How do I add new contacts and update existing contact data in the same file?

Add New Contacts and Update Existing Contacts in One CSV

You can create new contacts and update existing contact data using the same CSV file. For more information on creating CSV files, click here.

A CSV file can be:

• Created from scratch

• Exported from a CRM, SIS, or other data source

• Started from a contact data export from Message (recommended)

Starting from a Message export is often helpful because it includes all existing contact data in a single file.

Step 1: Create the CSV File

If Starting from an Export

1. Open the exported file.

2. Delete any rows for contacts that do not need to be updated.

3. Remove any columns you do not want to update or populate for new contacts (optional).

4. Save the file as a CSV.

You must keep:

• customer_id or signalvine_id

• Any field(s) you intend to update or populate

You may also leave unused columns in the file and simply ignore them during the upload by leaving them unchecked.

If Creating the File Manually

4. Add rows for the contacts you want to update or create.

5. Ensure customer_id or signalvine_id is present for each contact.

6. Update data as needed.

7. Save the file as a CSV.

Required Fields for New Contacts

When adding new contacts, the following fields are required:

• first_name

• last_name

• phone

• group_list

• customer_id

Optional field:

• timezone

  • If omitted, contacts are assigned to the program’s default timezone.

You may include as many additional custom fields as needed.

Important Data Notes

• Be cautious when leaving cells blank for existing contacts.

  • If a column is selected for update and a cell is blank, the existing data for that contact will be cleared.

• Column headers must exactly match the field names in Message.

  • Field names can be found on the Manage Fields page in the Programs tab.

• If a column does not already exist in Message, create the custom field before uploading the file.

Step 2: Upload the CSV File

7. Click Import Contacts from the Programs tab.

8. Select the appropriate program from the left-hand menu.

9. Click Upload File and upload your CSV file. 

   

10. Upload your CSV file. 

11. Leave Import new contacts checked and check Update existing contacts.

12. When the field selection window appears:

    • Select only the fields you want to update.

    • Leave unchecked any fields you do not want to change for existing contacts.

13. Choose an Error Setting

    • Only import the file if there are no errors (default and recommended)

    • Run the file regardless of errors, which imports valid rows and reports skipped rows

14. Click Start Import.

    

Once the import completes, a summary displays the number of newly added contacts and any errors encountered.