Editing Connect contacts with accounts with a CSV import (section)

= Connect Contacts with Accounts with a CSV Import =

== Introduction ==
The ability to connect contacts with accounts through a '''CSV import''' is a vital feature in ActiveCampaign that enables businesses to efficiently manage relationships with their contacts and streamline their sales processes. By linking contacts to existing accounts, organizations can better segment their audience, enhance personalized marketing strategies, and track interactions more effectively. This feature plays a crucial role in maintaining clear visibility and organization within contact data, thereby improving overall customer management.

== How to Access This Feature ==
To access the feature for connecting contacts with accounts using a '''CSV import''', you will need to navigate to the contacts management section of your ActiveCampaign account. Ensure that your account is on either the '''Plus''', '''Professional''', or '''Enterprise''' plan since this feature is part of those subscriptions. 

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
To successfully connect contacts with accounts during a CSV import, follow the step-by-step instructions outlined below:

=== Step 1: Prepare your CSV File ===
1. Begin by adding an '''Account''' column to your CSV file. Ensure that the account names in your file exactly match the existing accounts in ActiveCampaign to avoid the creation of duplicate records.
2. Your import file must also include an email address column.

=== Step 2: Initiate the Contact Import ===
1. Follow the steps provided in the “Import contacts from a CSV file” article to start importing your contacts.
  
=== Step 3: Map Fields ===
1. During the field mapping stage of the import process, make sure to map the '''Account''' column in your file to the corresponding '''Account''' field on the import page.

=== Step 4: Enable Update Option ===
1. In the '''Import options''' section of the contact import page, check the '''Update existing contacts while importing''' checkbox. This step is crucial as it will ensure that any existing contacts will be updated with the relevant account information during the import process.

=== Step 5: Complete the Import ===
1. Finally, click the '''Import Now''' button to begin the import process.

Once the import is complete, you can manually add field values to any new account records that were created during the process.

=== Additional Note ===
If your import file includes multiple new accounts with various field values, it is advisable to import your accounts first before connecting contacts. You can learn how to import accounts by following the instructions in the "How to import Accounts from a CSV file" article.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==
When connecting contacts with accounts via a CSV import, several key configuration options must be kept in mind:
- Ensure that the '''Account''' column in your CSV matches precisely with existing accounts in ActiveCampaign.
- Check the '''Update existing contacts while importing''' checkbox to ensure existing contacts are updated during the import.
- It is essential that your CSV contains an email address column for all contacts being imported.

== Best Practices and Tips ==
- Always double-check that account names match those in ActiveCampaign to prevent accidental creation of duplicate accounts.
- Review the format of your CSV file before import to ensure all required columns are included and formatted correctly.
- Regularly maintain your account and contact data to avoid outdated information during imports.
- For large datasets, consider importing accounts before contacts to ensure that the necessary associations are established.

== Common Use Cases ==
1. **Sales Teams:** Sales teams can import contact lists along with their accounts to track customer interactions efficiently.
2. **Marketing Campaigns:** Marketers can segment contacts based on their associated accounts to target specific audiences effectively with tailored marketing strategies.
3. **Customer Support:** Customer support teams can maintain a structured database, allowing them to view the attachment of contacts to accounts, which aids in providing better service.

== Troubleshooting ==
- **Duplicate Accounts:** If you notice duplicate accounts post-import, verify that your CSV file contained accurate account names. Adjust your CSV and re-import if necessary.
- **Missing Contacts:** If certain contacts do not appear linked to their accounts, check that the email address columns correctly match with existing contacts in ActiveCampaign.
- **Errors During Import:** If you encounter errors, ensure your CSV format adheres to the guidelines provided in the import article. This includes checking for image headers and blank rows.

== FAQ ==
=== 1. What should I do if my import file contains new account names? ===
If your import file includes new account names, those accounts will automatically be created in ActiveCampaign during the import process.

=== 2. Can I connect accounts during an account import? ===
No, accounts cannot be connected during an account import; you must do this through a contact import.

=== 3. What happens if I forget to map the account column? ===
If you forget to map the account column during the import, contacts will not be linked to the respective accounts, potentially leading to missed insights in your data.

=== 4. Is there a limit to the number of contacts I can import at once? ===
There isn't a specified limit for contacts you can import at once, but it is recommended to do it in manageable batches to avoid errors.

=== 5. Can I edit the account details after importing? ===
Yes, you can manually edit any account details after the import if new accounts are created or if existing accounts require updates.

=== 6. What formats does my CSV file support? ===
ActiveCampaign supports standard CSV file formats. Ensure that your file is saved correctly before importing.

=== 7. What happens if I miss adding the email column? ===
If your import file does not contain an email address column, the import process will fail, as the email is necessary for identifying contacts.

For additional resources, please refer to the respective articles on preparing your CSV file for contact imports and importing accounts to ensure a smooth experience. 
```