How to import contacts into Mailchimp

How to Import Contacts into Mailchimp – Quick Guide

Mailchimp’s contact import tool makes adding or updating email contacts simple. You can use a CSV file, a connected app, or a spreadsheet. Free plans let you manage up to 500 contacts and send 1,000 emails a month. But, importing contacts might cost extra if your list gets too big.

When you import contacts, you can sort them by their email marketing status. You can only import one status type at a time. This helps keep your audience organized and follows email marketing rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Mailchimp supports importing contacts from various sources, including CSV files, connected apps, and manual entry.
  • Free Mailchimp plans include up to 500 contacts and 1,000 email sends per month, with additional charges for exceeding plan limits.
  • Contacts can be categorized by email marketing status, with only one status type importable at a time.
  • Mailchimp’s import tool allows you to efficiently manage and update your email audience.
  • Imported contacts can be further organized using tags for better audience segmentation.

Understanding Mailchimp Contact Import Basics

Mailchimp is a top email marketing tool that makes it easy to add your contacts. Whether you’re starting fresh or merging lists, knowing how to import contacts is key. It helps you manage your audience well.

Types of Contacts You Can Import

Mailchimp lets you import both email and SMS contacts. This helps you manage all your communication in one place. You can use Mailchimp’s full range of features for different marketing channels.

Import Limitations and Requirements

Mailchimp’s import process has some limits and rules. These include how many contacts you can have, how many emails you can send daily, and specific rules for fields like phone numbers and zip codes.

Contact Permission Guidelines

Mailchimp stresses getting the right permission for contacts. You can import contacts as subscribed, unsubscribed, non-subscribed, or cleaned. Importing subscribed contacts means you need to check if they’ve given permission. This is to follow rules like GDPR.

Statistic Guideline
Email address field Required for email contacts
Text field maximum 255 bytes of information
Address line length Less than 45 characters per line
Phone number format International format by default
SMS phone number Specific formats for US, UK, AU, or CA
Zip code field Limited to five digits
Number field Can include comma separators, not for phone numbers
Birthday field Supports MM/DD or DD-MM format
Image field Requires full source URL
Website field Requires full URL
Groups Can be added during import, using group column labels

Knowing these basics helps you prepare your contact data well. It makes integrating with Mailchimp smooth. This boosts your Mailchimp contact management and email marketing plans.

Preparing Your Contact List for Import

Mailchimp list building

Building a good email list is key for Mailchimp success. Before you import contacts, make sure your list is ready. Use a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Make sure each contact has Email Address, First Name, and Last Name.

Check Mailchimp’s data formatting rules. Phone numbers, birthdays, and addresses need to be set up right. Save your file as CSV or TXT for easy import.

Preparing your list well means a smooth Mailchimp experience. You can then create engaging emails that reach and connect with your audience.

Key Preparatory Steps:

  1. Organize contacts in a spreadsheet with required fields (Email Address, First Name, Last Name)
  2. Ensure data formatting aligns with Mailchimp’s guidelines (phone numbers, birthdays, addresses)
  3. Save the file in CSV or TXT format for easy import into Mailchimp

“Properly preparing your contact list is the first step towards building a successful email marketing strategy with Mailchimp.”

Follow these steps for a solid email list. This will boost your Mailchimp efforts and connect with your audience better.

File Formats and Data Structure Requirements

Mailchimp CSV import

When you import contacts into Mailchimp, you can use CSV or TXT files. CSV is the most popular choice. It makes it easy to organize data in spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

CSV File Formatting Guidelines

To make your Mailchimp CSV import smooth, follow these tips:

  • Put all header information in one row. Each column should match a contact field.
  • Make sure column headers match Mailchimp’s field names, like “Email Address” and “First Name.”
  • Don’t use special characters or formatting in the header row. It can cause problems.
  • Keep each column’s format the same, like dates or phone numbers.
  • Keep text fields under 255 bytes to avoid cutting off data.

Required Fields and Optional Information

For email contacts, only the email address is needed. SMS contacts need a phone number. But, you can add more fields like first name, last name, and birthday. This makes your contacts’ profiles more detailed.

