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How to Migrate from GetResponse to ActiveCampaign

Businesses switch from GetResponse to ActiveCampaign when they need more powerful automation and CRM capabilities. GetResponse is a solid all-in-one platform, but its automation builder and CRM features are less sophisticated than ActiveCampaign's. Companies with complex lead nurturing workflows, multi-step sales processes, or B2B marketing needs often outgrow GetResponse and find ActiveCampaign's deeper automation, lead scoring, and sales CRM a better fit.

Medium difficulty ~4-6 hours

What Transfers?

Contacts & Lists

Method: CSV export/import

Export GetResponse contacts as CSV. Import into ActiveCampaign with field mapping.

Email Templates

Rebuild in ActiveCampaign's email designer.

Automations & Workflows

Recreate GetResponse workflows as ActiveCampaign automations. ActiveCampaign's automation engine is more powerful.

Forms & Landing Pages

Create new forms in ActiveCampaign.

Analytics & Reports

Historical data stays in GetResponse.

Tags & Segments

Method: CSV column mapping

GetResponse tags transfer via CSV columns to ActiveCampaign tags.

Step-by-Step Migration Guide

  1. 1

    Export contacts from GetResponse

    Go to Contacts > Export in GetResponse. Select all contacts with custom fields, tags, and list memberships. Download as CSV.

  2. 2

    Plan your ActiveCampaign structure

    Map GetResponse lists to ActiveCampaign lists and tags. Plan your custom field structure. ActiveCampaign uses lists + tags while GetResponse uses lists + segments.

  3. 3

    Import contacts into ActiveCampaign

    Upload CSV to ActiveCampaign. Map fields carefully. Assign to lists and apply tags.

  4. 4

    Recreate automations

    Rebuild GetResponse automation workflows in ActiveCampaign's visual builder. ActiveCampaign supports more complex branching and conditions than GetResponse.

  5. 5

    Set up lead scoring

    Configure ActiveCampaign's lead scoring to replace any engagement tracking you had in GetResponse. Assign scores for opens, clicks, page visits, and form submissions.

  6. 6

    Build forms and landing pages

    Create signup forms in ActiveCampaign. If you used GetResponse landing pages, rebuild them in ActiveCampaign or use a dedicated landing page tool.

  7. 7

    Authenticate domain and test

    Add DNS records for ActiveCampaign. Send test campaigns to verify delivery and formatting.

Watch Out For

!

GetResponse includes landing pages, webinars, and a website builder on many plans. ActiveCampaign does not include webinars or a website builder. Budget for separate tools if you use these features.

!

GetResponse's conversion funnel feature has no direct equivalent in ActiveCampaign. Sales funnels will need to be rebuilt using ActiveCampaign's CRM pipeline and automation.

!

ActiveCampaign's Lite plan is more expensive than GetResponse's equivalent tier. Ensure the additional automation power justifies the cost increase.

Ready to switch to ActiveCampaign?

ActiveCampaign offers a 14-day free trial starting at $15/mo.

Start with ActiveCampaign

What You Get with ActiveCampaign

Pros

  • +Industry-leading automation builder
  • +Built-in CRM for sales teams
  • +900+ integrations (largest ecosystem)
  • +Excellent deliverability
  • +Powerful segmentation and contact scoring

Cons

  • No free plan available
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Gets expensive with higher-tier features
  • Reporting could be more intuitive
  • Landing page builder is basic compared to dedicated tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ActiveCampaign more expensive than GetResponse?
Generally yes. ActiveCampaign's pricing is higher at comparable subscriber counts. At 5,000 contacts, ActiveCampaign Lite costs approximately $79/month while GetResponse Email Marketing costs about $54/month. The price difference reflects ActiveCampaign's more advanced automation and CRM.
Does ActiveCampaign offer webinars?
No. ActiveCampaign does not include webinar hosting. If you use GetResponse webinars, you'll need a separate tool like Zoom, WebinarJam, or Demio.
Can I use ActiveCampaign's CRM to replace a separate CRM tool?
For small to medium businesses, yes. ActiveCampaign's built-in CRM includes deal pipelines, task management, and sales automation. It can replace tools like Pipedrive or HubSpot CRM for teams that don't need enterprise CRM features.

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