How to Migrate from ActiveCampaign to Kit (ConvertKit)
Creators who adopted ActiveCampaign for its automation power sometimes find it's more complex than they need. ConvertKit's simplicity is attractive for solo creators, bloggers, and podcasters who want to focus on writing content rather than managing complex marketing systems. ConvertKit's creator-focused features — like tip jars, paid newsletters, and digital product sales — align better with individual creator business models than ActiveCampaign's B2B-oriented CRM and sales pipeline tools.
What Transfers?
Method: CSV export/import
Export ActiveCampaign contacts as CSV. Import into ConvertKit with tag mapping.
ConvertKit uses a minimal plain-text-style editor. ActiveCampaign templates cannot transfer.
Recreate as ConvertKit sequences and visual automations. You will lose branching logic complexity.
Rebuild forms in ConvertKit. Update all embed codes.
Historical data stays in ActiveCampaign.
Method: CSV column mapping
Export ActiveCampaign tags as CSV columns. Map them to ConvertKit tags during import.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
- 1
Export contacts from ActiveCampaign
Go to Contacts > Export. Select all fields including tags, custom fields, and list memberships. Download as CSV.
- 2
Map your automation strategy
Before migrating, document your ActiveCampaign automations. ConvertKit's automation model is simpler — plan how to translate complex branching workflows into ConvertKit sequences and rules.
- 3
Import contacts into ConvertKit
Go to Subscribers > Import. Upload the CSV, map fields, and assign tags. ConvertKit handles deduplication automatically.
- 4
Recreate email sequences
Build ConvertKit sequences for each ActiveCampaign automation. Focus on the core email series — welcome, nurture, and sales sequences.
- 5
Set up visual automations
Use ConvertKit's visual automation builder for subscriber routing — connecting forms to sequences, applying tags based on actions, and creating simple conditional paths.
- 6
Rebuild forms and landing pages
Create opt-in forms and landing pages in ConvertKit. Replace ActiveCampaign form embeds on your website.
- 7
Verify domain and test
Configure DKIM and SPF records for ConvertKit. Send test emails to verify everything works before launching.
Watch Out For
ActiveCampaign's powerful if/else branching, lead scoring, and CRM features have no equivalent in ConvertKit. If you rely on these, this migration is a significant feature downgrade.
ActiveCampaign supports multiple lists per contact — ConvertKit uses a single subscriber pool with tags. Rethink your list organization strategy.
ConvertKit's email editor is intentionally minimal. If your ActiveCampaign emails use complex HTML layouts, they will need to be simplified.
Ready to switch to Kit (ConvertKit)?
Start with Kit (ConvertKit)'s free plan and import your contacts.
What You Get with Kit (ConvertKit)
Pros
- +Excellent creator ecosystem with built-in monetization
- +Intuitive visual automation builder
- +Generous free plan up to 10,000 subscribers
- +Strong deliverability rates
- +Creator-focused features like tip jars and paid newsletters
Cons
- −Limited email template design options
- −Gets expensive at higher subscriber counts
- −No SMS marketing capabilities
- −Basic reporting compared to competitors
- −No drag-and-drop email editor