Updating Existing Contacts

Obtain the .csv file

A .csv file can be created from scratch, started from a data export from Message, or started from an export from another system, like Argos.

Delete any contacts that don't need to be updated

This may not be needed if you are creating a file from scratch.

Delete any columns (fields) that aren't present in Message or that do not need to be updated

Ensure the customer_id column is present in the file

The A# for each contact in the file must be in this column.

Ensure column headers exactly match the variable names in Message

Variable names in Message can be found on the Manage Fields page under the Programs tab. If a column in your file does not yet exist in Message, create the new custom field before you attempt to upload the file.

Save the file as a .csv

To save an Excel spreadsheet as a .csv file:

1. Click "File" > "Save As" in Excel
2. Click on the "Save as type" or "File Format" dropdown and select the .csv file format.
3. Click "Save"

Under the "Program" tab, select "Import Contacts"

Select the appropriate program from the left, then click "Import Contacts"

Click "Upload File" and select the .csv file to upload

Set the appropriate import settings

• Uncheck "Import new contact" and select "Update existing contacts"
  • Select the fields you would like to update.
• Select "Only import the file if it contains no errors."

Select "Start Import"

Once the file is imported, a summary will appear with the number of newly added contacts an the number of errors, if any.