Special Character Considerations

Watch out for special characters in your data. Characters like commas and apostrophes can mess up the import. Try to avoid them or format them correctly for a smooth import.

Following these guidelines helps you import contacts into Mailchimp easily. It keeps your data accurate and complete.

How to Import Contacts into Mailchimp

Mailchimp import process

Importing contacts into Mailchimp is easy and helps you manage your email campaigns well. It’s great for starting fresh or moving contacts from elsewhere. Mailchimp makes it simple to import contacts and add contacts to Mailchimp.

First, go to the Audience dashboard in your Mailchimp account. Then, click “Import contacts” to start. You can import contacts in different ways, like uploading a CSV file or linking to an external service.

  1. When uploading a CSV file, match your file’s columns with Mailchimp’s fields like email and names.
  2. You can also choose how to subscribe your contacts, helping you manage their engagement.
  3. Plus, you can add tags or groups to segment your audience and make your emails more personal.

After setting up your import, Mailchimp will handle it for you. You’ll get an email when it’s done. This email will tell you how many contacts were added, updated, or skipped.

Keeping your email list clean and active is key for your Mailchimp campaigns to succeed. By following best practices and keeping your contact info up to date, you’ll make sure your messages get to the right people. This will help you get better engagement.

Importing Contacts from External Services

Mailchimp integrations

Mailchimp makes it easy to bring in contacts from services you already use. Whether you’re using Salesforce, WooCommerce, or QuickBooks Online, Mailchimp has you covered.

Supported Integration Platforms

Mailchimp works with many external services, including:

  • Zapier
  • Salesforce
  • WooCommerce
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Squarespace Commerce
  • Shopify

Step-by-Step Integration Process

Importing contacts is easy. Just connect the app through Mailchimp, pick the integration, and follow the steps. This saves you time and effort.

To import from Salesforce, connect your account to Mailchimp. Then, map fields and sync contacts with a few clicks. This helps you use your customer data better in Mailchimp.

Using Mailchimp integrations makes importing contacts simple. It keeps your Mailchimp integrations current. This lets you focus on making great email campaigns and reaching your audience better.

Using the Copy and Paste Method

Mailchimp copy paste import

Mailchimp makes it easy to add contacts to your email lists with the copy and paste method. You can import contact info from spreadsheets or other digital sources into your Mailchimp account. This method doesn’t require complex file formatting or integrations.

This method is great for small contact lists or quick additions to your audience. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Go to the Mailchimp contact import tool and choose “Copy and paste”.
  2. Get your contact info ready in a spreadsheet or document. Make sure each contact’s details are in a clean, comma-separated format.
  3. Copy the contact info from your document and paste it into the Mailchimp import tool.
  4. Mailchimp will match your data to the right contact fields, like email and names.
  5. Check the contact info and adjust the field mappings if needed.
  6. Choose the subscription status for your contacts, following GDPR guidelines.
  7. Finish the import, and your contacts will be in your Mailchimp audience.

The copy and paste method is quick and easy for manually entering contacts into Mailchimp. It’s perfect for small Mailchimp copy paste import tasks. But for big contact lists or complex data, use Mailchimp’s file import or integration options for a smoother process.

Mobile App Contact Import Options

Mailchimp mobile app import

Mailchimp’s mobile app makes managing contacts easy on the go. You can add new contacts manually or use cool features like scanning business cards and importing from your device’s contacts.

Scanning Business Cards

The Mailchimp mobile app has a business card scanning feature. It lets you add new contacts fast by taking a photo of a business card. The app then grabs the contact’s name, email, and phone number for you.

Direct Device Contact Import

For more contacts, the app lets you import from your device’s contact list. You can pick several contacts and add them to your Mailchimp audience with a few taps. You can also update contacts or add new tags and groups during import.

Whether you’re at a networking event or need to manage contacts on the move, the Mailchimp mobile app is handy. Its features like business card scanning and direct import make managing contacts easy. This lets you focus on creating great email campaigns to engage your audience.

Managing Contact Fields and Tags During Import

Mailchimp contact fields and tags

When you import contacts into Mailchimp, you can manage fields and tags. This helps you organize your audience and make your marketing more personal.

