Lecture Notes: Migrating Your Email List

Introduction

• Presenter: Tammy, Newsletter Ninja
• Topic: Migrating your email list from one service to another
• Target Audience: Those interested in or planning to migrate their email lists

What is List Migration?

• Definition: Transferring your subscriber list from one email service to another
• Typical Process: Downloading a CSV of your current subscribers and importing it to a new service

Common Mistakes and Issues

• Unsubscribes: Sudden unsubscribes due to changes in deliverability
• Errors: Forgetting to swap forms or address dead links
• Deliverability Shake-up: Some subscribers may not recognize emails due to a server switch

Choosing a New Email Marketing Service (EMS)

• Considerations:
  • Cost
  • Features needed
• Recommendations:
  • Avoid cheaping out
  • Examples include MailerLite

Preparation Steps

1. Set Up New EMS
   • Verify email
   • Authenticate domain (e.g., domain alignment in MailerLite)
2. Duplicate/Recreate Automations
   • Make new forms
   • Recreate tags, groups, or lists

Migrating Steps

• Initial Setup:
  • Setup automations for existing subscribers
  • Notify them of changes in email design and service
• Import Strategy:
  • Move from most engaged to least engaged subscribers
  • Benefits: High engagement rates improve deliverability

Batch Process

• Test All Forms:
  • Ensure signup forms on different platforms lead to the new EMS
• Validation:
  • Validate email list, remove invalid or spam trap emails
  • Tools: Email list validation services

Final Steps

• Old EMS Cleanup
  • Archive subscribers in the old service
  • Consider downgrading to the free tier
• Backup: Export entire list for records before and after migration

Technical Considerations

• Testing: Test every part of the process
• Email Validation: Consider using email validation services

Q&A Highlights

• Migrating to Substack: Best for simple needs without complex automations.
• Open Rates: Important for maintaining deliverability; ideal rates between 30-40%.
• Dealing with Spam: Use tools to diagnose and fix issues.
• Middle Grade Authors: Focus on engaging with parents, teachers, and librarians.
• Alternate EMS: Recommendations include MailerLite over others like MailChimp.

Resources

• Checklist for Migration: NewsletterNinja.net/migrate2023
• Join the Facebook Group: For additional support and resources.

Conclusion

• Open for further questions or assistance through direct contact or the Facebook group.
• Reminder: Validate open rates and consider deliverability impacts when migrating lists.