How do I create a new group_list for more than one contact?

In Message, a group is a set of contacts that can be assigned to a counselor-level user. Groups are a powerful way to organize contacts and simplify a counselor’s inbox.

New groups for multiple contacts must be created using a CSV upload. Groups can be created:

• When updating existing contacts, or

• When adding new contacts to a program

Before You Begin

• Groups are created automatically when a new, unique value appears in the group_list column.

• A contact can belong to multiple groups, separated by a semicolon (;).

• Group names are case-sensitive and should be entered consistently.

Create New Groups for Existing Contacts

If you are creating new groups for existing contacts, we recommend starting with a contact export. This allows you to review and preserve each contact’s current group assignments.

To learn more about exporting contact data, click here.

Step 1: Prepare the CSV File

You can start from either an exported file or a blank CSV.

Option 1: Start from a contact export

1. Open the exported file.

2. Delete any rows for contacts whose group assignments will not change.

3. Delete unnecessary columns. The only required fields are:

   • customer_id or signalvine_id

   • group_list

4. Update the values in the group_list column.

   • Any new group name entered here will be created when the file is imported. 

Option 2: Start from a blank CSV

1. Create a file with the following columns:

   • customer_id or signalvine_id

   • group_list

2. Enter the appropriate values for each contact.

Group Formatting Rules

• To assign a contact to more than one group, separate group names with a semicolon (;).

• Example:

  Group 1;Group 2
  

Step 2: Import the CSV File

1. In Message, select the Programs tab.

2. Select the Import Contacts tab.

3. Choose the appropriate program from the left-hand menu.

4. Click Upload File and upload your CSV file.

5. Select Update existing contacts.

6. When prompted to choose fields to update, select group_list.

   • Select additional fields only if you intend to update them.

7. Choose an error setting:

   • The default option imports the file only if no errors are found.

   • The alternate option runs the file even if errors occur and provides details on skipped rows.

8. Click Start Import.

Once complete, the new group(s) are created and assigned to the selected contacts.

Create New Groups for New Contacts

You can also create groups while adding new contacts to a program.

Step 1: Create the CSV File

1. Create a CSV file with the following required fields:

   • customer_id

   • first_name

   • last_name

   • group_list

   • timezone

   • phone

2. Add any additional fields as needed.

3. Assign one or more groups in the group_list column.

   • Any unique group name in this column is created automatically.

Step 2: Import the CSV File

1. Navigate to Import Contacts from the Programs tab.

2. Upload your CSV file.

3. Select Import new contacts (leave Update existing contacts unchecked).

4. Choose an error setting.

5. Click Start Import.

Once the import completes, the contacts and their assigned groups are created.