Step 1: Create your Mailchimp account

Go to mailchimp.com and click "Sign Up Free." You'll need an email address, a strong password, and basic business details. Free plan covers up to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends/month — enough to test thoroughly.

During onboarding Mailchimp asks for your physical address (required by CAN-SPAM/GDPR for the footer) and your industry. Fill these accurately — they show in every email you send.

Step 2: Verify your sending domain

Before you send anything, authenticate your domain. Skipping this is the #1 reason Mailchimp users end up in spam.

In Mailchimp, go to Account → Settings → Domains
Click "Add & Verify Domain"
Enter your sending address (e.g. newsletter@yourdomain.com)
Mailchimp sends a verification email with a 6-digit code — enter it

Domain verified ≠ authenticated. Continue to step 3.

Step 3: Set up SPF and DKIM

In the same Domains screen, click "Authenticate" next to your domain. Mailchimp shows you three DNS records to publish:

A CNAME for k1._domainkey.yourdomain.com → DKIM
A CNAME for k2._domainkey.yourdomain.com → DKIM (backup)
An addition to your existing SPF: include:servers.mcsv.net

Log into your DNS provider (Cloudflare, Google Domains, your registrar), add the records, wait 15-60 minutes, then click "Authenticate Domain" in Mailchimp. Verify with our SPF/DKIM checker.

Step 4: Build your first audience

Mailchimp calls lists "audiences." Create one:

Go to Audience → Create Audience
Give it a clear name (e.g. "Newsletter Subscribers")
Set default from name and email (use the domain you just authenticated)
Add your postal address (for legal footer)
Configure GDPR: toggle on "Enable GDPR fields" if you have EU subscribers

Import contacts from CSV, from your CRM, or grow via signup forms. If you're importing, first clean with our list cleaner guide.

Step 5: Create your first campaign

Campaigns → Create Campaign → Email → Regular
Name it (internal use), pick recipients (your audience), set from/subject
Design: start from a template or drag-and-drop
Keep it short — under 500 words for the first email
Include a clear CTA and an obvious unsubscribe link (Mailchimp auto-adds, don't remove)

Before sending, always hit "Preview" and send a test to yourself. Check on desktop and mobile.

Step 6: Send and monitor

When you send, Mailchimp starts showing real-time stats:

Delivery rate — should be 98%+
Open rate — benchmark varies by industry (see our bounce calculator)
Click rate — 2-5% is typical
Bounces & complaints — remove bouncers immediately, keep complaint rate < 0.1%

Avoid these beginner mistakes

Skipping domain authentication — guaranteed spam folder on day one
Buying a list to start — instant ban from Mailchimp, no exceptions
Sending to 10k on day one — warm up gradually: 500, 1k, 2k, etc.
Weak subject lines like "Newsletter #1" — be specific about value
Removing the unsubscribe link — illegal and kills your reputation