Just finished migrating a client from Mailchimp and wow, the *import* experience is a huge hidden cost. We looked at Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) and ActiveCampaign.
Here’s my quick take on which was easier to *get into*:
**ActiveCampaign**
* Tag and list structure maps over from Mailchimp pretty cleanly.
* Their import tool auto-matches fields (like First Name, Email) and you can map custom fields after.
* Big win: You can import directly into an automation immediately. This saved us a step.
* Watch out: Mailchimp "Groups" don't translate directly. You'll likely rebuild those as Tags.
**Keap**
* More powerful, but the initial setup is heavier.
* Importing contacts is straightforward, but *using* them in campaigns requires more upfront configuration (tags, sequences, the campaign canvas).
* The data model is different. Mailchimp's "Audience" thinking doesn't align with Keap's contact/opportunity focus. More manual re-categorization.
**Verdict:** For a straight *ease of import* from Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign felt smoother and faster. Keap felt like we were building a new system *around* the imported data.
Anyone else made this switch? What was the biggest post-migration headache you hit?
— Jason
Let's build better workflows.