1. Inventory what the current platform does
List audiences, fields, tags, segments, signup forms, landing pages, automations, templates, integrations, suppression rules, and recurring campaigns. Mark each item as keep, rebuild, replace, or retire so the move does not carry unused complexity into the new account.
2. Export contacts with their context
Keep the source, signup date, consent wording or preference, and relevant fields where your systems support them. Export unsubscribe, complaint, and bounce records separately or preserve them in the provider’s suppression process. A clean CSV that loses these details may be a risky import.
3. Map fields and consent before importing
Match each old field to a destination field and decide what to do with blanks, duplicates, invalid addresses, and obsolete data. Do not turn an address into a marketable subscriber simply because it can be imported. Keep people who opted out suppressed.
4. Rebuild the highest-value workflow first
Start with the signup form, confirmation process, and welcome email. Then rebuild the next workflow that has a clear business purpose. Test a new signup from the public form through each message and exit condition before moving a live audience into it.
5. Authenticate the sending domain
Publish the SPF and DKIM records provided by the new service and configure DMARC with the domain owner. Check that other legitimate senders for the domain are still authorized. See our deliverability setup guide before you switch campaign traffic.
6. Move in a controlled sequence
Test internal addresses first. Then move a small, recently engaged group, review delivery and complaint signals, and proceed in stages if the results are stable. Do not send the entire list from a new domain setup solely to meet a launch date.
7. Keep the old account until records are verified
Confirm that exports, links, signups, suppression rules, billing records, and required reports have been retained. Keep the previous service available until the new forms and essential messages have been checked. Cancel only after you know what the account deletion or downgrade will remove.
To compare destinations, start with our MailerLite alternatives guide and the individual platform reviews.