Ahh, the humble newsletter. There are SO many different wants to tackle a newsletter and so many promising pieces of software out there claiming to do exactly what you need.
This is how I found myself in a migration dilemma as I contemplated a shift from Mailchimp to Substack for our Chicago Managing Partner, Jordan’s AI newsletter. While packing up camp felt daunting, the switch to Substack was nothing short of a miracle for our team. While Mailchimp has served our team well for email, it fell flat as a newsletter distribution tool. For instance, it lacked the customization and ease of use a newsletter-specific tool like Substack offers.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of migrating your newsletter content effortlessly from Mailchimp to Substack.
Step 2:Export Your Subscriber List
You don’t need to start over from scratch with your subscribers! Make sure you bring these folks along for the ride as you switch from Mailchimp to Substack.
Navigate to your Mailchimp account, locate the audience section, and click on your preferred audience segment. For my newsletter, I only needed to export a sub-segment of our larger Chicago audience, so I used the dropdown to select only those folks.
Once you have your audience selected, click on “Export Segment,” and your subscriber list will be exported in CSV format.
Step 3: Set Up Your Substack Account
With your content prepped and ready for transport, it’s time to establish your new home on Substack. At this point, you’ll create an account, set up your newsletter profile, and familiarize yourself with the platform’s features and customization options. Substack offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating and distributing newsletters.
Step 4: Import Your Subscriber List to Substack
Substack makes this part easy! Utilize the platform’s tools to upload your exported Mailchimp CSV to Substack seamlessly. Ensure that all subscriber data is accurately migrated to maintain the integrity of your audience.
Step 5: Customize Your Newsletter on Substack
Once your subscriber list is safely nestled in Substack’s sweet, sweet embrace, it’s time to add your personal touch to the platform. Customize your newsletter template, branding elements, and subscription options to align with your unique style and content. Look around, because Substack offers a range of customization features to tailor your newsletter to perfection.
You can do a LOT of customization in Substack. So, give yourself ample time to review all of the customization options and ensure your branding is well-represented across the platform. For me, this involved making a custom header, uploading Jordan’s headshot, customizing the font and colors to match the branding of the newsletter, and more. Take your time here and have fun with it!
Step 6: Launch Your Newsletter on Substack
With all the pieces in place, it’s time to unleash your revitalized newsletter on Substack. Publish your first issue, engage with your subscribers, and relish in the seamless transition to a new and improved platform.
Migrating your newsletter from Mailchimp to Substack is a leap of faith toward a platform that prioritizes simplicity, engagement, and community building. Happy migrating!
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