how to import your contacts to Convertkit

june 21, 2023
elias yosofi

Are you thinking about migrating to Convertkit from your current ESP? Then this is the only tutorial you will need.

Migrating to a new ESP can be intimidating, but don’t worry. We’ve for you covered with this step-by-step tutorial on how to import your contacts to Convertkit

Let’s get started!

how to import your contacts to Convertkit

How to Import your contacts through integrated services

Convertkit has integration with three commonly used services.

Mailchimp
Drip
Infusionsoft

If you are using one of the integrations above, follow the steps below to connect the service.

And if not, skip to the next section, where we guide you on how to import your contacts through a CSV file.

Choose an integration

1. Click Grow in the menu bar and go to Subscribers.

2. Click Add subscribers.

3. click Import from another provider.

4. Select your previous provider from the list.

List of Integrations for migrating contacts

Connect your current provider to Convertkit

Convertkit uses API keys to authenticate and perform the connection. APIs are used for software applications to send and receive data.

1. If you are using Mailchimp, you can click here to get your Mailchimp API key. If you don’t already have a key, you will have to generate one.

2. IF you are using Drip, you will need your client ID and your API token.

The client ID can be found in your address bar after you login into your account, and it’s the numerical sequence between the “getdrip.com” part and the “dashboard” part:

You can get your API token by navigating to User Settings>User info.

3. If you are using Infusionsoft, click Connect your account and then log in to your account. From there, follow the in-app prompts to connect the app to Convertkit.

4. Once you have connected your previous provider, click Start import, and Converkit will automatically migrate your contacts into your account.

How to Import your contacts through a file

If you are using an app or service that Covertkit does not currently integrate with, then you will need to take a more manual approach.

Export and download your list as a file

1. To import your list to Convertkit, you must first download your contact list from your previous email service provider as a CSV file.

Import contacts to Convertkit

1. Click Grow from the top menu and go to Subscribers.

2. Click Add subscribers.

3. You can only have one list in Convertkit. You can use tags to keep your contacts organized.

Enter a tag name and click Create a tag for the imported contacts.

4. Select Import s CSV.

5. Click Select or drag-and-drop a CSV file.

6. Locate the File in the file browser and upload the CSV file.

Map the Columns to Fields

Now, you must match the columns to the correct fields.

For example, The first name columns should be matched to the first name field.

2. If the field does not match the columns, choose the correct attribute from the menu.

3. If you don’t want to import a certain column, leave it unmapped.

4. If you can not find any field that matches a column you want to import, type in the custom attribute in the field and click Create a new field:(your custom field).