MailerLite is the most popular destination for AWeber users looking to modernize. MailerLite has a cleaner interface, better automation, and is generally cheaper. AWeber has one of the largest legacy user bases and MailerLite is the most common upgrade path.
This guide covers everything you need to migrate from AWeber to MailerLite without losing subscribers or breaking your automations. Estimated time: 2-4 hours.
What transfers and what does not
| Item | Transfers? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and email addresses | Yes | Via CSV export/import |
| Tags and segments | Partial | Export as custom fields, remap on import |
| Custom field data | Partial | Transfers if mapped correctly during import |
| Unsubscribe history | Yes | Import as suppressed contacts |
| Email templates | No | Need to be rebuilt in MailerLite |
| Automation workflows | No | Need to be rebuilt from scratch |
| Campaign history | No | Historical stats stay in AWeber |
Step-by-step migration guide
Sign up at www.mailerlite.com before doing anything else. Keep your AWeber account running throughout the migration: do not cancel it until everything is confirmed working in MailerLite.
Add your domain to MailerLite and follow the DKIM authentication instructions. This improves deliverability and ensures your emails arrive in inboxes, not spam folders. Complete this before importing any contacts.
In AWeber, go to your audience and export your full contact list as a CSV. Make sure to include all custom fields, tags, and segments. Export your unsubscribed contacts separately: you will need to suppress these in MailerLite to stay compliant.
Upload your CSV into MailerLite and map each column to the correct field. Import your unsubscribed contacts as suppressed. Review the import report carefully before proceeding: fix any mapping errors before building automations.
Screenshot or document all your active automations in AWeber before rebuilding them in MailerLite. Start with your highest-priority flows: typically your welcome series and any active nurture sequences. Do not activate them until you have tested them with your own email address.
Build your signup forms in MailerLite and replace the AWeber embed codes on your website. Test each form to confirm subscribers land in the right list and trigger the correct automation.
Send a test campaign to yourself. Trigger your automations manually. Check every link. Confirm your unsubscribe flow works correctly. Only cancel AWeber once you are fully satisfied that MailerLite is working as expected.
Once MailerLite is fully operational, cancel your AWeber account. Check your billing date to avoid being charged for another month. Download any historical reports or data you want to keep before cancelling.
The bottom line
MailerLite is a clear upgrade from AWeber for most users. The interface is more modern, the automation is more capable, and the pricing is competitive. The migration is straightforward.
Not sure MailerLite is the right destination? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz for a personalized recommendation.