How to Migrate from Mailchimp to Kit (ConvertKit)
Creators and bloggers often switch from Mailchimp to ConvertKit because ConvertKit is purpose-built for content creators. Mailchimp's pricing increased significantly after the Intuit acquisition, especially for users with large lists but modest revenue. ConvertKit offers a simpler interface focused on email sequences, tagging, and selling digital products — without the overhead of Mailchimp's e-commerce and ad features that many creators don't use.
What Transfers?
Method: CSV export/import
Export from Mailchimp Audience, import into ConvertKit subscribers. Tags and custom fields can be mapped during import.
ConvertKit uses a plain-text-first email editor. Mailchimp HTML templates must be rebuilt from scratch.
Recreate manually in ConvertKit's visual automation builder. Map Mailchimp journeys to ConvertKit sequences and automations.
Rebuild forms in ConvertKit. Embed codes will change — update all website placements.
Historical campaign data stays in Mailchimp. Export reports as CSV before cancelling your account.
Method: CSV column mapping
Mailchimp groups and tags can be mapped to ConvertKit tags during CSV import by including tag columns.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
- 1
Export contacts from Mailchimp
Go to Audience > All contacts > Export Audience. Download the CSV which includes email, name, tags, groups, and custom fields.
- 2
Clean and prepare the CSV
Remove unsubscribed and cleaned contacts. Map Mailchimp groups/tags to columns that ConvertKit can import as tags. Ensure email addresses are in a column labeled 'Email address'.
- 3
Import contacts into ConvertKit
Go to Subscribers > Import. Upload the CSV. Map fields to ConvertKit subscriber fields and assign tags. ConvertKit will skip duplicate emails automatically.
- 4
Recreate email sequences
Rebuild your Mailchimp automations as ConvertKit sequences. ConvertKit sequences are linear email series — map your Mailchimp journey steps to sequence emails.
- 5
Rebuild forms and landing pages
Create new opt-in forms in ConvertKit. Replace Mailchimp form embed codes on your website with ConvertKit form embeds or use the WordPress plugin.
- 6
Update DNS and sending domain
Add ConvertKit's DKIM and SPF records to your domain DNS. Verify your sending domain in ConvertKit settings. Remove Mailchimp's DNS records after migration.
- 7
Send a test campaign and go live
Send a test email to yourself to confirm deliverability and formatting. Then send your first broadcast to the imported list. Monitor open rates for the first few sends.
Watch Out For
ConvertKit uses a subscriber-based model — you pay for each unique email address. Mailchimp counts contacts per audience, so your subscriber count may differ.
Mailchimp's rich HTML templates won't transfer. ConvertKit favors plain-text-style emails. Budget extra time if you rely on heavily designed templates.
Double opt-in settings differ: ConvertKit can require new subscribers to confirm, but imported subscribers are not re-confirmed by default. Check your compliance needs.
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