How do I import contacts from a spreadsheet?

SalesManager makes it easy to import contacts from a spreadsheet.  The SalesManager import function is very powerful, allowing you to generate custom import batches for importing contacts with preset attributes, to ensure accuracy.  In addition to the template-based import, SalesManager has a new import function that allows import directly from other sources such as PrivateCommunities.com, ideal-living.com, and contact forms and landing pages.

This guide will cover the most common import from a base contact import template. 

How to import contacts from a base contact import template

To ensure accuracy, SalesManager uses an import template file, attached in the attachments section of this article.  

1. Click Contact Import
2. Click Add New Batch
3. Type in a name for your import batch
4. Download the base import template file. This also can be found in the Contact Import section or attached to this article.
5. Click Save.

To commit a contact to your database at a minimum you need two things, their first/last name, and a Lead Development plan (article link) for your import batch.  A Lead Development plan for each batch import assures the desired default values for the required contact fields:  campaign, lead status, relationship, sales agent, or ActionCycle.  If your leads require flexibility you may add these values to the lead spreadsheet and they will override the defaults in your Lead Development Plan.

1. Copy your data to import template file. Save and make note of where the file is located.  
2. Once you have your spreadsheet ready, log in to SalesManager and go to Admin.
3. Open Contact Import and select the batch you created for import.
4. Review the defaults you set up in your Lead Development plan and edit if necessary
5. Click Choose File and select the spreadsheet you just saved.

You now have a batch of contacts ready for review and committing to your database!  If there were any errors or missing values, you should receive a message letting you know where the missing fields are.  

Let's ensure everything looks good and commit them to your database.

1. Click on the batch name you created above
2. You will see a list of contacts from that batch.  
3. Run "Search for Batch Duplicates" to the right above the list of Contacts.
4. If the batch contains possible duplicates, you will see a red icon next to those names. You can merge, delete or work with those contacts as we will discuss in a separate article but for now, we can move on with new contacts only.
5. Next, on the left side of your screen select Standard/New Contact Import
   
   
6. To commit contacts: 
   • By Name and Email Address (Green button #1 "(1) Commit by Email"). 
   • By partial last name and address fields (Green button #2 "(2) Commit by Address").
   • Select the remaining contacts by checking their box then click (Green button #3 "(3) Compare Selected"). This will allow you to merge the new data with the existing contact.  This is best done one at a time or in groups of a few.
   • HINT: Usually I push all the buttons, 1, then when it finishes, then 2, and after that, 3 to process the remaining items the site can't compare.

• 

You now have new contacts imported into your database!