🚀 Get Mailchimp MCP up and running in just 5 minutes with this step-by-step installation guide.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• macOS 11.0+ (Big Sur or later) OR Windows/Linux with Node.js
• Node.js 20+ installed (Download Node.js)
• Claude Desktop installed (Download Claude Desktop)
• Mailchimp API Key (Get your API key)

Installation Methods

Method 1: macOS Installer (Recommended for macOS)

1. Download the Installer

   • Download MailchimpMCPInstaller.dmg from GitHub Releases

2. Open the DMG

   • Double-click the DMG file to mount it
   • You'll see MailchimpMCPInstaller.app and MailchimpMCPUninstaller.app

3. Run the Installer

   • Double-click MailchimpMCPInstaller.app
   • If you see a security warning, right-click → Open → Open
   • Follow the installation wizard

4. Configure

   • Enter your Mailchimp API key when prompted
   • The setup UI will open automatically in your browser
   • Complete the configuration

5. Restart Claude Desktop

   • Quit Claude Desktop completely (⌘Q)
   • Reopen Claude Desktop
   • Mailchimp MCP should now be connected!

Method 2: Command Line (All Platforms)

1. Install the Package

   npm install -g @alien-lifestyles/mailchimp-mcp
   

2. Launch Setup

   mailchimp-mcp-config
   

   Or use the alternative command:

   mailchimp-mcp-setup
   

3. Configure

   • The setup UI will open in your browser at http://localhost:3000
   • Enter your Mailchimp API key
   • Optionally add a license key for paid features
   • Click "Save Configuration"

4. Restart Claude Desktop

   • Quit Claude Desktop completely
   • Reopen Claude Desktop
   • Mailchimp MCP should now be connected!

Getting Your Mailchimp API Key

1. Log into your Mailchimp account
2. Go to Account & Billing → Extras → API keys
3. Click Create A Key
4. Copy the API key (it looks like: abc123def456-us9)
5. The server prefix (e.g., us9) is automatically detected from your API key

Verifying Installation

After restarting Claude Desktop, test the connection:

1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Ask Claude: "Can you run mc_ping?"
3. If connected, Claude will respond with connection status

Troubleshooting

Claude Desktop Shows "Not Connected"

• Check configuration: Verify your API key is correct in the .env file
• Restart Claude Desktop: Make sure you completely quit and reopened
• Check MCP logs: Look for errors in Claude Desktop's MCP server logs

Setup UI Won't Open

• Check port 3000: Make sure nothing else is using port 3000
• Try manual launch: Run mailchimp-mcp-config from terminal
• Check firewall: Ensure your firewall isn't blocking the connection

API Key Not Working

• Verify format: API key should be like abc123def456-us9
• Check permissions: Ensure your API key has necessary permissions
• Test connection: Try using the API key directly with Mailchimp's API

Next Steps

Once installed, you can:

• Explore Use Cases
• Create Your First Campaign
• Learn About Features

Need Help? Check our troubleshooting guide or contact support.