Import contacts
If you have an existing list of contacts, you can import them directly into Sendfully using a CSV file. This is useful when migrating from another email platform, uploading a waitlist, or if you just prefer to manage your contacts in a spreadsheet. You can also use imports to bulk update existing contacts.
Preparing your CSV file
Your CSV file must have an email address column. You can also include additional columns for contact details.
These are the default column headings:
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Email | Yes | The contact's email address |
First Name | No | The contact's first name |
Last Name | No | The contact's last name |
Subscribed | No | Whether the contact is subscribed (true or false). New contacts default to subscribed if not specified. |
Want an example? Download the template from the import wizard to see the exact format Sendfully expects.
Starting the import
- Navigate to the Contacts page
- Click the dropdown arrow next to the Add contacts button
- Select Import from CSV
- Upload your CSV file by dragging and dropping it, or click to browse your files
Previewing your import
Before any changes are made, you'll see a preview of what will happen when you import. Each row in your file will be categorized:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| New | New contacts that will be added |
| Updates | Existing contacts that will be modified |
| Errors | Rows with invalid data that will be skipped |
| Warnings | Rows that will import but have potential issues |
Contacts who have previously unsubscribed cannot be re-subscribed through an import. This preserves your recipients' preferences and helps maintain good deliverability.
Updating existing contacts
When an email address in your CSV matches an existing contact, that contact will be updated with the new data. Contacts are matched by email address.
Here's how updates work:
- Empty cells preserve existing values - If a cell is blank, the contact's current value for that field stays the same
- Use
[clear]to remove data - If you want to explicitly clear a field, enter[clear]in that cell
Confirming the import
Once you've reviewed the preview and you're happy with what will be imported, click Confirm import.
Your contacts will be processed and you'll see a progress indicator while the import runs. Depending on the size of your file, this may take a moment. Keep your browser tab open until the import completes.
What's next?
- Learn about sending your first email to your newly imported contacts
- Set up your sending domain if you haven't already
- Check out our deliverability guide for best practices