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Change a Classic Automation to a Marketing Automation Flow
Classic automations are Mailchimp's original automated email series tool. Mailchimp also offers marketing automation flows, which allow you to automate more than just emails. Use automation flows 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 automation flows.
In this article you’ll learn how to change a classic automation to a marketing automation flow.
Before you start
Here are a few things to know before you begin this process.
- Depending on your plan, you may not have access to all marketing automation flow tools. To find out what features are included in each plan, check out our pricing page.
- Your original classic automation will be archived once you turn on your new automation flow. Use the Archived status filter on the All campaigns page to find it and its reports.
- After you change your classic automation to an automation flow, any existing contacts queued in the classic automation will complete the classic workflow.
- Some classic automation features won’t convert to an automation flow.
Convert a classic automation to an automation flow
To convert a classic automation to an automation flow, follow these steps.
- Click Automations, then choose All flows.
- Click Classic Automations.
- Click the three vertical dots next to the classic automation you want to work with, then select Convert to flow.
- Click Continue to flow in the popup.
- Review the flow, then click Turn On.
That's it! Your original classic automation will be archived once you turn on the new automation flow. Any existing contacts queued in the classic automation will complete the classic workflow. New contacts that meet the conditions of the trigger will enter into the new automation flow.
Now that your classic automation is converted to an automation flow, you may want to update or edit your flow. To learn more, check out Edit a Marketing Automation Flow.
Convert to a Marketing Automation Flows FAQs
How are classic automations different from marketing automation flows?
Both build automated workflows to help you send relevant messages to your audience. Classic automations send automated emails in a linear path. Marketing automation flows include advanced options such as SMS, surveys, multiple branching points, up to 3 triggers, audience management actions, and more.
Why should I convert my classic automations to an automation flow?
Mailchimp developed automation flows to provide features and functionality to better meet our customers’ marketing needs. You’ll be able to accomplish the same goals in an automation flow 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 an automation flow, what will happen to the contacts in my classic automation?
When you convert to an automation flow, any contacts currently in your classic automation will continue through the workflow as normal. New contacts will enter into the automation flow.
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 automation flow. Use the Archived status filter on the All Campaigns page to find it and its reports.
Should I convert my RSS automation?
You don’t need to convert RSS automations to automation flows. RSS automations are part of our flow template library. You can find existing RSS automations on the All campaigns page.
Are all classic automation features supported in automation flows?
Nearly all classic automation features are supported in automation flows, however some features won’t convert to an automation flow.
Are marketing automation flows available with all pricing plans?
Marketing Automation Flows are included with the Essentials plan or higher. With the Essentials plan, create flows with a single trigger and up to 3 steps. With Standard and Premium plans, create flows with up to 3 triggers, 200 steps, and split paths.
Where can I get more help?
Here are some resources to help you understand your options and get familiar with marketing automation flows.
About Marketing Automation Flows
Edit a Marketing Automation Flow
If you have more questions about converting classic automations to automation flows, 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.
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