Migrate from Mailchimp to Listmonk

Take it out

1. 1

   Step 1

   Export each audience

   In Mailchimp, open Audience, pick the audience, and click Export audience, then Export CSV. Mailchimp emails you when the file is ready. The download is often a ZIP with one CSV each for subscribed, unsubscribed, non-subscribed, and cleaned addresses. The file stays available for 30 days.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Split the files

   Keep the subscribed CSV for the import. Keep the unsubscribed and cleaned files for a blocklist. Do not mail those addresses.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Save campaign HTML only if you still need the words

   Account, then Settings, then Manage my data can export campaign HTML into a ZIP. Listmonk does not run that HTML. It is a copy of the words, not a template you can send.

Put it in

1. 1

   Step 1

   Install Listmonk and connect SMTP

   Listmonk is one binary, or the Docker compose file, plus Postgres. Open the admin and create the super admin. Other settings, including SMTP, live on the Settings screen. Listmonk does not send mail by itself. Send a test to yourself before you import the list. Some hosts block ports 25 and 465.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Import subscribed people

   Make a list first. Then open Subscribers, then Import. The CSV needs an email column. name is optional. attributes, if you use it, is a JSON cell. Choose subscribe, pick the list, and import a small file before the full one. On a double opt-in list, people stay unconfirmed until they click, and they will not get those campaigns until then. Mark the import confirmed only if they already opted in at Mailchimp.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Blocklist the people who left

   Run a second import in blocklist mode for unsubscribed and cleaned addresses. A blocklisted person does not get campaign mail.

What you lose

• Journeys

  Listmonk does not run drip journeys. Customer journeys stay in Mailchimp. If you need those, use the Mautic guide. Mautic is the top score on the Mailchimp page because it can run them.

• Sending

  You connect an SMTP server. Mailchimp's sending network does not move with the CSV. The new domain needs its own SPF and DKIM. A slow ramp is a hunch from common mail practice, not a Listmonk screen.

• Forms, templates, and old stats

  Replace the signup form. New templates are HTML. Go template tags are optional. They are not Mailchimp's drag-and-drop editor. Old open and click numbers stay in Mailchimp. Listmonk can count views and clicks on mail you send after the move.