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


== How to Import Contacts into ActiveCampaign from a CSV File ==
== Import contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign ==


With ActiveCampaign, you can easily import contacts into your account from a CSV file using the built-in import tool. This feature is crucial for users transitioning from another email marketing or marketing automation provider, allowing you to retain your valuable lists, contacts, custom fields, and other necessary data seamlessly. This article will walk you through the steps to import contacts efficiently, ensuring that you can get your email campaigns up and running without losing any critical information.
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.


=== Introduction ===
== How to Access This Feature ==
The import tool provided by ActiveCampaign enables you to map columns from your CSV file to fields within your account. This capability allows for considerable flexibility, including the option to create new custom contact fields, apply unique tags, and choose whether to import contacts as Active or Excluded. This importing feature is essential for maintaining and building your marketing automation strategies.


In this article, you'll learn:
To access the feature of importing contacts from Google Contacts, follow these steps:
* How to access the import feature.
1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
* Step-by-step instructions for importing contacts from a CSV file.
2. Navigate to the '''Contacts''' section by clicking on it from the left menu.
* Configuration options and settings that can be customized during the import process.
3. From your contacts dashboard, click the '''Import''' button to start the import process.
* Best practices to ensure successful imports.
* Common troubleshooting tips to resolve potential issues.
* Frequently asked questions about the import feature.


=== How to Access This Feature ===
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
To access the import contacts feature, follow these simple steps:
1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Locate and click on '''Contacts''' in the left menu.
3. Click on the '''Import''' button, which will take you to the import options.


=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
Follow the instructions below to successfully import your contacts from Google Contacts to ActiveCampaign:
To import contacts from your CSV file, follow these steps:


# Click the '''Import from File''' button.
# Click '''Contacts''' on the left menu.
# A file browser will appear. Navigate to your CSV file, select it, and click open.
# Click the '''Import''' button.
# Once the file processes, you will be redirected to the import screen where you can begin mapping fields.
# Locate and click '''Google Contacts''' to open the import modal.
# For each field, you need to map the columns in your file to the fields in your account. Click the dropdown for each field to make selections.
# A new modal window will pop up. Click '''Next''' to proceed.
  * If you wish not to import data from a specific column, select '''Do Not Import this Field'''.
# Select the Google account you want to use from the subsequent modal window.
   * To create a new field directly from the import page, click '''[Add New Field]''' and follow the prompts.
# Allow permission for ActiveCampaign to access your Google account by clicking '''Continue'''.
  * The '''Field Values''' column will show the first row of data from your CSV, allowing you to confirm your mappings.
# 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'''.
  * If duplicate fields are detected, an error will be indicated. Choose different destinations for each mapped field to fix this.
# 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'''
# (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).
# 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.


# Select the lists to which you want to add the contacts by checking the appropriate options. You can add contacts to multiple lists as needed.
== Configuration Options and Settings ==
# Optionally, type any tags you wish to apply to the imported contacts in the '''Add Tags''' section. For better organization, consider applying a tag indicating the source of the contacts.
# Under '''Import Options''', select one of the following based on whether or not you selected a list:
  * '''Import as Contact''' – Adds contacts to your account (only if no list is selected).
  * '''Import as Excluded''' – Adds contacts to your Exclusion List (only if no list is selected).
  * '''Import as Active Contact''' – Adds contacts to the selected list(s).
  * '''Import as Unsubscribed Contact''' – Adds contacts but with an "Unsubscribed" status for the selected list(s).
  * '''Import as Excluded Email Address''' – Adds contacts to the Exclusion List (if lists are selected).
# Optionally, check the '''Update Existing Contacts''' box to merge any matching email addresses or exact phone numbers with existing contacts in your account. Note: Phone-only contacts must be enabled to use phone numbers as unique identifiers.
# The '''Advanced Options''' feature allows you to adjust additional settings:
  * To manage webhook triggers, choose between turning them off or triggering specific actions upon contact import.
  * To control automation triggers, you may decide to allow or disallow contacts from entering automations they could trigger during the import.
  * Field options for new custom fields can also be created during import, depending on whether or not the values in your CSV match existing options.
# Finally, when you have configured all necessary settings, click the '''Import Now''' button.


