Setting up Klaviyo correctly from the start saves hours of work later and ensures your email marketing is built on a solid foundation. This step-by-step guide covers everything from account creation to your first automated flow.
Step 1: Connect Your eCommerce Platform
The first step in Klaviyo setup is integrating your store. For Shopify, install the Klaviyo app and authorize permissions. For WooCommerce, install the Klaviyo plugin. This pulls in your product catalog, order history, and customer data — enabling everything from segmentation to product recommendations.
Step 2: Configure Your Account Settings
Set your sending domain (critical for deliverability), configure your sending name and “from” email address, set up CNAME records for custom tracking, and verify your domain with email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). These technical steps are essential for landing in the inbox rather than spam.
Step 3: Import Your Existing Lists
Import your existing subscriber list via CSV, ensuring you map fields correctly (first name, last name, email, opt-in status). Only import permission-based contacts — importing purchased lists or unverified emails will damage your sender reputation and violate Klaviyo’s terms of service.
Step 4: Set Up Core Flows
Start with the three highest-ROI flows: Welcome Series (trigger: List Signup), Abandoned Cart (trigger: Started Checkout), and Browse Abandonment (trigger: Viewed Product). These three flows alone can generate 15–25% of your total email revenue once properly set up.
Step 5: Create Your First Campaign
Set up your email template library with on-brand designs, then plan your first campaign calendar. Start with a simple newsletter or promotion to warm up your list and establish sending patterns. Consistency in sending frequency is important for deliverability.
Step 6: Set Up Reporting and Tracking
Configure Klaviyo’s attribution window (typically 5-day click, 1-day open), connect Google Analytics for cross-channel attribution, and set up custom dashboards to track revenue, RPR, and flow performance. Good reporting from day one makes optimization much easier.