Setup: Import Your Contacts

Why This Matters

Before you can send emails, tag your database, or start automations, you need your contacts in the system. Importing your list is the fastest way to get everyone in at once, and you'll only need to do it once.

The Simple Contact Import Tool makes it easy to bring in your spreadsheet of contacts quickly and accurately—no technical knowledge required.

If you get stuck or need a hand, our Support Team is happy to walk you through it. Some people find this step intimidating at first, but we'll help make sure everything imports perfectly.

Before You Begin

You'll need:

A list of contacts saved in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format

Column headers clearly labeled (for example, First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone)

A few minutes to review your file before uploading

Once your contacts are in the system, you'll only need to manage them—you won't have to repeat this setup.

Watch & Learn

🎥 Video: Import Your Contact

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your File

Your contacts should be saved as a .CSV file. You can export this format from Excel, Google Sheets, or most CRMs.

Before importing, take a moment to clean up your file. Each column should have a clear header (First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone). Each contact should be on its own row. Remove duplicate rows, blank lines, or unnecessary columns. Include at least First Name and Last Name columns.

A clean file with clear headers prevents mapping errors and ensures your data imports correctly the first time.

Time: 5 minutes

2. Open the Import Tool

Hover over your Profile Picture Menu in the top-right corner. Click Data Migration. Choose Simple Contact Import.

You'll now see the import setup screen where you can upload your file and configure import options.

Time: 1 minute

3. Upload and Configure Your File

Drag and drop your CSV file into the upload box, or click to browse and select it. Optionally, assign a Category, Tag, or Source to the entire batch. Review your duplicate-handling options before continuing.

Assigning tags or categories during import instantly organizes your contacts by source or campaign without requiring manual work later.

Time: 2 minutes

4. Map Your Fields

The Mapping Wizard displays your CSV column names on the left and CRM fields on the right.

Check that each column matches correctly—the system will automatically pair common fields like Email. Use dropdown menus to fix any mismatches. Choose Skip This Field for any column you don't want to import.

Proper field mapping ensures your data lands in the correct places. Take time to verify each mapping before proceeding.

Time: 3-5 minutes

5. Run the Import

When everything looks good, click Run Import. The system will process your file and import your contacts.

The import process runs automatically. Most lists under 1,000 contacts import almost instantly. Larger lists may take 5-10 minutes.

Time: 1-10 minutes (depending on file size)

6. Review Your Results

After your import completes, review the summary report to see how many contacts were imported and how many duplicates were skipped. Go to your Contact List to spot-check your new contacts. Use Search or Filters to confirm names, emails, and phone numbers look right.

This verification step catches any issues early so you can correct them before using your contact list.

Time: 3-5 minutes

Questions and Answers

Q: What file format do I need?

A: Your contacts must be saved as a .CSV (Comma Separated Values) file. You can export this format from Excel, Google Sheets, or most other CRMs. Files in .xlsx, .xls, or .numbers format won't work—save or export as CSV first.

Q: What happens if I have duplicate contacts?

A: The system automatically detects duplicates based on email address. If an email already exists in your database, that contact will be skipped during import. You'll see a summary report showing exactly how many duplicates were skipped.

Q: Can I import contacts without email addresses?

A: Yes. While email is the most common identifier, you can import contacts with just names and phone numbers. However, contacts without email addresses won't be eligible for email campaigns until you add one later.

Q: What if my column headers don't match the system fields?

A: The Mapping Wizard lets you manually match your column names to CRM fields. For example, if your spreadsheet uses "Full Name" instead of "First Name," you can map it correctly during Step 4. You can also skip columns you don't need.

Q: Can I add tags or categories during import?

A: Yes. During Step 3, you have the option to assign a Category, Tag, or Source to the entire batch of contacts you're importing. This is helpful for organizing contacts by list, campaign, or where they came from.

Q: What if something goes wrong?

A: If your import doesn't look right, you can delete the imported batch and try again. Contact our Support Team if you need help troubleshooting—we can walk you through the process live and help you fix any issues.

Q: How long does the import take?

A: Most imports complete within a few minutes, depending on file size. Small lists (under 1,000 contacts) import almost instantly. Larger lists may take 5-10 minutes. You'll see a progress indicator while the system processes your file.

Q: Can I import custom fields?

A: Yes. If you have custom fields set up in your CRM, they'll appear in the Mapping Wizard. You can map any column from your CSV to a custom field, just like standard fields.

Guide Type: One-Time Setup Task

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

Next Guides: How to Organize Your Contacts with Tags, How to Send Your First Email Campaign, Setup: Email Sending Domain