The time taken to complete the contact import process will depend on the size of the CSV file you are importing.
When importing contacts from Google Contacts, you have several options and settings to configure:


=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
* '''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.
When importing contacts into ActiveCampaign, several configuration options allow you to customize the process:
* '''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.


* '''Import as Contact''' - This option adds the newly imported contacts to your main contact list.
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:
* '''Import as Excluded''' - This allows you to automatically exclude certain contacts from your marketing efforts.
* Any contacts created by you
* '''Import as Active Contact''' & '''Import as Unsubscribed Contact''' - These options dictate the status of contacts with respect to the list they’re being added to.
* Contacts marked as '''Frequently Contacted''' by Google
* '''Update Existing Contacts''' - Enabling this allows any new data from the import to overwrite existing contact data.
* Contacts that you interact with regularly
* '''Trigger Webhooks''' - Control whether webhooks are activated during the import process.
* '''Trigger Automations''' - Allows you to define if imported contacts will enter any active automations that they are eligible for.
* '''Create Field Options''' - This toggle allows for the creation of new options in custom fields during the import process.


=== Best Practices and Tips ===
== Best Practices and Tips ==
- Before importing, ensure that your CSV file is correctly formatted and adheres to the necessary guidelines. For tips on preparing your CSV file, consult "How to prepare your CSV file for importing contacts."
- Each contact must have a unique email or phone number to avoid duplicates, as only the first instance will be imported.
- Apply tags for organization, enabling you to segment your contacts more effectively later on.
- Be clear on the implications of the '''Update Existing Contacts''' option, as it may change existing data if checked.


=== Troubleshooting Section ===
To ensure a smooth import process and maintain an organized contact list, consider the following best practices:
If you encounter issues during the importing process, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure your CSV file is saved correctly as a CSV format and manually check for any formatting errors.
- Verify that all contacts have unique email addresses or phone numbers; duplicates will be ignored beyond the first instance.
- If you encounter mapping errors, check for duplicate fields and confirm that each field is mapped correctly.
- For any technical issues that cannot be resolved, consult the ActiveCampaign support documentation or contact support for assistance.


=== Related Features ===
* 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.
For further information and extended functionalities related to contacts, you may refer to the following features:
* Regularly update your Google Contacts to ensure that the information in ActiveCampaign remains current, especially if you enable the auto-import feature.
* [[Contacts]] - General management features for your contacts.
* Utilize filters during the import process to manage the quantity and specificity of contacts being imported.
* [[Tags]] - Learn about tagging and segmenting your contacts.
* Regularly review and clean your contact lists in ActiveCampaign to eliminate duplicates or outdated information.
* [[Automation]] - Explore how to automate your marketing processes after importing contacts.


=== FAQ ===
== Troubleshooting ==
'''Q1: Can I import contacts without an email address or phone number?'''
A1: No, each contact in your CSV must have either an email address or a phone number.


'''Q2: What happens if multiple contacts share the same email address?'''
If you encounter issues during the import process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
A2: Only the first instance of the contact will be imported; others will be skipped.


'''Q3: Can I create a new list during the import process?'''
* Ensure your Google account is correctly linked and that you have granted all necessary permissions for ActiveCampaign to access your contacts.
A3: No, you must create a list beforehand if you want to assign contacts to it during the import.
* 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.


'''Q4: How do I know if my contacts have been imported successfully?'''
== FAQ ==
A4: After completing the import process, you can view your import results to check for any errors or confirmations.


'''Q5: Can I import tags during the contact import?'''
=== 1. What happens if I don’t select a contact group during the import? ===
A5: Yes, you can apply tags to contacts during the import process.
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.


'''Q6: What file formats are supported for importing contacts?'''
=== 2. Can I edit contacts after importing them? ===
A6: The import tool only works with CSV file formats. Ensure your file is saved as a CSV before importing.
Yes, once imported, you can edit the contact details directly in ActiveCampaign.


'''Q7: Can I prevent imported contacts from triggering automations?'''
=== 3. How often does the auto-import sync new contacts? ===
A7: Yes, you can choose not to trigger automations during the import process in the Advanced Options section.
New contacts are automatically synced every 30 minutes after the initial import if you have selected the auto-import option.


By following these guidelines and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and effective import of contacts into your ActiveCampaign account.
=== 4. What fields are automatically mapped during the import? ===
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? ===
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? ===
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? ===
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.
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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. ```

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