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```mediawiki
```mediawiki
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Contacts]] > [[Importing]] > Import contacts
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Contacts]] > [[Import]] > Import contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign


== How do I import contacts using the copy and paste option? ==
== Import contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign ==


The '''copy and paste import option''' allows you to quickly import contacts into ActiveCampaign. This method is particularly useful for shorter lists or when you have a limited number of custom fields. Understanding how to efficiently import your contacts can greatly enhance your marketing efforts and keep your contact lists organized.
ActiveCampaign provides a seamless way to manage your contacts by integrating with Google Contacts. This feature is crucial for users who want to consolidate their contacts into one platform, making it easier to manage communications, marketing campaigns, and customer relationships. By using the Automatic Importer, you can sync your Google Contacts directly into ActiveCampaign without the need for manual entry.


=== How to Access this Feature ===
== How to Access This Feature ==
To access the copy and paste import feature:
1. Navigate to the '''Contacts Overview''' page within your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
2. Click on the '''Import''' button located on the page.


=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
To access the feature of importing contacts from Google Contacts, follow these steps:
Follow these steps to import contacts using the copy and paste option:
1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the '''Contacts''' section by clicking on it from the left menu.
3. From your contacts dashboard, click the '''Import''' button to start the import process.


1. **Initiate Import**: From the '''Contacts Overview''' page, click on the '''Import''' button.
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==


2. **Select Copy & Paste Option**: Click the '''Copy & paste your contacts''' link.
Follow the instructions below to successfully import your contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign:


3. **Input Contacts**: A copy and paste import modal will appear. Here’s how to format your list for import:
# Click '''Contacts''' on the left menu.
  - If you are importing only email addresses, list each one on a separate line, like this:
# Click the '''Import''' button.
    ```
# Locate and click '''Google Contacts''' to open the import modal.
    sarah@test.com
# A new modal window will pop up. Click '''Next''' to proceed.
    ellen@test.com
# Select the Google account you want to use from the subsequent modal window.
    ```
# Allow permission for ActiveCampaign to access your Google account by clicking '''Continue'''.
   - If entering names, email addresses, and custom fields, format like this, with items separated by commas and no spaces:
# Select the list(s) to which you want to add contacts. Click on the desired list name, then click '''Next'''. The selected list will be highlighted in green. If you prefer not to add contacts to a list, simply do not select any list and click '''Next'''.
    ```
# Choose an import option:
    Sarah,Connor,sarah@test.com,October Import
   - '''Import contacts and auto import new contacts in the future'''
    Ellen,Ripley,ellen@test.com,October Import
  - '''Import contacts and do not auto import new contacts in the future'''
    ```
# (Optional) Add a filter to narrow the data being imported, and select which '''Contact Group''' to import into your account (this is a required step).
  - When pasting from a spreadsheet, there's no need to use commas.
# Finally, click '''Next''' to complete the import setup. Your existing Google Contacts will be added to your ActiveCampaign account, and any new contacts will sync every 30 minutes.


4. **Proceed with the Import**: Once you have entered your contacts, click the '''Next''' button.
== Configuration Options and Settings ==


5. **Map Your Fields**: Your file will process, and you will be taken to the import screen. Here, you can '''map the columns''' in your file to fields in your account by using the dropdown for each field.
When importing contacts from Google Contacts, you have several options and settings to configure:
  - If there’s a column with information you do not wish to import, select '''Do Not Import this Field'''.
  - To create a new field from this import, click on '''[Add New Field]''' and follow the prompts.
  - Check the '''Field Values''' column to confirm your mapping; it will show the first row of data from your CSV.


6. **Select Lists (Optional)**: Click each list where you want to add contacts. You can add contacts to multiple lists.
* '''Import contacts and auto import new contacts in the future''': Selecting this option allows for ongoing syncing every 30 minutes, so any new contacts added in Google Contacts will be imported automatically into ActiveCampaign.
* '''Import contacts and do not auto import new contacts in the future''': This option imports your contacts without setting up auto-import for any future additions.


7. **Add Tags (Optional)**: In this step, type any tags you wish to apply to all contacts being imported. It is a best practice to apply a tag indicating the source of these contacts for future reference.
When setting up your import, if you do not have a '''Contact Group''' configured in your Google account, you may not select a group. If no group is selected, contacts will be imported based on the following criteria:
* Any contacts created by you
* Contacts marked as '''Frequently Contacted''' by Google
* Contacts that you interact with regularly


8. **Configure Import Options**: Click the '''Import Options''' dropdown and choose one:
== Best Practices and Tips ==
  - '''Import as Contact''': Adds the contact to your ActiveCampaign account.
  - '''Import as Excluded''': Adds the contact to your '''Exclusion List''' upon import.
  - If you have chosen any list in the '''Select Lists''' section, additional options will appear for specific import statuses:
    - '''Import as Active Contact''': Subscribes the contact to the chosen list.
    - '''Import as Unsubscribed Contact''': Adds the contact as unsubscribed to the chosen list.
    - '''Import as Excluded Email Address''': Adds the contact to your '''Exclusion List'''.


