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Migration Flow
A practical migration plan from Emma to Bento
This guide follows a simple sequence: export cleanly, map data correctly, then validate before cutover. No generic product pitch, just the steps your team needs.
Stage 1
Export checklist
- 1Export active contacts from Emma
In Emma, go to your audience or members section, choose the groups or segments you want to move, and use the export option to download contacts as a CSV file.
- 2Include all relevant member fields
When configuring your export, select all custom fields, status fields, and any engagement data you want to keep so Bento can recreate your segments.
- 3Export suppression and opt out lists
Download lists of unsubscribed, bounced, and suppressed contacts from Emma so you can import them into Bento as do not email records.
- 4Recreate custom fields and tags in Bento
In Bento, create matching custom fields and tag structures, then import your CSV files and map each Emma field to the correct Bento field.
- 5Rebuild automations and signup forms
Review your key Emma automated mailings and signup forms, then recreate them using Bento workflows and forms or your existing website tools.
Stage 2
Data portability map
Know in advance what imports directly and what may require a rebuild.
Stage 3
Validate and cut over
Treat cutover like launch QA. Validate your highest-risk paths first, then move sending traffic.
Switching from Emma can be done in one focused session
We help you map lists, rebuild key automations, and validate deliverability before cutover so your first week on Bento is smooth.
BentoOperator Notes
Emma to Bento language map
Keep this open while rebuilding flows. It maps terminology and highlights what to do first during migration QA.
- MembersContacts
Emma uses members to describe the people you email. In Bento they are contacts.
- GroupsLists or tags
Emma groups are collections of members. In Bento you can mirror these as lists or tags depending on how dynamic you want them to be.
- MailingsCampaigns
Single send emails in Emma are called mailings. In Bento they are campaigns.
- AutomationWorkflows
Automated email programs in Emma map to workflows in Bento where you can trigger on many more product and behavioral events.
- FieldsCustom fields
Profile data attached to members in Emma maps directly to custom fields on contacts in Bento.
- Emma HQWorkspaces and projects
Emma HQ handles multi brand and agency structures. In Bento you use workspaces and projects for similar multi account setups.
- Signup formsForms and events
Emma hosted forms map to Bento forms or to events you send from your own frontend for more flexible tracking.
Tips
- Audit your Emma segments and groups before exporting so you only move structures that still matter to your current strategy.
- Start by migrating one or two key lists into Bento, confirm tracking and deliverability, then move the rest of your audience.
- Use Bento anonymous tracking early on your site so new visitors start building event history even before you finish the full migration.
- Rebuild core automations in Bento with clearer goals and cleaner logic instead of copying old workflows exactly.
- Schedule a short overlap period where Emma and Bento both collect data so you can compare performance and inbox placement.
Watchouts
- Email engagement history from Emma cannot be imported directly into Bento so plan reporting snapshots before you cancel Emma.
- Complex Emma automations and branching logic will need to be rebuilt in Bento workflows rather than imported as is.
- Make sure all DNS records and sending domains are correctly configured in Bento before you shut off Emma sending.
Keep Exploring
Other migration playbooks
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