Your asset, not the platform's.
WHY IT MATTERS
Platforms change pricing, change terms, suspend accounts and occasionally close.
A list you cannot export is a list you do not own.
WHAT TO DO
Export periodically. Monthly or quarterly, depending on growth.
Store it securely, off the hosting account, with your business records.
WHAT THE EXPORT SHOULD CONTAIN
Addresses, names if you collect them, subscription date, source and consent record.
That consent record matters if anyone ever questions whether someone opted in.
THE SECURITY POINT
An exported list is personal data. Do not leave it on the server, and never in a web-reachable folder.
Anyone guessing the URL takes your entire subscriber list.
BEFORE CHOOSING A PLATFORM
Confirm the export works and produces a usable file. Some make it deliberately awkward.
IF YOU MOVE PLATFORMS
Import the list, and be aware that the new platform may require re-confirmation.
Your engagement history does not transfer, so expect the first sends to perform differently.
WHAT TO KEEP FOREVER
The consent record.
