Importing Contacts Checklist

This quick checklist will help you when you’re importing your contacts. If you need detailed, step-by-step instructions, please click here.

Step 1: Prepare Your Contacts

If you’re going to import your contacts from an Excel spreadsheet, first prepare the data by:

  • Organising the data, so each field has its own column (email address, name, surname, etc.)

  • Making sure that each contact’s details are captured in their own row.

  • Fixing incorrect email addresses before importing (e.g. ‘[email protected]’ is probably incorrect and should be changed to ‘[email protected]’).

Download our Import Sample File if you get stuck – this will give you an idea of what to aim for.

Step 2: Select Your Import Type

Choose the import type that works best for you:

  • Upload a CSV, Excel, or Text file from your computer: When you have an existing database stored on your computer (TXT, CSV, XLSX and XLS file formats supported).

  • Copy and paste a few contacts into a text box in the system: If you only have a few contacts to import, copy and paste to manually add them to your list. Separate contact properties using commas, excel tabs, pipes, or semi-colons.

  • Upload from an HTTP, FTP, or SFTP server: For files hosted on an HTTP server, paste the URL into the field provided. If your file is hosted on an FTP or SFTP server, enter the server URL, username, password, and file name when prompted.

  • Upload from an integrated service like Salesforce, Shopify, or Google Docs: Import a list of contacts from a web-based service like Google, Salesforce, or Shopify.

Step 3: Map Your Fields

Tell the system which field it must apply to each column of your data.

Step 4: Select Your List

Check the checkbox next to a list’s name to add your contacts to an existing list or click Create List to create a new list.

Step 5: Choose Import Options

  • Set contacts as unconfirmed on import to send them an opt-in confirmation mail.

  • Update all existing contact details in the system with the imported data.

  • Send a progress email to an email address of your choice.

Step 6: Confirm Your Import

Review the import settings you’ve selected and, if you need to, set any scheduling.