Import Your Contacts

Keeping your contact data organized starts with a clean, accurate import. BIGContacts offers a free and easy-to-use import tool that allows you to upload contacts—including custom fields—from any properly formatted CSV file.

Note: This tool imports contact data only. Historical emails, notes, tasks, meetings, and opportunities cannot be transferred.

Accessing the Import Tool

From the left menu, go to Contacts → All Contacts, click the + Add Contact button, and choose Import.

Alternatively, you can also go to Admin → My Account → Import Contacts.

Step 1: Download the Import Template

Before starting, download the Import Template to ensure correct formatting.

• Click Download Import Template from the import screen.

• Make sure your spreadsheet’s first row is a header row with column labels (e.g., First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Company).

• Align your data with the standard fields in your account.

• If you need additional data columns (like Custom ID or Lead Source), create custom fields before importing.

• Save the file in .CSV format.

Step 2: Choose an Action

After uploading your file, click Next to proceed to the Choose an Action page.

Select how you want to process the contacts in the uploaded file:

• Add New Contacts – Adds only new contacts.

  • You can exclude duplicate contacts based on: Name, Email, or Phone (select from the dropdown).

• Update Existing Contacts – Updates only contacts that already exist in your account.

• Add New and Update Existing Contacts – Adds new contacts and updates existing ones simultaneously.

Click Next to continue to the Map Your Data step.

Step 3: Map Your Data

On the Map Your Data page, match the fields from your CSV file to the corresponding fields in your account.

At the top, you can filter columns using:

• All Columns

• Mapped

• Unmapped

For each column:

• Review the Field name in file (your CSV header).

• Select the appropriate Field name in BIGContacts from the dropdown.

• Check the Sample data from file column to verify accuracy.

• Review the Status indicator:

  • ✓ indicates the field is properly mapped.

  • ✕ indicates the field is not mapped.

You can use the checkbox beside each field to include or exclude it from the import. Make sure all required fields are mapped correctly before proceeding. Once you’re satisfied, click Next to move to Verify & Complete.

Step 4: Verify & Complete

• On the Verify & Complete page, review a sample of contacts that will be imported into your account.
• At the top, you’ll see a message explaining that you can click on any contact name in the sample list to preview how the data will appear after import.
• Review the preview carefully to ensure all fields are mapped correctly and displaying as expected.
• If everything looks correct, click Complete Import (or the final action button) to finish the process.
• If changes are needed, click Previous to return and adjust your mappings.

Special Import Options

Assign Contacts to a User

To automatically assign imported contacts:

1. Go to Admin → Users → Add/Edit Users.

2. Copy each user’s User ID from the table.

3. In your CSV file, add a column titled Assigned To and paste the correct User ID next to each contact.

Add Custom Fields

If your contact data includes fields not built into BIGContacts (like Account Number or Industry), you can easily create custom fields directly from a contact form.

1. Go to Contacts → All Contacts.

2. Open any contact and click Edit Contact from the Action menu.

3. In the contact form, click Customize Form at the bottom-right.

4. Use the Form Maker to add new custom fields under the appropriate section (e.g., Contact Information, Address, Job Details).

5. Click Save once done.

When importing contacts later, make sure the column headers in your CSV file exactly match the names of your new custom fields. This ensures all data maps correctly during import.

Add Tags

Tags help organize contacts into segments.

• No need to pre-create them — BIGContacts will generate new tags automatically.

• To add multiple tags, separate them with commas (e.g., prospect, newsletter, VIP).

• To prevent losing tags during a re-import, always include a Tags column with all existing tag values.

Sync Contacts with the Marketing Module

To automatically sync imported contacts with your marketing campaigns:

1. Add a column named Marketing Contact in your CSV.

2. Enter Yes next to each contact you want to include.

Best Practices for a Smooth Import

• Keep your header names clear and consistent.

• Avoid blank columns in your spreadsheet.

• Always double-check your mapping before finalizing.

• Create custom fields before importing if needed.

That's everything you need to know about importing contacts. Please contact our support team if you encounter any issues or questions.