Admins can quickly and easily upload contact data into their Givebacks site by selecting Contacts and All Contacts on the toolbar, then clicking Add Contact and selecting Upload New from CSV. Please download the template, add your data, and upload the template.
Ensure that all contacts have first name, last name, and a valid email address. Avoid including duplicate email addresses, as duplicates in the directory will be skipped.
Importing Contacts
To import contacts, follow these steps.
Note: This import only adds contacts to your contacts list. It does NOT add or update membership records. Here’s how to enter paid members individually.
It’s also essential to check for duplicated email addresses and ensure accurate list entries. Pay special attention to the subscription and privacy preferences of the contacts to prevent unexpected omissions during the import.
From the toolbar, select Contacts and All Contacts.
Click the Add Contact button and select Upload New from CSV.
Click Sample Contacts CSV Template to download the template.
Fill out the template without changing the header row. Save as a .csv file.
Notes:
First Name, Last Name, and Email are required.
Phone number is optional, but needed to receive text messages.
Lists must be entered exactly as titled on the Lists page. Multiple lists can be added with a comma separating them.
The template is customized to show the List and Property Options. Use the data in row 2 as a guide for the formatting of those fields. Do not include that row in your final import.
Upload the completed template by clicking the blue Add Contact button and selecting Update New from CSV. Click Select File.
Common Causes of Import Failures
Missing Required Fields: If a row lacks a first name, last name, or email address, it will not be imported.
List Type Issues: Importing to a dynamic list without defined criteria can block submissions. Switching to a manual list often resolves the issue.
Contact Privacy Settings or Preferences: Imported contacts may not appear in the directory immediately due to their subscription status or privacy preferences.
Results will be emailed
Once the import is complete, the results will be emailed to the person who submitted the import. If there are any errors in the import before the import starts, you may see an error message with instructions. If there are any rows with erroneous or invalid data, the import will skip those rows and try to run to completion.
Additionally, keep an eye out for dynamic list errors or privacy preferences that might block certain contacts from appearing even after a successful import.
Troubleshooting Steps
Double-check that your file includes all required fields (first name, last name, and email).
Review your import file for duplicate email addresses and remove any duplicates.
If using a dynamic list, verify that the list includes proper import criteria. Consider switching to a manual list for more straightforward imports.
Check subscription or privacy settings for the contacts you are importing, as this may affect their visibility in the directory.
Best Practices for Smooth Imports
Always use the standard CSV template provided by Givebacks to ensure compatibility.
Validate your file before import by reviewing its format and required fields.
Perform imports during non-peak hours to avoid potential platform delays.
Questions? Click the "?" icon to contact Givebacks Support.