Matching Columns to Mailchimp Contact Fields

During import, you can match your contact list columns with Mailchimp fields. You can also create new custom fields. This makes sure your data fits well with your Mailchimp audience.

Assigning Tags to Imported Contacts

Tagging contacts is a great way to sort and segment your audience. You can tag all imported contacts for easier targeting. Mailchimp tags must be 100 characters or less. You can make new tags or use existing ones.

Tag Name Character Limit Creation Process
Tag names 100 characters or less Click Audience, then Audience dashboard to create a new tag

Tagging contacts during import boosts your segmentation and personalization. This leads to more effective marketing campaigns.

By managing fields and tags well, you can get your imported contacts ready for targeted marketing in Mailchimp.

Contact Status and Permission Settings

When you import contacts into Mailchimp, knowing about subscription status is key. Mailchimp has four main contact status types: Subscribed, Unsubscribed, Non-subscribed, and Cleaned. Each status affects your marketing in different ways.

Understanding Subscription Status Types

Subscribed contacts have chosen to get your marketing emails. This includes newsletters, promotions, and texts. They help you reach your monthly plan limits and can get various emails.

Unsubscribed contacts have said no to your marketing. They won’t get marketing emails or texts. But, they can still see ads and transactional emails. They also count towards your monthly limits.

GDPR Compliance Considerations

Importing contacts into Mailchimp must follow rules like GDPR. Mailchimp has a Marketing Permissions field to track consent. Before adding subscribed contacts, get their permission to market to them. Use the Marketing Permissions field to record their consent.

FAQ

What types of contacts can I import into Mailchimp?

Mailchimp lets you import email and SMS contacts. You can bring in contacts with different statuses like Subscribed or Unsubscribed.

What are the import limitations and requirements in Mailchimp?

Mailchimp has limits on contacts and emails you can send daily. Importing contacts might cost extra if you hit these limits. You can only import one status at a time for each contact.

What are the contact permission guidelines for importing into Mailchimp?

Mailchimp needs your consent for email marketing. When importing subscribed contacts, you must verify their permission. Make sure you have consent before importing and use the Marketing Permissions field to track it.

How should I prepare my contact list for import into Mailchimp?

Get your list ready in programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Make columns for Email Address and optional fields like First Name. Follow Mailchimp’s guidelines for formatting, like phone numbers and addresses. Save it as CSV or TXT for import.

What file formats and data structure requirements does Mailchimp have for contact imports?

Mailchimp takes CSV and TXT files. Email address is key for email contacts, and SMS phone number for SMS. Text fields are 255 bytes max. Addresses need full info with country codes. Special characters can affect limits.

How do I actually import contacts into Mailchimp?

Go to the Audience dashboard, then “Import contacts.” Choose your method and follow the steps. Match columns, set status, add tags or groups, and review settings before you’re done. You’ll get a notification email after it’s done.

Can I import contacts from external services into Mailchimp?

Yes, Mailchimp works with services like Zapier and Shopify. Connect the app through Mailchimp, pick your service, and follow the prompts to import contacts.

How can I use the copy and paste method to import contacts into Mailchimp?

The copy and paste method imports contacts from spreadsheets. Use the import tool, choose “Copy and paste,” and paste your contacts. Match columns, set status, and finish the import. It’s good for small lists or quick updates.

What mobile app contact import options does Mailchimp offer?

Mailchimp’s app imports contacts on the go. You can add contacts manually, scan business cards, or import from your device. The app captures key info from scanned cards. You can also bulk import from your device, updating contacts and adding tags or groups.

How can I manage contact fields and tags during the import process?

You can match columns to Mailchimp fields or create new ones during import. Assign tags to contacts for better targeting. Use groups to organize contacts by preference or attribute. This improves contact management and personalization.

What contact status and permission settings should I consider when importing?

Mailchimp has different status types like Subscribed or Unsubscribed. Choose the right status during import. For GDPR, Mailchimp lets you import marketing permission data. Ensure consent before importing and use the Marketing Permissions field to track it.

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