How to Transition from Constant Contact to DirectLync

You’ve decided you are ready to make the switch from your Constant Contact account to DirectLync. We are happy to have you! With your new account at DirectLync, you have access to an all-in-one marketing platform! You'll have a more robust contact management system, be able to manage your social media, gain integrated channel insights, and have access to marketing experts at DirectLync!

All of this is exciting, but there are a few things you need to do to keep all of your information in tack during the transition (don’t worry, it’s easy)! 

Don’t have the time? We’ll do it for you. Contact us about our implementation services.

 

Step 1: Sign up!

If you haven't created your DirectLync account, the first step is to sign up. It's easy, and you can do it here. You’ll even get 30-days for free.

If you already have an account, skip to step 2. 

 

Step 2: Export your list of contacts from Constant Contact

Next, you’ll need to head to your Constant Contact account and export your contact list. You can export your full list or export each group separately. If you want to keep your groups as is, we recommend exporting each group in a separate spreadsheet. 

To export your entire contact list: 

1. Log in to your Constant Contact account
2. Click Contacts on your top navigation bar
3. Click the Checkbox next to name to select all contacts
4. Click Export on the grey options bar
5. Select the fields you would like to export with your lists
6. Export Contacts

To export individual groups: 

1. Log in to your Constant Contact account
2. Click Contacts on your top navigation bar
3. Pick your group on the left sidebar
4. Click the Checkbox next to name to select all contacts in that group
5. Click Export on the grey options bar
6. Select the fields you would like to export with your lists
7. Export Contacts

 

Step 3:  Import your list 

You now have all your list exported, so you’ll want to start preparing your .CSV files for import into DirectLync. 

To prepare your files:

• Remove unsubscribed contacts 
• Update or delete bounced email addresses
• Think about how you would like to group your contacts. You’ll want to separate your contact lists into those groups (this is done already if you exported your groups separately). For example, you may have a separate email list for your newsletter and current customers. These lists should be two different groups to upload.

Once your lists are prepared and saved, you are ready to import!

To import: 

1. Head to the Contacts Module
2. Click Import on the top tab
3. Download the Import Template
4. Map the headers on your .CSV to the import template headers
5. Click Choose a File and upload your list
6. Agree to the CAN-Spam act if all of your contacts are opt-ins > Next
7. Validate that your list is appearing correctly
8. Assign your contacts list to a group or create a new group by clicking the word 'Here'
9. Click Save & Next and your file is uploaded!

 

Step 4: Customize your content 

If you’ve been using Constant Contact for a while, you most likely have created custom templates you love. They aren’t lost forever! You can easily recreate them in DirectLync.

To build a custom email:

1. Go to the Email Marketing Module in DirectLync
2. Click + next to email campaigns
3. Select the Email Campaign option
4. Name your email template and create a category (categories are optional)
5. Add your details
6. In the Templates stage, select Layouts > Start from Scratch

In start from scratch, you can create your custom email to look just like your current Constant Contact templates.

Note – DirectLync can add your email templates for your and even build you professional, custom-designed email templates. Contact us if you are interested in either of these email services. 

 

You’re done! You have officially transitioned and ready to start marketing in DirectLync. For more onboarding information, check out our Getting Started Guide.