Import to All Contacts from a CSV or a Marketing List

  • Updated

You can import contacts from a CSV file or an Act-On Marketing List directly into your Audience Center All Contacts database. This process is fast and flexible, and supports field mapping, data validation, and optional segment creation.

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Quick Reference (Advanced Users) - Click to Expand
  • Access imports from the menu in All Contacts.
  • Drag and drop a CSV or choose a Marketing List to import.
  • Use Import Options to set merge rules, matching, and formatting.
  • Map fields to existing All Contacts fields or create new ones.
  • Optional: add imported contacts to a direct-select segment.
Try it like this: Drag your CSV into the import screen, set the merge rule to Fill if Blank, create a direct-select segment called “Imported January Contacts,” then complete the import to track new records easily.

Import

  1. Open Audience Center and go to All Contacts.
  2. Select the menu in the upper right.
  3. Choose Import Contacts.

Import Step 1.jpg

Import a CSV File

You can import a CSV file in two ways:

  • Select choose your CSV file.
  • Drag and drop a CSV file onto the screen, then click Next.

After uploading your file, continue to Import Options.

Tips for Importing from CSV

CSV Formatting:

  • Adjust formatting in Import Options if the file looks incorrect.
  • CSV files may include either field names or field values in the first row.
  • Separators may be commas, tabs, or semicolons.
  • Field values may use double or single quotes.
  • Maximum file size: 1 GB.
  • Maximum column length: 20,000 characters.
  • Maximum number of columns: 512.

CSV Fields:

  • Your file must include an email address field.
  • Ensure date or date/time fields use consistent formatting.

Import a Marketing List

Import contacts from an existing Marketing List to All Contacts.

  1. Select Import an existing list.
  2. Choose the Marketing List, then select Map Fields.

Import Options

The Import Options page lets you configure how your file or list is processed.

Import step 2.jpg

You can also create a direct-select segment during import by selecting Add records to a segment. For a segment that updates automatically, create a query-based segment in All Contacts instead.

Advanced Options

Advanced Options are available when importing a CSV file.

  • Line 1 contains: field names or field values.
  • Default merge rule: Fill if blank or Overwrite.
  • Match existing contacts on: typically Email.
  • Contact Preference: set bounced, opted out, or other statuses.

Review Act-On's Import Policy to ensure your data follows our Acceptable Use Policy.

Field Mapping

Next, map your imported fields to All Contacts fields.

Import step 3 mapping.jpg

For each field in your file or list:

  1. Choose the matching All Contacts field or select Create a new field.
    • New fields require choosing a data type such as Text, Date, Email, Score, Number, Boolean, or Date Time.
    • Use Data Preview to confirm the format of your data.
  2. Choose a merge rule: Fill if Blank or Overwrite.

  3. To unmap a field, select the “x” and choose a different mapping. Fields you do not want to import can remain unmapped.

    Data Validation
    Act-On checks that your values match the selected data type. A warning appears if more than 10 percent of your data does not match the expected format.
  4. When finished, click Next.

Import Summary

The Import Summary shows how many fields were mapped or left unmapped.

Import Summary step 4.jpg

When ready, select Import Contacts.

You will receive an email when the import is complete. If any records fail, the email includes a file listing rejected rows and the reason for each failure.

View Your Import History

The Import Log at the top of the screen shows your import history. You can download reports and review any errors found during processing.

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