How do I import a spreadsheet of existing contacts?

Did you know that you can import a list of contacts to receive your text messages? First make sure you have the appropriate consent from people to send them texts. Then all you need is a spreadsheet in the correct format and you can import hundreds of contacts at once! Here are 6 simple instructions on how to add contacts in this way.

Step 1: Create and Populate a “Number” or "PhoneNumber" Field.

To import a list of contacts from a spreadsheet, the only column heading that you need in your spreadsheet is a “Number” or "PhoneNumber" heading. Under this heading you should input a list of all the phone numbers that you want to upload:

At this point you could save and upload the spreadsheet as is, but if you want to include other information (such as your contacts’ names, emails, etc.) you can follow step 2.

Optional Step 2: Create and Populate “FirstName,” “LastName,” “Email,” and “Group” Fields.

You have the option to include contacts’ first names, last names, and email addresses in your spreadsheet to upload to your account. You can also include a “Group” or "GroupName" column, if you want to add contacts to a particular group on your account. (Note: the group must already exist on your account under your Manage Groups page). You can put contacts in more than one group by adding more than one “Group” column.

It does not matter what order your column headings are in.

Step 3: Save Your Spreadsheet in the Correct Format.

After you have inputted all the information that you want to include, you need to save your spreadsheet.  Make sure that it is saved in an XLS, XLSX, ODS, or CSV format.

Step 4: Go to the “Import Contacts” Page on Your Control Panel.

Log in to your account with your username and password. Then click the “Contacts” link on the navigation bar on the left side of your screen. Click “Import Contacts.”

Step 5: Drag or Click to Upload Your Spreadsheet.

The final step is to drag and drop your spreadsheet file into the given box, or you can click the box to find the file on your computer.

Your contacts will then all be uploaded, and you will be able to start sending messages right away!

Some options for uploading:

• If you select the "Only upload new subscribers" option, the system will pass over any entries in your spreadsheet whose phone number already exists in your Mobile Text Alerts database. This means that the system won't make any updates to your existing contact entries that are currently listed in your Manage Contacts page.
  • (Note that the spreadsheet importer won't create duplicate number entries regardless of whether or not this option is selected.)
• If you select the "Only update current subscribers" option, the system will only pull in the entries that are already listed as contacts in your Mobile Text Alerts database. The system will update those entries with any new information from the spreadsheet. It will not add in any new contacts.
• If you leave both of the above mentioned options off, the system will pull all entries from your spreadsheet, both adding in the new entries and updating and entries that are already listed as contacts.

TROUBLESHOOTING SPREADSHEET IMPORT ISSUES

Check out this article for tips on troubleshooting spreadsheet import issues.

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