This guide walks you through the first steps to set up Audience Center Contacts. You will confirm that Audience Center is available, set up your All Contacts list, bring in your contact data, and start using that data in segments and programs.

Essentials to get started

If you see Audience Center in your navigation, your account is ready to set up the All Contacts list. This setup defines your contact fields, your CRM sync behavior (if connected), and how data flows into your master database.

Instructions

You can set up Audience Center in three parts:

Set up your list

Import data

Start using your contact data

 Prefer video? View our All Contacts series (sign-in required).

Set up your list

Your All Contacts list is the structured database behind everything you do in Act-On. This step ensures your schema and sync are aligned with your CRM or CSV sources.

1. Go to Audience Center > All Contacts and select Set Up Now, or open Settings > Data Management.

2. If you do not use a CRM

   Select Get Started and follow Set up your All Contacts Data Schema . This defines the columns in your All Contacts list so every import and form uses the same structure.

3. If your account syncs with a CRM

   Follow Map and Sync CRM Fields for All Contacts . Map only the fields you want from your CRM. Leave unmapped fields blank so they do not create noise in your schema.

4. Review your sync settings:
   • Open the Sync Schedule tab.
   • Confirm you are using Automatic sync for most day to day use.
   • Check how new leads and contacts are created in All Contacts and how updates are applied.

Import data

Once your schema and sync are set, bring in your contact data. You can start with a small sample list and then expand as you gain confidence.

• From Marketing Lists: Use import contacts to bring existing lists into All Contacts.
• From your CRM: Rely on the CRM sync you configured at step 3.
• From CSV or files: Upload CSV files and map columns to your All Contacts fields.
• Automated feeds: Use FTP or FTPS and APIs for scheduled imports and updates when you have ongoing data pipelines.

After each import, spot check a few records to verify that values appear in the correct fields and that key identifiers such as email address, CRM ID, or account owner are populated as expected.

Start using your contact data

With your All Contacts list set up and data flowing in, you can start using that data across Act-On.

Create core segments

Use All Contacts fields to build segments that represent your main audiences. For example:

• Prospects by region or territory
• Current customers by product line
• High-intent leads based on behavior or score
• Trial users who have not yet converted

These segments will become the starting point for email messages, nurture programs, and reporting.

Connect to other features

• Use All Contacts segments as sources for Automated Programs.
• Select segments for Website Prospector and Hot Prospects.
• Define sales owner and lifecycle fields for personalization in messages.
• Plan a List Maintenance Program to keep key fields updated over time.

Next steps and related articles

Once your initial setup is working, you can expand with more detailed data and advanced workflows. These articles can help:

• Set up your All Contacts Data Schema
• Map and Sync CRM Fields for All Contacts
• Import Contacts into All Contacts
• Upgrade to Audience Center Contact Management
• Audience Center Upgrade Assistant