Introduction: Why Importing Your Email List to Klaviyo Matters
For e-commerce marketers, a strong email list is a goldmine of potential revenue. When transitioning to a new email marketing platform like Klaviyo, one of the first steps is to import your existing email list. Importing your email list to Klaviyo correctly ensures you retain valuable customer data, maintain list hygiene, and set yourself up for success with advanced segmentation and automation features.
How Do I Import My Existing Email List to Klaviyo?
To import your email list to Klaviyo, log into your Klaviyo account, navigate to Lists & Segments, select Create List / Segment, upload your CSV file, and map your data fields accurately. This process only takes a few minutes and can save you hours of manual data entry.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import Email List to Klaviyo
1. Prepare Your Email List for Import
Before uploading your email list to Klaviyo, ensure your data is clean and well-organized:
File Format: Your email list should be in a CSV format.
Column Headers: Include clear headers like Email, First Name, Last Name, Phone Number, and any custom properties you want to import.
Data Cleanliness: Remove duplicate contacts and invalid email addresses to maintain a high deliverability rate.
2. Log into Your Klaviyo Account
Go to Klaviyo.com and log in with your credentials.
If you don't have an account, you can create one for free to get started.
3. Create a New List in Klaviyo
Navigate to Lists & Segments in the left-hand menu.
Click on Create List / Segment in the upper right corner.
Select List, and give your list a descriptive name, such as 2025 Email Subscribers.
4. Upload Your CSV File
Click on Upload Contacts to List.
Drag and drop your CSV file or select it from your computer.
The file upload process is quick, but ensure the file size is manageable (under 50MB is recommended).
5. Map Your Data Fields
Klaviyo will automatically attempt to match the columns in your CSV file to the appropriate Klaviyo fields:
Confirm or correct the mappings manually.
For example, map Email Address to Email, First Name to First Name, and any custom properties accordingly.
If you are migrating custom data (e.g., VIP Status, Subscription Date), map these fields to custom properties in Klaviyo.
6. Set Consent and Opt-In Status
Klaviyo will ask whether the contacts being imported have consented to receive marketing emails.
Choose Yes if you have explicit permission, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and CAN-SPAM.
7. Review and Complete the Import
Double-check all information before clicking Import.
Once imported, you will see your new list under Lists & Segments, where you can view and manage your contacts.
Best Practices for Importing Email List to Klaviyo
✅ Segment Your Contacts Immediately
Create segments based on Engagement, Purchase Behavior, and Customer Attributes to optimize future campaigns.
✅ Send a Re-Engagement Campaign
If your list includes older contacts, a re-engagement email can help confirm their interest and reduce unsubscribe rates.
✅ Avoid Common Pitfalls
Don't Import Purchased Lists: This can hurt your sender reputation.
Verify Email Addresses: Tools like NeverBounce or ZeroBounce can help maintain list hygiene.
Advanced Tips: How to Add Contacts to Klaviyo via Integration
If you are migrating from another email service provider, you can often integrate directly rather than using a CSV import:
Shopify Integration: Automatically sync customer data from your e-commerce platform to Klaviyo.
Zapier Integration: Automate the process of adding new subscribers from other tools like Google Sheets or Typeform.
Conclusion: Need Help Importing Your Email List to Klaviyo?
Successfully importing your email list to Klaviyo is a critical step in maximizing your email marketing strategy. From mapping data fields to maintaining list hygiene, every detail matters to avoid deliverability issues and optimize your marketing performance.
📩 If your email program is underperforming and you’re unsure how to optimize your list import process, let’s talk.
At Dispatch, we help brands maximize revenue from email & SMS without damaging subscriber engagement.
👉 Connect with Dispatch today to optimize your email marketing strategy.
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