Overview
Whether you’re switching from another CRM or just getting started, importing your existing contacts into Groundhogg is quick and straightforward. You can import contacts from a CSV file, map fields, apply tags, and even add them to automations during the process.
Prepare Your CSV File
Your file should be saved as a .csv (comma-separated values). There is no required format for the columns of the CSV, in Groundhogg you map the columns to the desired fields.
You can include standard fields like name and email, tags (comma separated), and any custom fields you’ve created in Groundhogg.
❗ If you want to import custom fields, please make sure that your create your custom fields first so that you can select them during import.
Start the Import
- Go to Groundhogg » Contacts.
- Click the Import button at the top of the page.
- Upload your CSV file.
Groundhogg will analyze your file and show a preview of the data.
Map Your Fields
You’ll be asked to match each column in your CSV to a Groundhogg field. You can map to any standard field or to custom fields you’ve already created. If your CSV includes tags, select the Add as Tag option from the mapping dropdown.
Pro Tip: You can also apply new tags to all contacts in the import using the Tags box on the import screen.
Set Import Options
After mapping, choose your import options:
- Duplicate Handling: Choose whether to skip duplicates, overwrite them, or update missing info.
- Add tags: You can optionally add tags to all of the contacts you import.
- Consent & compliance: You can specify if these contacts have previously given consent to receive marketing.
Run the Import
Click Import Contacts and Groundhogg will begin processing your file. Your CSV will be processed in the background, and an email will be sent to you when the import is complete.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Q: What’s the best way to format tags in my CSV?
A: Use a single column labeled tag and separate multiple tags with commas: customer, newsletter, VIP
Q: Can I import custom fields?
A: Yes! Create the custom fields in Groundhogg first, then you can select them from the mapping.
Q: What happens to duplicates?
A: You control how duplicates are handled. You can skip them, update missing fields, or overwrite them completely.
Q: How many contacts can I import at once?
A: There’s no hard limit, but large files may take longer.
Q: My contacts are taking a long time to import, how can I speed it up?
A: If you have a lot of contacts it will take time to import them all. There could also be an issue with your cron jobs. If you want, you can manually process the task of importing your contacts by going to Groundhogg » Logs » Background Tasks, hovering over the task and clicking Run Now.
Q: Can I undo an import?
A: No. But you can cancel an import in progress by going to Groundhogg » Logs » Background Tasks and canceling the task
Q: I made a mistake, can I import the same list again?
A: Yes, go to Groundhogg » Tools » Import and click Import while hovering over the desired CSV.
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