Migrate from Symplify Communication to Mailchimp

Discovery and data audit

We audit the Symplify account for all Lists, Contacts, DataDocs, Document Types, Campaigns, Messages, Opens, Clicks, Hard Bounces, Soft Bounces, and Optouts. We assess total record counts per object, identify any orphaned DataDocs without valid type definitions, and review the Symplify Document Type schema for each DataDoc type. We also identify any Projects and active workflows requiring documentation for the rebuild handoff. The discovery output is a written migration scope, a record count estimate, and a proposed Mailchimp audience structure.

Mailchimp account and audience setup

We configure Mailchimp audiences in advance of data import. This includes creating one audience per Symplify List (or consolidating into a single audience with segments if the same contacts appear in multiple Lists), creating all required merge tags to match Symplify contact properties and DataDoc fields, and setting up audience groups for multi-value DataDoc properties. We configure domain authentication (SPF and DKIM) via DNS if not already done, which is required before Mailchimp allows sends from the imported audience.

Symplify batch export across sliding windows

We export Symplify data in chronological chunks using the 2-week maximum batch window. For each window, we call the batch export endpoint, poll batchId until complete, and download the result set. We deduplicate records that appear in overlapping windows and assemble a single canonical dataset per object type. Exports run in this order: Contacts, Lists, DataDocs, Campaigns, Messages, Opens, Clicks, Hard Bounces, Soft Bounces, Optouts. Each export phase emits a row count reconciled against Symplify's reporting UI.

Data transformation and merge tag mapping

We transform Symplify records into Mailchimp format. Contacts become Mailchimp members with merge tags populated from Symplify properties and DataDocs. DataDocs are flattened into merge tags (scalar values) or group selections (multi-value). Symplify Lists become Mailchimp audience segments with tags applied. Hard bounce and soft bounce records are separated into distinct suppression imports. Optout records become unsubscribed member status records. The transform phase includes data quality checks: duplicate email detection, missing email flagging, and format normalization for phone numbers and dates.

Suppression list and deliverability preparation

Before importing subscribed contacts, we upload suppression lists to Mailchimp: all hard bounces, soft bounces, and unsubscribes from Symplify. Mailchimp's API prevents importing contacts with email addresses already on a suppression list, protecting deliverability. We import suppression records in advance of contact import to ensure the suppress list is active before any subscribed contact loads. This step aligns with Mailchimp's published migration best practices for switching ESPs.

Contact import and campaign archive

We import contacts via Mailchimp's API using batch operations with rate limiting. Merge tags populate during import. Once all contacts are in Mailchimp, we create archived campaign records for each Symplify campaign, attaching engagement summary notes. We run a reconciliation report comparing Symplify contact count against Mailchimp member count and flag any discrepancies for manual review. Suppression records are verified post-import to confirm zero subscribed sends to bounced or unsubscribed addresses.

Cutover, validation, and automation rebuild handoff

We freeze Symplify writes during cutover, run a final delta export of any contacts or preferences modified during the migration window, and apply updates to Mailchimp. We deliver the written automation inventory document to the customer's marketing team with recommendations for Mailchimp Customer Journeys equivalents. We support a one-week hypercare window for deliverability and data quality issues. Post-migration reporting reconciliation compares Symplify send history against Mailchimp campaign records. Workflow rebuild and automation configuration are handled by the customer's team or a separate Mailchimp implementation partner.