Step-by-step guide: Migration process from Mailchimp to HubSpot

Migrating from MailChimp to HubSpot is a process that delivers genuine advantages when tackled methodically. This step-by-step guide is designed to help your business maximise HubSpot’s features and streamline the entire migration experience.

Step 1 - Assess your current Mailchimp setup

Begin by reviewing the lists, segments, campaigns and automations you currently have in Mailchimp, noting any features that will need to be replicated in HubSpot. This ensures you do not overlook important elements during the migration.

Step 2 - Clean and organise your contact data

Remove duplicates, correct errors, and update any outdated information in Mailchimp before exporting. A clean dataset will make the import process into HubSpot much smoother and more reliable.

Step 3 - Export your contacts from Mailchimp

Log in to your Mailchimp account and export your lists in CSV format, ensuring you include all relevant fields such as names, email addresses, subscription status and custom fields.

Step 4. Prepare your CSV files for HubSpot

Open the exported files and ensure the columns match the fields you intend to use in HubSpot. Adjust headers and formatting so that they align with HubSpot’s import requirements.

Step 5. Set up your HubSpot account

If you have not already done so, create your HubSpot account and configure the basic settings, including time zone, company branding, and default email preferences.

Step 6. Import your contacts into HubSpot

Use HubSpot’s import tool to upload your prepared CSV files, mapping each column to the correct HubSpot property. Verify that the data appears correctly before finalising the import.

Step 7. Recreate your lists and segments

Using the imported data, build your lists and segments within HubSpot to mirror your Mailchimp audience structure. This will help maintain continuity in your marketing efforts.

Step 8. Transfer your email templates

Recreate your existing Mailchimp templates in HubSpot’s drag-and-drop email editor, adapting the design to match your branding while taking advantage of HubSpot’s enhanced personalisation options.

Step 9. Rebuild your automation workflows

Manually recreate any automated sequences you had in Mailchimp, such as welcome series or nurture campaigns, using HubSpot’s workflow tool. Adjust triggers and actions to match HubSpot’s structure.

Step 10. Migrate your campaign content

Copy over the text, images, and layouts from your Mailchimp campaigns into HubSpot, making any necessary formatting changes to suit the new platform.

Step 11. Test your emails and workflows

Send test emails and run through workflow sequences to ensure that everything functions correctly. Check links, personalisation tokens, and automation triggers before going live.

Step 12. Monitor and optimise after launch

Once your migration is complete and campaigns are running in HubSpot, monitor performance closely. Use HubSpot’s analytics to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to enhance engagement.