Businesses migrate from Mailchimp to GetResponse when they want more automation capability, webinar functionality, or a pricing model that charges per unique contact rather than per contact per list. GetResponse covers standard email marketing and goes further with built-in webinars, landing pages, and a more capable automation builder.
This guide covers everything you need to migrate from Mailchimp to GetResponse 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 from Mailchimp, import to GetResponse |
| Tags and groups | Partial | Export as custom fields, remap as GetResponse tags on import |
| Custom field data | Partial | Transfers if mapped correctly during import |
| Unsubscribe history | Yes | Import as suppressed contacts |
| Email templates | No | Must be rebuilt in GetResponse |
| Automation workflows | No | Must be rebuilt from scratch |
| Campaign history | No | Historical stats stay in Mailchimp |
Keep your Mailchimp account active throughout the migration. Do not cancel it until GetResponse is fully set up and tested. Cancelling early means losing access to your historical data and any active automations still running.
Step-by-step migration guide
Sign up at GetResponse. The free plan covers 500 contacts and is a good place to test during migration. Keep your Mailchimp account active until GetResponse is fully operational.
Add your domain to GetResponse and complete DKIM authentication. This protects your deliverability and is required before sending to your migrated list.
In Mailchimp, go to Audience, select your list, and export as a CSV. Include all merge fields, tags, and groups. Export your unsubscribed contacts separately.
In GetResponse, go to Contacts, Import, and upload your CSV. Map each column to the correct GetResponse field. Apply tags during import to replicate your Mailchimp group and segment structure. Import your unsubscribed contacts as suppressed.
GetResponse has a drag-and-drop email editor with a good template library. Rebuild your key email designs. Send test emails to yourself before using them in campaigns.
Document your active Mailchimp automations. In GetResponse, go to Marketing Automation and rebuild each workflow. GetResponse's automation builder is more capable than Mailchimp's, so you can replicate everything and improve on it where needed.
Create signup forms in GetResponse and replace your Mailchimp form embeds on your website. Test each form to confirm new contacts are imported correctly.
Send test campaigns, trigger automations, and verify everything works as expected. Once satisfied, cancel your Mailchimp account on your next billing date.
The bottom line
Migrating from Mailchimp to GetResponse is a straightforward process. The main rebuild work is automation workflows and email templates. Contacts transfer cleanly via CSV. Plan for half a day to complete the migration and testing.
Not sure GetResponse is the right destination? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz for a personalized recommendation.