How to configure a .CSV file to import contacts
Creating a CSV file to import contacts is a simple task that can also save a lot of time when creating lists in Instasent.
Many CRMs and platforms even offer the option to export a CSV file with contacts and their attributes (name, number, email, country, etc.), making this task even simpler.
When creating a CSV file to import contacts to Instasent, it is important to keep several things in mind:
Save the file with the .csv extension, UTF-8.
All different data must be properly separated in columns, and the headers are required
The more info you upload,the greater the potential to create segments and update your audience.
The maximum size is 20 MB.
If you have a column with Tags, separate them with spaces.
Keep in mind the format of international phone numbers
The steps to follow in the import are:
1. Upload
The most important thing will be to choose the default country for the contacts so that the platform adds the phone prefix automatically.
If the phone numbers are British, select UK as the default country in order for the app to accept the maximum number of data. If there are numbers from other countries, they should either have the country prefix or you will need to import them separately, selecting the respective country.
2. Mapping
Your contacts have a series of data, fields, or values, which we'll call 'Attributes.' Keep in mind that, in addition to Shopify, you can connect many more technologies, import data in .CSV format, etc.
Therefore, each attribute must be assigned a specific name (for example, the 'Name' attribute may be called 'Name' in Shopify and 'Nombre' in a .CSV file, but in Instasent, it will be a single field).
By mapping, you ensure that each piece of data is placed in its correct project attribute. Although we try to automatically match project attributes, variations in names or data structure can cause inconsistencies. That's why it's vital to review the suggested mapping and adjust if necessary.
3. Key field
Used to uniquely identify each row
4. Merge*
*If this is the first data source you are connecting, this step will not appear yet.
Remember that you can connect many data sources (multiple .CSV files, spreadsheets, different technologies like Make, Shopify, Klaviyo, etc.). Instasent unifies and groups all this audience coming from all these sources.
Based on what value will you unify potential duplicate data from among your different data sources? If you choose, for example, the email, all contacts with the same email will be unified and their information will be aggregated. You can find more information in this article.
5. Tags
You can add tags to easily identify these new contacts.
Clic on 'Finish'.
Once these steps are confirmed, all contacts will be available in the Audience section, where you can apply filters and create segments. You will also be able to send the first campaign.
Keep in mind that each CSV file you import can be updated later and this is what we recommend to do. That is, if you have new contacts or want to delete some, you do not need to connect a new complementary data source, but can work on the one that you already have available.