If you’ve been using MailChimp for a while, but feel like you’ve outgrown its capabilities – it might be time to consider switching to Klaviyo. In our comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo. We’ll explore the step-by-step migration process, tips to make your transition successful and common challenges.
Why Consider Migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo?
Before we jump into the migration process, let’s talk about why you might want to make the switch in the first place. MailChimp has been a popular choice for many businesses, but Klaviyo offers some unique advantages for e-commerce stores such as being ecommerce focused, as well as advanced segmentation, personalization, automation and analytics. For example, Cargo Crew’s switched to Klaviyo and their ROI shot up to 74.9x. That’s huge! Their post-purchase flow is now bringing in 3.5 times more revenue per recipient.
Steps for Migrating from MailChimp to Klaviyo
Before you start the actual migration process, you need to prepare properly.
a) Audit Your MailChimp Account: Review your existing lists, segments, and campaigns. Make note of any important automations or workflows you’ll need to recreate in Klaviyo.
b) Clean Up Your Data: Take this opportunity to clean up your email lists. Remove inactive subscribers and correct any data inconsistencies.
c) Set Up Your Klaviyo Account: If you haven’t already, sign up for a Klaviyo account and familiarize yourself with the platform’s interface and features.
d) Optional – Inform Your Subscribers: Let your audience know about the upcoming change. This is a great opportunity to re-engage with your list and set expectations for future communications.
How to Export Your Data from MailChimp
a) Log into your MailChimp account and navigate to the “Audience” tab.
b) Select the list you want to export and click on “Export Audience.”
c) Choose the export options that best suit your needs. It’s generally recommended to export all available fields to ensure you have all the necessary data.
d) Download the CSV file containing your subscriber information.
How to Import Your Data into Klaviyo
a) Log into your Klaviyo account and go to the “Lists & Segments” section.
b) Click on “Create List” and give it a name (e.g., “MailChimp Import”).
c) Choose the option to import a CSV file and upload the file you exported from MailChimp.
d) Map the fields from your MailChimp export to the corresponding fields in Klaviyo. Pay special attention to custom fields and ensure they’re correctly mapped.
e) Review the import preview to make sure everything looks correct, then complete the import process.
Update Your Website and Subscription Forms
Remember to update your website with Klaviyo’s forms and pop-ups so you capture your subscribers in the right spot!
Tips for a Smooth Migration
Now that we’ve covered the step-by-step process, here are some tips to ensure your migration goes as smoothly as possible:
Don’t Rush the Process
Migrating your email marketing platform is a significant undertaking. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, execute, and test every aspect of the migration. It’s better to take a little extra time upfront than to rush and make mistakes that could harm your email marketing efforts.
Leverage Klaviyo’s Resources
Klaviyo offers a wealth of resources to help you make the most of their platform. Take advantage of their documentation, video tutorials, and webinars to learn about advanced features and best practices.
Consider Hiring an Expert
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have the time to handle the migration yourself, consider hiring a Klaviyo expert or agency to help with the transition. They can ensure a smooth migration and help you set up advanced features that you might not be familiar with.
Use the Migration as an Opportunity to Innovate
While recreating your existing campaigns and flows is important, don’t be afraid to explore new strategies and features that Klaviyo offers. This is a great time to experiment with more advanced segmentation, personalization, and automation techniques.
Back Up Your MailChimp Data
Before you fully transition to Klaviyo, make sure to back up all your MailChimp data, including campaign history, analytics, and any custom templates. You never know when you might need to reference this information in the future.
Wrapping Up
The migration process might seem daunting at first. But with careful planning and execution, you can make a smooth transition that sets you up for long-term success. Take the time to explore all that Klaviyo has to offer, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies and techniques. By leveraging Klaviyo’s powerful features, you can create more personalized, targeted, and effective email campaigns that drive powerful results for your ecommerce business.
Ready to take your e-commerce email marketing to the next level? Schedule a consultation with us to get started!
