Change a Classic Automation to a Customer Journey

The classic automation builder is Mailchimp's original automated email series tool. Mailchimp also offers the Customer Journey Builder, which allows you to automate more than just emails. Use Customer Journeys to send targeted emails and SMS messages, add tags, and accomplish other important tasks.

It can be time consuming to recreate all of your classic automations, so we have a process to automatically convert them into Customer Journeys.

In this article you’ll learn how to change a classic automation to a Customer Journey.

Before you start

Here are a few things to know before you begin this process.

• Depending on your pricing plan, you may have limited access to Customer Journey tools. To learn more, check out our pricing page.
• Your original classic automation will be archived once you turn on your new Customer Journey. Use the Archived status filter on the All Campaigns page to find it and its reports.
• After you change your classic automation to a Customer Journey, any existing contacts queued in the classic automation will complete the classic workflow.
• Some classic automation features won’t convert to a Customer Journey.

Convert a classic automation to a Customer Journey

To convert a classic automation to a Customer Journey, follow these steps.

1. Click Automations, then choose All journeys.
   
2. Click Classic Automations.
3. Click the three vertical dots next to the classic automation you want to work with, then select Convert to Journey.
4. Click Continue to Journey in the popup.
5. Review the Customer Journey map, then click Turn On.

That's it! Your original classic automation will be archived once you turn on the new Customer Journey. Any existing contacts queued in the classic automation will complete the classic workflow. New contacts that meet the conditions of the starting point will enter into the new Customer Journey.

Next steps

Now that your classic automation is converted to a Customer Journey, you may want to update or edit your Journey map. To learn more, check out Edit a Customer Journey Map.

Convert to a Customer Journey FAQs

How is the classic automation builder different from the Customer Journey Builder?
Both build automated workflows to help you send relevant messages to your audience. The classic automation builder sends automated emails in a linear path. The Customer Journey Builder includes advanced options such as SMS, surveys, multiple branching points, up to 3 starting point triggers, audience management actions, and more.

Why should I convert my classic automations to Customer Journeys?
Mailchimp developed the Customer Journey Builder to provide features and functionality to better meet our customers’ marketing needs. You’ll be able to accomplish the same goals in a Customer Journey that you can in a classic automation, plus you’ll have the extra benefits of more features.

When I convert from a classic automation to a Customer Journey, what will happen to the contacts in my classic automation?
When you convert to a Customer Journey, any contacts currently in your classic automation will continue through the workflow as normal. New contacts will enter into the Customer Journey.

Will I still have access to my classic automation and its reports?
Your original classic automation will be archived once you turn on your new Customer Journey. Use the Archived status filter on the All Campaigns page to find it and its reports.

Should I convert my RSS campaigns?
You don’t need to convert RSS campaigns to Customer Journeys. RSS campaigns are part of our pre-built journey library. You can find existing RSS campaigns on the All Campaigns page.

Are all classic automation features supported in Customer Journeys?
Nearly all classic automation features are supported in Customer Journeys, however some features won’t convert to a Customer Journey.

I use a feature in the classic automation builder that isn’t available in the Customer Journey Builder. What should I do?
If you use a feature that isn’t available in the Customer Journey Builder, we recommend keeping your classic automation.

Is the Customer Journey Builder available with all pricing plans?
The Customer Journey Builder is included with the Essentials plan or higher. With the Essentials plan, create Customer Journeys with a single starting point and up to 3 journey points. With Standard and Premium plans, create Customer Journeys with up to 3 starting points, 200 journey points, and split paths.

Where can I get more help?
Here are some resources to help you understand your options and get familiar with the Customer Journey Builder.

About Customer Journeys
Video: Create a Customer Journey

If you have more questions about converting classic automations to Customer Journeys, we have multiple support options including live chat and email. To find out which support options you have access to, check out Mailchimp Support Options.