9. **Update Existing Contacts (Optional)**: Check the '''Update Existing Contacts''' box if you want the system to look for existing matching email addresses and update contact details from your file.
To ensure a smooth import process and maintain an organized contact list, consider the following best practices:


10. **Access Advanced Options (Optional)**: Click the arrow next to '''Advanced Options''' to view additional settings:
* Make sure you have defined and organized your '''Contact Groups''' in Google Contacts before beginning the import. This will allow for better management and segmentation of your contacts in ActiveCampaign.
    - '''Trigger Webhooks''': Choose to turn off completely or trigger selected webhooks upon import.
* Regularly update your Google Contacts to ensure that the information in ActiveCampaign remains current, especially if you enable the auto-import feature.
    - '''Trigger Automations''': Decide if imported contacts enter relevant automations.
* Utilize filters during the import process to manage the quantity and specificity of contacts being imported.
    - '''Create field options when importing new custom field values''': Opt to create new options for dropdowns and other fields that do not match existing entries.
* Regularly review and clean your contact lists in ActiveCampaign to eliminate duplicates or outdated information.


11. **Final Import**: Once everything is configured, click the '''Import Now''' button to start the import process.
== Troubleshooting ==


The duration of the import process will depend on how many contacts you are pasting into the system.
If you encounter issues during the import process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:


=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
* Ensure your Google account is correctly linked and that you have granted all necessary permissions for ActiveCampaign to access your contacts.
During the import process, you will encounter multiple options which allow you to customize how your contacts are handled:
* Verify that you have selected a '''Contact Group''' if prompted. If you do not have groups set up, review your Google Contacts setup.
* Allow some time for the import process to complete; depending on the size of your contact list, it may take several hours to finish.
* If contacts do not appear after a reasonable time frame, double-check the filter settings to ensure you are allowing the correct contacts to be imported.


- **Import as Contact**: This option ensures that imported emails become active contacts in your account.
== FAQ ==
- **Import as Excluded**: This option is useful if you want to keep certain email addresses from being active contacts.
- **Update Existing Contacts**: This check will allow the system to modify any existing contacts using details found in your import.
- **Trigger Webhooks**: Managing webhook triggers allows you to sync various actions with other systems you may be using.
- **Trigger Automations**: Automations can include actions like tagging contacts upon import.
- **Create Field Options**: For new custom field values, allowing their creation can help accommodate variations in data entry.


=== Best Practices and Tips ===
=== 1. What happens if I don’t select a contact group during the import? ===
- Always use clear formatting when copying and pasting information to prevent errors.
If you do not select a contact group, all contacts that you have created, those considered as '''Frequently Contacted''' by Google, and others you interact with will be imported.
- Utilize tagging to keep track of the source of imported contacts, aiding in organization and segmentation later.
- If possible, review existing contacts to avoid duplicates and ensure your list is as clean as possible prior to import.
- Test your import with a small number of contacts to ensure everything is functioning as expected.


=== Common Use Cases ===
=== 2. Can I edit contacts after importing them? ===
- Importing email subscribers from an offline event.
Yes, once imported, you can edit the contact details directly in ActiveCampaign.
- Merging lists from different sources into a single cohesive list.
- Importing customers from a completed event or promotion, tagged accordingly for future marketing efforts.


=== Troubleshooting ===
=== 3. How often does the auto-import sync new contacts? ===
If you encounter issues during the import process:
New contacts are automatically synced every 30 minutes after the initial import if you have selected the auto-import option.
- Ensure that your data is formatted correctly.
- Check for any error messages indicating field mapping issues or duplicates.
- Review that your email addresses are valid and correctly formatted.
- Consult your accounts’ import logs to identify any specific problems related to the process.


=== FAQ ===
=== 4. What fields are automatically mapped during the import? ===
'''Q1: What will happen if I try to import a duplicate email address?'''
The auto-import process will automatically map the contact’s name, email address, and organization name as they are in Google Contacts.
A1: The system will alert you with a message indicating that the email is a duplicate. You can choose to update the existing contact or skip the import for that address.


'''Q2: Can I import contacts without mapping fields?'''
=== 5. Can I import contacts from other services besides Google Contacts? ===
A2: No, you need to map at least some fields to ensure accurate data transfer into your ActiveCampaign account.
This article focuses specifically on importing contacts from Google Contacts. For other services, you may need to check their specific integration features.


'''Q3: Is there a limit to the number of contacts I can import at once?'''
=== 6. What should I do if I run into an error while importing? ===
A3: While there is no strict limit stated, it’s best to import in manageable batches for optimal processing.
Review the troubleshooting section for common issues. Ensure your Google account is connected properly and all permissions are granted.


'''Q4: Will imported contacts automatically be added to any automations?'''
=== 7. Are there any limitations to the number of contacts I can import at once? ===
A4: If you chose the option to trigger automations during the import process, yes, they will enter automations they can trigger.
There are currently no specified limits noted in the documentation; however, larger imports may take longer to process.


'''Q5: How can I check the results of my import?'''
For more detailed information on other features, check out the [[Contacts]] and [[Import]] sections of the ActiveCampaign knowledge base.
