other channels.
Tips:
- Update all website forms with new embed codes
- Check social media links to landing pages
- Test form submissions to ensure they're working
Monitor Performance After Migration
Closely watch key metrics after migration to ensure everything is functioning properly and performance is as expected.
Tips:
- Compare open and click rates pre and post migration
- Watch for any unusual bounce or unsubscribe patterns
- Monitor deliverability to ensure emails reach inboxes
Platform-Specific Migration Guides
Migrating from Mailchimp to ConvertKit
Special Considerations
- ConvertKit uses tags instead of Mailchimp's list structure - plan your organization accordingly
- Custom fields in Mailchimp need to be mapped to custom fields in ConvertKit
- ConvertKit's automations are called 'sequences' and work differently from Mailchimp's campaigns