Migrating your data from ActiveCampaign to ConvertKit can be a complex process, but with the right approach, you can ensure a safe and successful transfer. This guide will walk you through the steps to migrate your data, including a pre-migration checklist, two migration methods, and post-migration testing.

Pre-Migration Checklist

• Backup ActiveCampaign data (Export as CSV/JSON): This step is crucial to prevent data loss. Export your data from ActiveCampaign in CSV or JSON format, which can be done by going to Settings > Data Management > Export. For example, if you have 1,000 contacts, this process may take around 10-15 minutes.
• Create ConvertKit account (Trial/Paid): Sign up for a ConvertKit account, either trial or paid, to prepare for the migration. This process typically takes around 5 minutes.
• Map your fields (e.g., “Deal Name” in ActiveCampaign = “Opportunity” in ConvertKit): Take the time to map your fields between the two platforms. For instance, if you have a custom field “Company Name” in ActiveCampaign, you’ll need to create a corresponding field in ConvertKit. This step can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of fields you need to map.
• Inform your team of downtime: Notify your team of the expected downtime during the migration process. This will help prevent any unexpected issues or disruptions. It’s recommended to schedule the migration during a period of low activity, such as overnight or during a weekend.

Method 1: The “One-Click” Importer (If available)

• Check if ConvertKit has a native import tool: Currently, ConvertKit offers a native import tool for ActiveCampaign. You can find this tool by going to Settings > Import > ActiveCampaign.
• Steps to use it: To use the one-click importer, simply follow these steps:
  1. Go to Settings > Import > ActiveCampaign in your ConvertKit account.
  2. Click on the “Connect” button to link your ActiveCampaign account.
  3. Select the data you want to import, such as contacts, tags, or sequences.
  4. Click on the “Import” button to start the migration process.

This method is quick and easy, but it may not transfer all data, such as notes or file attachments. The one-click importer can transfer data for up to 1,000 contacts in around 10-15 minutes. However, for larger datasets, it’s recommended to use the manual CSV export/import method.

Method 2: Manual CSV Export/Import (The Reliable Way)

1. Export from ActiveCampaign: Settings > Data Management > Export. This process can take around 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your dataset. For example, exporting 10,000 contacts may take around 30 minutes.
2. Clean the Data: Remove empty rows in Excel. This step is crucial to prevent any errors during the import process. You can use Excel’s built-in functions to remove empty rows, which can take around 5-10 minutes.
3. Import to ConvertKit: Settings > Import > CSV. This process can take around 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your dataset. For instance, importing 1,000 contacts may take around 10 minutes.
4. Map Fields: Ensure columns match perfectly. This step is critical to ensure that your data is imported correctly. You can use ConvertKit’s field mapping feature to match your columns, which can take around 10-30 minutes.

Critical: What DOESN’T Transfer?

• Notes: Unfortunately, notes do not transfer automatically during the migration process. You’ll need to export them manually from ActiveCampaign and then import them into ConvertKit using the CSV import method.
• File attachments: File attachments also do not transfer automatically. You’ll need to download them from ActiveCampaign and then upload them to ConvertKit manually.
• Activity logs: Activity logs do not transfer automatically either. You can use the ActiveCampaign API to export activity logs and then import them into ConvertKit using the CSV import method.

Post-Migration Testing

• Verify record counts (ActiveCampaign had 500 leads, ConvertKit should have 500): After the migration, verify that the record counts match between the two platforms. This step can take around 5-10 minutes.
• Check standard and custom fields: Double-check that all standard and custom fields have been imported correctly. This step can take around 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of fields you need to verify.

FAQ

Q: How long does this take? A: The migration time depends on the size of your dataset. For 1,000 records, the process can take around 30 minutes to an hour. For 10,000 records, the process can take around 2-3 hours. It’s recommended to schedule the migration during a period of low activity to minimize downtime.

Q: Will I lose my SEO/History? A: When migrating from ActiveCampaign to ConvertKit, you may lose some SEO history, such as link tracking and open rates. However, you can use ConvertKit’s built-in features to rebuild your SEO history. For example, you can use ConvertKit’s link tracking feature to track link clicks and opens. Additionally, you can use ConvertKit’s automation features to rebuild complex tag sequences, which can take around 1-2 hours to set up.

By following these steps and considering the potential limitations and edge cases, you can ensure a safe and successful migration from ActiveCampaign to ConvertKit. Remember to take your time and verify your data after the migration to ensure everything is working as expected. With ConvertKit’s features and automation capabilities, you can rebuild complex tag sequences and improve your email marketing workflow.

📚 Continue Learning

Check out our guides on ActiveCampaign and ConvertKit.