A5: After the import is complete, you can view the import results directly from the import summary screen or your account logs.
 
'''Q6: What if I have custom fields that are not recognized during the import?'''
A6: You can choose to create new fields during the import process for any custom values that don’t match existing options.
 
'''Q7: Can I cancel an import once I've started it?'''
A7: Generally, it is advisable to not interrupt the import process; however, you can close your browser tab or window as a last resort.
 
For further information on import options, consider checking additional resources in the guidance documentation of ActiveCampaign.
```
```

Latest revision as of 17:36, 3 November 2025

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Contacts > Import > Import contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign

Import contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign[edit | edit source]

ActiveCampaign provides a seamless way to manage your contacts by integrating with Google Contacts. This feature is crucial for users who want to consolidate their contacts into one platform, making it easier to manage communications, marketing campaigns, and customer relationships. By using the Automatic Importer, you can sync your Google Contacts directly into ActiveCampaign without the need for manual entry.

How to Access This Feature[edit | edit source]

To access the feature of importing contacts from Google Contacts, follow these steps: 1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Contacts section by clicking on it from the left menu. 3. From your contacts dashboard, click the Import button to start the import process.

Step-by-Step Instructions[edit | edit source]

Follow the instructions below to successfully import your contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign:

  1. Click Contacts on the left menu.
  2. Click the Import button.
  3. Locate and click Google Contacts to open the import modal.
  4. A new modal window will pop up. Click Next to proceed.
  5. Select the Google account you want to use from the subsequent modal window.
  6. Allow permission for ActiveCampaign to access your Google account by clicking Continue.
  7. Select the list(s) to which you want to add contacts. Click on the desired list name, then click Next. The selected list will be highlighted in green. If you prefer not to add contacts to a list, simply do not select any list and click Next.
  8. Choose an import option:
  - Import contacts and auto import new contacts in the future 
  - Import contacts and do not auto import new contacts in the future
  1. (Optional) Add a filter to narrow the data being imported, and select which Contact Group to import into your account (this is a required step).
  2. Finally, click Next to complete the import setup. Your existing Google Contacts will be added to your ActiveCampaign account, and any new contacts will sync every 30 minutes.

Configuration Options and Settings[edit | edit source]

When importing contacts from Google Contacts, you have several options and settings to configure:

  • Import contacts and auto import new contacts in the future: Selecting this option allows for ongoing syncing every 30 minutes, so any new contacts added in Google Contacts will be imported automatically into ActiveCampaign.
  • Import contacts and do not auto import new contacts in the future: This option imports your contacts without setting up auto-import for any future additions.

When setting up your import, if you do not have a Contact Group configured in your Google account, you may not select a group. If no group is selected, contacts will be imported based on the following criteria:

  • Any contacts created by you
  • Contacts marked as Frequently Contacted by Google
  • Contacts that you interact with regularly

Best Practices and Tips[edit | edit source]

To ensure a smooth import process and maintain an organized contact list, consider the following best practices:

  • Make sure you have defined and organized your Contact Groups in Google Contacts before beginning the import. This will allow for better management and segmentation of your contacts in ActiveCampaign.
  • Regularly update your Google Contacts to ensure that the information in ActiveCampaign remains current, especially if you enable the auto-import feature.
  • Utilize filters during the import process to manage the quantity and specificity of contacts being imported.
  • Regularly review and clean your contact lists in ActiveCampaign to eliminate duplicates or outdated information.

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

If you encounter issues during the import process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure your Google account is correctly linked and that you have granted all necessary permissions for ActiveCampaign to access your contacts.
  • Verify that you have selected a Contact Group if prompted. If you do not have groups set up, review your Google Contacts setup.
  • Allow some time for the import process to complete; depending on the size of your contact list, it may take several hours to finish.
  • If contacts do not appear after a reasonable time frame, double-check the filter settings to ensure you are allowing the correct contacts to be imported.

FAQ[edit | edit source]

1. What happens if I don’t select a contact group during the import?[edit | edit source]

If you do not select a contact group, all contacts that you have created, those considered as Frequently Contacted by Google, and others you interact with will be imported.

2. Can I edit contacts after importing them?[edit | edit source]

Yes, once imported, you can edit the contact details directly in ActiveCampaign.

3. How often does the auto-import sync new contacts?[edit | edit source]

New contacts are automatically synced every 30 minutes after the initial import if you have selected the auto-import option.

4. What fields are automatically mapped during the import?[edit | edit source]

The auto-import process will automatically map the contact’s name, email address, and organization name as they are in Google Contacts.

5. Can I import contacts from other services besides Google Contacts?[edit | edit source]

This article focuses specifically on importing contacts from Google Contacts. For other services, you may need to check their specific integration features.

6. What should I do if I run into an error while importing?[edit | edit source]

Review the troubleshooting section for common issues. Ensure your Google account is connected properly and all permissions are granted.

7. Are there any limitations to the number of contacts I can import at once?[edit | edit source]

There are currently no specified limits noted in the documentation; however, larger imports may take longer to process.

For more detailed information on other features, check out the Contacts and Import sections of the ActiveCampaign knowledge base. ```