Editing Migrating contacts from MailChimp (section)

= Migrating contacts from MailChimp =

== Introduction ==
Migrating contacts from MailChimp to ActiveCampaign is an essential step for businesses looking to optimize their email marketing and automation efforts. This process allows you to transfer your valuable contact data—including lists, custom fields, tags, and more—into a robust platform designed for comprehensive marketing campaigns. The ability to smoothly transition without losing crucial contacts or automation setups is what makes this feature invaluable. ActiveCampaign's migration service ensures that you can get up and running quickly, maintaining the integrity of your marketing practices.

== How to Access This Feature ==
To start migrating your contacts, you will need to log into your MailChimp account and access the necessary lists and segments for export. 

1. Visit the MailChimp login page: [https://login.mailchimp.com/](https://login.mailchimp.com/).
2. Once logged in, click on '''Lists''' at the top of your page.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

### Exporting a List or a Segment
Before migrating your contacts, you will need to export them from MailChimp. Follow these steps for each list or segment you wish to export:

#### To Export a List:
1. From the '''Lists''' page, click the name of the list you wish to export.
2. Click '''Export list'''.
3. Select '''Export as CSV'''.

#### To Export Lists from the Overall Lists Page:
1. From the '''Lists''' page, click the specific list you wish to export.
2. Click the dropdown menu next to '''Stats''' and select the '''Exports''' option.
3. On the following page, you will see lists marked with either a green checkmark or a yellow clock icon.
   - A green checkmark indicates your file is ready to export.
   - A yellow clock icon means your file is still being processed by MailChimp.
4. If you see the green checkmark, click '''Export as CSV'''.

#### To Export a Segment:
1. From the '''Lists''' page, click the list name you wish to export.
2. Select '''View Saved Segments''' and click the desired segment.
3. Click '''Export segment'''.
4. Finally, click '''Export as CSV'''.

For more information about exporting lists and segments from MailChimp, please visit [MailChimp's Export Documentation](https://kb.mailchimp.com/lists/manage-contacts/view-or-export-a-list).

### Importing into ActiveCampaign
Once you have your CSV file downloaded from MailChimp, you can import it into your ActiveCampaign account.

1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the '''Import contacts''' section.
3. Upload your CSV file and follow the prompts to map the columns from your file to the fields that exist in ActiveCampaign.

#### Creating New Custom Fields
If the fields you need do not exist in your ActiveCampaign account, you can create them during the import process. Simply click '''Add New Field''' from the '''Map into field''' dropdown and follow the instructions to set up the desired custom field.

### Importing Groups from MailChimp
If you have created groups in MailChimp that you wish to migrate:

1. Log into your MailChimp account.
2. Navigate to > '''Lists''' > '''Manage Contacts''' > '''Groups''' > '''View subscribers''' > '''Export segment'''.
3. Import this data into ActiveCampaign, selecting a tag for these contacts, and marking the option '''Update existing contacts''' to combine this data with your previously imported contacts.

### Creating Segments in ActiveCampaign
For segments created in MailChimp, you will need to recreate them in ActiveCampaign:

1. Review the segment configurations in your MailChimp account by going to the '''Lists''' page and clicking the down caret for your list. Select '''Manage Contacts''' > '''Segments''' to view saved segments.
2. Once you understand the conditions needed to create your segments, head over to ActiveCampaign.
3. Follow this guide on how to create a segment in ActiveCampaign: [Creating Segments in ActiveCampaign](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/221483407).

Note that ActiveCampaign uses '''flexible''' (dynamic) segments. This means that as contacts meet the specified conditions, they will automatically be added to the segment. For achieving similar functions to MailChimp’s static segments, consider tagging your contacts and then creating segments based on those tags.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
During the migration process, you will encounter several configuration options, including:

- '''Custom Fields''': Create or map existing fields to match your MailChimp data.
- '''Tags''': Assign and manage tags for better organization of your contacts.
- '''Segments''': Recreate segmentations within ActiveCampaign based on your MailChimp data.

== Best Practices and Tips ==
- Always backup your data before starting the migration.
- It is recommended to export lists first, and then segments for more structured data import.
- Review your segments and tags in MailChimp before initiating migration to ensure a smooth transition.
- Utilize the ActiveCampaign resources and guides linked within this documentation to familiarize yourself with the platform.

== Troubleshooting ==
If you encounter issues during the migration process:
- Verify that your CSV files are correctly formatted to match ActiveCampaign's required data structure.
- Ensure that you have the necessary permissions in both MailChimp and ActiveCampaign accounts to perform exports and imports.
- If segments or groups are not appearing post-import, recheck your mappings and settings during the import process.

== Related Features ==
For further information regarding related functionalities, consider reviewing:
- [[Automation]]
- [[Tagging]]
- [[Custom Fields]]
- [[Segments]]

== FAQ ==
* '''Q: Do I need to worry about losing my contacts during migration?'''
  A: No, ActiveCampaign's migration service is designed to ensure that you do not lose any contacts or automations.

* '''Q: What if my fields don’t match during import?'''
  A: You can create new custom fields during the import process to accommodate any discrepancies.

* '''Q: How can I keep track of my segments after migration?'''
  A: Ensure to document your segments' configurations in MailChimp before migrating so you can recreate them in ActiveCampaign easily.

* '''Q: Are there any limits on the number of contacts I can import?'''
  A: Check ActiveCampaign's plan details for any limitations regarding contact imports.

* '''Q: Can I import segmented contact lists?'''
  A: Yes, you can export segmented lists from MailChimp and import them as contact segments in ActiveCampaign.

* '''Q: What happens if my MailChimp file is still processing?'''
  A: You will need to wait until MailChimp indicates that your export file is ready before attempting to download it.

* '''Q: Where can I get more support for migrating?'''
  A: You can refer to ActiveCampaign's self-paced guide: [MailChimp Migration Self-Paced Guide](https://courses.activecampaign.com/courses/mailchimp-migration) for additional resources.

This concludes the guide on migrating contacts from MailChimp to ActiveCampaign. Following the outlined steps and best practices will ensure a successful transition for your marketing operations.
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