If you're brand new to Substack and haven't yet created a publication, you can start your move directly at https://substack.com/signup/import
If you're ready to move from Mailchimp to Substack and experience growth with Recommendations, engage with your subscribers in Chat, or start a paid podcast, this guide will show you what you need to do to transition your subscribers and posts to your new publication seamlessly.
In this guide, we'll explain:
What do I need to do on Mailchimp?
To get started, you'll need to retrieve your campaign archive URL and export your Mailchimp Audience and campaigns.
Exporting all members
On your Mailchimp dashboard, select Audience and then "All contacts" from the drop-down menu.
Click on "Export Audience" and once the export appears under Audience Exports, select "Export as CSV". A .zip file will be downloaded to your device– you'll need to unzip this file and have the .csv you see in the unzipped file handy during the Substack import process.
Retrieve your Campaign Archive URL
On your Mailchimp dashboard, select Audience and "Signup forms" from the drop-down menu.
Select Form builder and in the "Forms and response emails" section, select "Campaign archive page" from the drop-down menu.
In the "Campaign archive page URL" section, you'll find the URL you need for the Substack import process.
Exporting your campaigns
Click your profile icon and select "Account & billing".
From the Settings drop-down menu, select "Manage my data" and check the box next to "Campaigns". A .zip file of your export will be downloaded to your device.
How do I get started on Substack?
Start your move to Substack here: https://substack.com/signup/import
You'll be prompted to import your Mailchimp contacts and campaigns.
How to import your mailing list
Upload the .csv file of your Mailchimp audience when prompted and select "Import".
How to import your posts
You'll then be prompted to import your Mailchimp campaign. Enter the Campaign archive page URL from your Mailchimp account (example: https://us12345678910.campaign-archive.com/home/abcdef) and upload the export of your campaigns.
Note: Do not unzip the .zip export of your Mailchimp campaigns. Please upload the .zip file and your posts will be migrated.
Confirm that you own your Mailchimp account and agree to Substack's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Your campaigns will immediately appear on your Substack.
For best practices on getting started on Substack, check out our guide on On Substack.
