How to import Contacts?

Importing contacts into cirQulate allows you to quickly build and organize your audience for email and SMS campaigns. cirQulate supports importing contacts in bulk, making it easy to get started or update your existing contact list. This article explains how to prepare your file, import contacts, and organize them using categories and folders.

Before You Import

Before importing contacts, make sure:

• Contacts have given consent to receive email or SMS messages

• Your contact list is saved as a supported file format (CSV)

• You have created at least one Category to assign contacts during import

Preparing your data in advance helps ensure a smooth import process.
(Please note, if any required setup items are missing, cirQulate will prompt you during the import process.)

Step 1: Prepare Your Contact File

cirQulate uses CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files for contact imports.

Required & Common Fields

Your CSV file should include as applicable:

• Email Address (for email campaigns)
• Phone Number (for SMS campaigns)
• First Name
• Last Name
• Company Name

Make sure:

• Each contact is on a separate row

• Phone numbers include the correct country code

• There are no duplicate columns or empty headers

Step 2: Open the Contacts Section

1. Log in to cirQQle Manager at manage.cirqqles.com

2. Open cirQulate from the left navigation menu.
   

3. Click Contacts from the left navigation menu
   

4. Select Import Contacts
   
   
   

Step 3: Upload Your CSV File

1. Click Upload File

2. Select your prepared CSV file

3. Assign one or more Categories to all imported contacts

4. Select or create a Folder for organizational purposes. Categories are used for targeting campaigns, while folders are used for internal organization.

5. Wait for the file to load

Once uploaded, cirQulate will preview your data so you can confirm accuracy.

Step 4: Map Contact Fields

Field mapping ensures the information from your CSV file is imported into the correct contact fields.

• Match CSV columns to cirQulate fields (e.g., Email → Email Address)

• Create custom fields if needed

• Confirm phone numbers and email addresses are mapped correctly

Accurate mapping prevents errors during campaigns.

Step 6: Review and Complete the Import

Before finalizing:

• Review the import summary

• Check for errors or missing fields

• Confirm category assignments

Click Import to complete the process.

Once finished, your contacts will appear in the Contacts list.

Best Practices for Contact Imports

• Import only opted-in contacts

• Keep contact lists clean and up to date

• Use categories instead of folders for targeting

• Avoid frequently re-importing the same contact list

• Test campaigns with small segments first

Next Steps

After importing contacts, you can:

• Build email or SMS templates

• Create campaigns

• Schedule or send messages

• Track engagement using Analytics