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Migrate From Substack to ConvertKit

A step-by-step guide to moving your newsletter from Substack to ConvertKit without losing subscribers. Covers export, import, domain setup, and re-engaging your audience.

Beginner1 hour

Steps

  1. 1

    Export Your Substack Subscribers

    Log into Substack, go to Settings, and click Exports. Download your subscriber list as a CSV file. This file includes email addresses, subscription status (free or paid), and sign-up dates. Also export your posts if you want to repurpose them, as Substack provides a full content export. Save both files securely.

  2. 2

    Set Up Your ConvertKit Account

    Create a ConvertKit account if you do not have one. The free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers with basic features. Configure your sender profile with your name, email address, and a recognizable sender name. Verify your sending domain for better deliverability. ConvertKit walks you through the DNS setup. Choose the Creator plan ($29/month) if you need automated sequences immediately.

    Learn more about ConvertKit4.7
  3. 3

    Import Your Subscribers

    Go to ConvertKit's Subscribers tab and click Import. Upload your Substack CSV file. Map the columns: email address, name (if available), and subscription date. Add a tag like 'substack-migration' to all imported subscribers so you can identify them later. ConvertKit will process the import and skip any invalid or duplicate addresses. Expect the import to complete within a few minutes.

    Learn more about ConvertKit4.7
  4. 4

    Create a Welcome Sequence for Migrated Subscribers

    Build a short 2-email sequence specifically for migrated subscribers (do not reuse a generic welcome sequence). Email 1: Announce the move. Explain why you switched, what will be different (better), and what they need to do (nothing, they are already subscribed). Include a link to update preferences. Email 2 (2 days later): Share your best piece of content to re-establish the value. Make this email genuinely useful, not just administrative.

    Learn more about ConvertKit4.7
  5. 5

    Build a Landing Page and Signup Forms

    Create a ConvertKit landing page to replace your Substack subscribe page. Match the branding and messaging your audience is used to, but take advantage of ConvertKit's better design options. Create embeddable signup forms for your website and social media profiles. Update every place that links to your Substack subscribe page: social bios, website, email signatures, podcast show notes.

    Learn more about ConvertKit4.7
  6. 6

    Notify Your Audience and Monitor

    Send a broadcast to your full list announcing the migration. Publish a final Substack post explaining the move and linking to your new ConvertKit landing page. Update all social media bio links. For the first two weeks, monitor ConvertKit's deliverability metrics closely: open rates, bounce rates, and spam complaints. If deliverability dips, warm up your sending domain by starting with smaller, engaged segments before broadcasting to your full list.

Why Migrate From Substack?

Substack is an excellent starting point for newsletters, but three issues push growing creators to migrate:

  1. The 10% revenue cut. Once your paid subscriptions generate meaningful revenue, Substack's 10% share becomes significant. ConvertKit charges a flat monthly fee with zero revenue share.

  2. No automation. Substack sends broadcasts. ConvertKit runs automated sequences, conditional logic, tagging, and segmentation. If you sell products or run launches, you need automation.

  3. Limited customization. Substack controls your design, your subscriber experience, and your web presence. ConvertKit gives you full control over branding, forms, landing pages, and the subscriber journey.

If you have paid Substack subscribers, migration is more complex. Paid subscribers will need to re-enter their payment details on ConvertKit. Plan for some churn during this transition, as typically 10-20% of paid subscribers do not re-subscribe on the new platform.

What You Will Accomplish

By the end of this workflow, your subscriber list will be in ConvertKit, your domain will be configured, your welcome sequence will be active, and your audience will know where to find you. The technical migration takes under an hour. The re-engagement period takes 1-2 weeks.

Before You Start

Make sure you have a ConvertKit account (the free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers). Have your custom domain ready if you use one. And most importantly, do not delete your Substack until your ConvertKit setup is fully operational and your audience has been notified.

The Timeline

Day 1: Export, import, and technical setup (1 hour). Day 2-3: Send announcement emails. Week 1-2: Monitor deliverability and re-engage subscribers. After 30 days: Evaluate and decide whether to archive or delete your Substack.