Import contacts

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How do I import contacts without triggering an automation?

Importing contacts into ActiveCampaign is a crucial feature for managing your email marketing and customer relationship management efforts. Understanding how to do this without inadvertently triggering any automations can save you from stressing about unintended outcomes and help maintain the integrity of your marketing processes.

This article explores the steps to import contacts without triggering automations and provides essential insights into best practices for efficient imports.

How to access this feature

To import contacts without triggering automations, you need to access the import functionality within your ActiveCampaign account. This can be done from the Contacts section of your dashboard. Once you are in the Contacts area, you will find options to import contacts that allow you to customize how you want the import process to proceed.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these instructions to import contacts without activating any automations:

1. **Navigate to the Contacts section** of your ActiveCampaign account.

2. **Select the 'Import Contacts' option**. This will begin the import process.

3. **Choose your import method**. You can import contacts from a CSV file or another source as specified in the import options.

4. On the Select Fields to Map page, you will see the **Import Options** section towards the bottom.

5. **Look for the "Trigger Automations" box**. This is a checkbox that you must uncheck to prevent any automations from being triggered during the import.

6. **Complete the import process** by continuing through the steps and saving your changes.

By ensuring that the "Trigger Automations" box is unchecked, you can effectively prevent your automations from activating upon import.

Configuration options and settings

The primary configuration option you need to be aware of when importing contacts is the Trigger Automations checkbox. This option is critical as it directly influences whether your established automations will engage during the import of your contacts. Unchecking this setting is essential for successfully importing contacts without triggering any related actions.

Best practices and tips

When importing contacts into ActiveCampaign, consider the following best practices:

- **Prepare your CSV file correctly**: Ensure that your data is well-organized and that the columns in your CSV file accurately match the fields in ActiveCampaign for seamless mapping.

- **Backup data**: Before performing any mass import, it’s always a good idea to maintain a backup of your existing contacts and data.

- **Test with a small batch first**: If you're importing a large number of contacts, conduct a test run with a smaller set to ensure everything behaves as expected.

- **Regularly check and clean your contacts**: Always monitor the health of your contact list and remove duplicates or outdated entries to maintain the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues when importing contacts, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

- **Check your CSV format**: Ensure that your CSV file is in the correct format and that all necessary data fields are present and correctly mapped.

- **Validate data**: Before importing, check for any invalid email addresses or formatting issues that could hinder the import process.

- **Review automation settings**: If automations seem to activate despite unchecking the box, double-check that the box was indeed unchecked during the import process.

Related features

Explore these related features that might enhance your experience with contact management in ActiveCampaign:

- Contact Lists - User Groups - Tags

FAQ

Q1: What happens if I forget to uncheck the "Trigger Automations" box?

A1: If this box is checked, any active automations that are set to trigger on contact additions will activate, which may not be the intended outcome for your import.

Q2: Can I import contacts from other CRM or email platforms?

A2: Yes, ActiveCampaign allows imports from various platforms, typically through a CSV file.

Q3: What types of fields can I map when importing contacts?

A3: You can map fields such as name, email address, phone number, and any custom fields you’ve created in your ActiveCampaign account.

Q4: Is there a limit to the number of contacts I can import at once?

A4: ActiveCampaign has limits based on your plan type; it’s best to check your specific plan details for restrictions.

Q5: How do I check for duplicates during import?

A5: Before starting the import process, check the import options to enable any features related to duplicate management as per your setup.

Q6: Can I edit contact information after import?

A6: Yes, once contacts are imported, you can easily edit their information directly in the Contacts section.

Q7: What should I do if my import fails?

A7: Review the error message provided by ActiveCampaign to identify the problem, validate your data, and try importing again.

By following the guidelines stated in this article, you will effectively manage the contact import process within ActiveCampaign without triggering unwanted automations. For more detailed instruction on related processes, check out additional resources on the ActiveCampaign help center. ```