Question 1

How long does it take to switch email platforms?

Accepted Answer

2-4 weeks depending on complexity. Migration includes exporting your full subscriber list with tags and segments, importing into the new platform, authenticating your domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), rebuilding email templates and automation workflows, running test sends, and completing IP warmup. Simple setups with no automations can finish in under 2 weeks. Complex setups with 15+ automations typically take 4 weeks.

Question 2

Will I lose subscribers when switching?

Accepted Answer

No, if done correctly. Export your full list with all tags, segments, and custom fields as CSV. Import into the new platform and verify counts match. Some contacts may hard bounce on your first send — these are typically stale addresses the old platform kept in your list without flagging. Running both platforms in parallel for 2-4 weeks catches any import gaps before you cancel the old one.

Question 3

What happens to my deliverability when I switch?

Accepted Answer

Expect a 1-2 month dip while the new platform warms up its sending IP for your domain. Start at 10-20% of your normal send volume, sending only to your most engaged subscribers. Increase volume by 25% each week. Most platforms recover to full deliverability within 4-6 weeks if warmup is done correctly. Skipping warmup is the single biggest migration mistake — it can land you in spam folders for months.

Question 4

Is switching from Mailchimp to MailerLite worth it?

Accepted Answer

At 10,000 subscribers, switching saves $62/mo ($744/yr). At 2,500 subscribers, the saving is $35/mo ($420/yr). Break-even on migration effort is typically 6-8 weeks. MailerLite has a dedicated Mailchimp import tool that maps tags and segments automatically, making this one of the easier migrations. The only reasons to stay on Mailchimp: if you depend on its 300+ native integrations or need its deeper analytics suite.

Question 5

How much does email platform migration cost?

Accepted Answer

DIY migration costs 20-40 hours of work depending on complexity — that is $1,000-2,000 if you value your time at $50/hr. Hiring an agency runs $2,000-5,000 for a full migration including template rebuilds and automation recreation. ActiveCampaign offers free migration for new customers, but it is limited to 10 automation objects. Some platforms (MailerLite, Brevo) have built-in import tools that reduce DIY time significantly.

Question 6

Should I switch email platforms just to save money?

Accepted Answer

Only if the annual savings exceed $500. Below that threshold, the 20-40 hours of migration work and the deliverability disruption during warmup are not worth it. Between $500-1,000/yr savings, it depends on how complex your setup is — simple newsletter senders should switch, heavy automation users should think twice. Above $1,000/yr in savings, switching is almost always worth it regardless of complexity.

Question 7

What's the biggest risk of switching email platforms?

Accepted Answer

Deliverability dip during IP warmup. If you skip warmup or rush it, your emails go to spam on the new platform and you cannot undo that reputation damage quickly. The mitigation: run both platforms in parallel for 2-4 weeks. Keep sending from the old platform to your full list while gradually shifting volume to the new one, starting with your most engaged segment. Cancel the old platform only after 30 days of stable sending on the new one.

Question 8

Can I run two email platforms at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and you should during migration. Split your list: keep the full list active on your old platform for continuity, and import your most engaged segment (opened or clicked in the last 90 days) into the new platform for warmup. Send campaigns from both, gradually increasing volume on the new platform. This costs double for 1-2 months but protects your deliverability and gives you a rollback option if something goes wrong.