Keep opt-outs intact when moving an email list
Keep unsubscribed, bounced, and suppressed records separate from the active subscriber audience. Review the source status and import exclusions before any send; moving tools should not turn an opt-out into a new subscription.
Move the decision, not just the address
An email export can contain active subscribers alongside former subscribers and purchase-only contacts. A column of addresses loses the reason each one belongs there. Preserve the original status and permission information before reducing the file to a sending audience.
KeepMPosted excludes recognized inactive subscription statuses in source exports and preserves existing opt-outs and provider suppressions. Still review your source: unfamiliar status labels or a stripped-down file can remove the information needed for exclusions. Do not assume every vendor's format has identical meaning.
Before you send
- Export current statuses and preserve an untouched copy privately.
- Identify active subscribers within the content scope you will maintain.
- Exclude former subscribers and suppressed addresses from the new active audience.
- Review preview exclusions and existing records before attesting and saving.
Message examples to adapt
These are original examples. Replace bracketed details and check every promise before using them.
Migration status review
Active agreed subscribers: [source and filter]. Unsubscribed records: [retained private record]. Suppressions or bounced records: [reviewed source]. Unknown status labels: [investigation]. Preview checked by: [reviewer]. No former subscriber is being added merely because their address appears in the export.
Staff handoff rule
Use only the reviewed active-subscriber source for this import. Do not append the full customer address book or remove exclusions to increase the count. If a contact's status is unclear, resolve it from the original record before any update is sent.
Verify the first audience, not only import completion
Before sending, inspect the selected types and matching count. Imports start with the default type; they do not copy another provider's tags, topics, or automations. Keep those limitations clear when planning the first announcement.
Retain the migration review and source records privately so staff can explain why an address was excluded. Do not share subscriber files or opt-out details in a public message.
Common questions
Does this import create a separate suppression-list tool?
The import preview excludes recognized source statuses and preserves existing suppressions. Keep external status records and prepare the active audience rather than assuming arbitrary suppression-file migration.
Should I email opt-outs asking them to join again?
Do not use the migrated sending audience to undo an opt-out. Provide voluntary public signup routes for people who choose future updates.
Put this into practice
Use KeepMPosted's preview and preserved opt-out state with a carefully reviewed source audience, rather than importing every known address.
KeepMPosted collects subscribers through a QR signup page and sends updates by email or Telegram using prepaid credits. Customers can choose the message types you offer. You write and send each update; SMS and scheduled sending are not available.