# Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts

> Import your existing contacts into GHL Customer Care. Map standard fields and create or map values to custom fields to ensure all contact information is captured.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-import-existing-contacts
- Section: Getting Started w/ GHL Customer Care / Foundational Setup
- Reading time: 2 min
- Images: 12, each explained below
- Modified on Tue, 24 Mar at 8:12 AM

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Your audience is the heartbeat of your business. Quickly import your existing contacts from various platforms into one convenient space and start engaging immediately. Having all your contacts together means less hassle, more effective outreach, and building stronger relationships right away.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [How to Import Contacts](#how-to-import-contacts)
-   [How to Create New Custom Fields](#how-to-create-new-custom-fields)
-   [Bulk Contact Actions](#bulk-contact-actions)
-   [Standard Contact Fields During Import](#standard-contact-fields-during-import)

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## **How to Import Contacts**

Streamlining your outreach starts with importing your contacts. Follow these straightforward steps to ensure a smooth import:

1.  Navigate to **Contacts**.
2.  Click **Import** (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).
    
    
![Step 2 of 8: Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155058441185/original/tr8zV_KRpz8yFGutf5QmFlmQFML_aGP5TA.png)

**Step 2 of 8: Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box)**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 8 in the "How to Import Contacts" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box). This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to in Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next.
- What to click: Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).
- Fields: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next, Importing Contacts using a CSV file, Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV, Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)
- Controls: Import, Contacts, Next, Download Sample File., Bulk Import.
- Next: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).  <- this image
3. In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next
4. Confirm your file format.
5. Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.
6. Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
7. Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import.
8. Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

    
3.  In Imports-1, Select **Contacts** and click **Next**  
    
    
![Step 3 of 8: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046215598/original/lUtMFGKtXA-f_dz_aDClWP0xhSZlEMwwGw.png)

**Step 3 of 8: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How to Import Contacts" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you in Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to confirm your file format.
- What to choose: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next
- Fields: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next, Importing Contacts using a CSV file, Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV, Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)
- Controls: Contacts, Next, Import, Download Sample File., Bulk Import.
- Next: Confirm your file format.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).
3. In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next  <- this image
4. Confirm your file format.
5. Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.
6. Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
7. Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import.
8. Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

    
4.  Confirm your file format.
5.  Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click **Download Sample File.**  
    [Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.](#standard-contact-fields-during-import)  
    
    
![Step 5 of 8: Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216140/original/1aVLfm5EKJlqs4Ti13u6lR9h2bGK2PUxrA.png)

**Step 5 of 8: Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file…**

This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 8 in the "How to Import Contacts" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
- What to click: Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.
- Fields: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next, Importing Contacts using a CSV file, Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV, Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)
- Controls: Download Sample File., Contacts, Import, Next, Bulk Import.
- Next: Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).
3. In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next
4. Confirm your file format.
5. Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.  <- this image
6. Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
7. Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import.
8. Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

    
6.  Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
    -   If you have non-standard data, create a new custom field.
    -   Or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns".  
        
        
![Step 2 of 2: Or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns"](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216235/original/TMntSMbquKeGYMSwCwF5YEXqtOaRDhH5CA.png)

**Step 2 of 2: Or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns"**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "How to Import Contacts" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns". This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below.
- What to choose: Or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns".
- Fields: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next, Importing Contacts using a CSV file, Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV, Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)
- Controls: Contacts, Import, Next, Download Sample File., Bulk Import.

Full procedure:

1. If you have non-standard data, create a new custom field.
2. Or select "Don't import data in unmatched columns".  <- this image

        
7.  Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click **Bulk Import.**  
    
    
![Step 7 of 8: Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216248/original/C1fc4vamtJlCsNjarrszZW6rQMsO0tBvKg.png)

**Step 7 of 8: Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set…**

This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "How to Import Contacts" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import. This part of the guide covers 4 fields, listed below. The next step is to wait for the contacts to finish importing.
- What to fill in: Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import.
- Fields: In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next, Importing Contacts using a CSV file, Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV, Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)
- Controls: Bulk Import., Contacts, Import, Next, Download Sample File.
- Next: Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Click Import (the icon looks like a downward arrow pointing into a box).
3. In Imports-1, Select Contacts and click Next
4. Confirm your file format.
5. Upload your file (CSV files up to 50MB). To download a sample file showing standard Contact Fields, click Download Sample File. Click here to view a list of standard contact fields.
6. Map your file columns to corresponding Contact fields.
7. Fill in the import details (name your import, create lists, set consent preferences, etc.) and click Bulk Import.  <- this image
8. Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

    
8.  Wait for the contacts to finish importing.

Ready for the next step? Learn more:

-   [Importing Contacts using a CSV file](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/getting-started-with-contacts/importing-contacts-using-a-csv-file)
-   [Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/importing-contacts-and-opportunities-via-csv)
-   [Allow Duplicate Contacts (Contact Deduplication Preferences)](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/settings/business-profile-settings/allow-duplicate-contacts-contact-deduplication-preferences)

Next, you can start segmenting your audience for targeted engagement!

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## **How to Create New Custom Fields**

Personalize your contact data to match your unique business needs. Creating custom fields lets you capture exactly the information you find valuable, allowing for precise targeting and richer insights.

Here's how to set up your custom fields:

1.  Navigate to **Settings > Custom Fields**.
2.  Click **Add Field**.  
    
    
![Step 2 of 5: Click Add Field](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216564/original/_KY3LSJEDIHXp2GRjNL4KZNEGo7jnICWYw.png)

**Step 2 of 5: Click Add Field**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "How to Create New Custom Fields" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you click Add Field. For context, this section explains: Personalize your contact data to match your unique business needs. Creating custom fields lets you capture exactly the information you find valuable, allowing for precise targeting and richer insights. The navigation path used here is Settings > Custom Fields. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to select the type of field you need.

- Path: Settings > Custom Fields
- What to click: Click Add Field.
- Fields: How to Use Custom Fields
- Controls: Add Field, Settings > Custom Fields, Save
- Next: Select the type of field you need.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Settings > Custom Fields.
2. Click Add Field.  <- this image
3. Select the type of field you need.
4. Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).
5. Click Save.

    
3.  Select the type of field you need.  
    
    
![Step 3 of 5: Select the type of field you need](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216609/original/TWy7U03FDfm8qPkWApA9G0ujmmbWPux32g.png)

**Step 3 of 5: Select the type of field you need**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 5 in the "How to Create New Custom Fields" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you select the type of field you need. For context, this section explains: Personalize your contact data to match your unique business needs. Creating custom fields lets you capture exactly the information you find valuable, allowing for precise targeting and richer insights. The navigation path used here is Settings > Custom Fields. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).

- Path: Settings > Custom Fields
- What to fill in: Select the type of field you need.
- Fields: How to Use Custom Fields
- Controls: Settings > Custom Fields, Add Field, Save
- Next: Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Settings > Custom Fields.
2. Click Add Field.
3. Select the type of field you need.  <- this image
4. Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).
5. Click Save.

    
4.  Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).  
    
    
![Step 4 of 5: Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216614/original/5lrHi73tFyW2sHhFdawu9KNMu5hOzKIbTw.png)

**Step 4 of 5: Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.)**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "How to Create New Custom Fields" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.). The navigation path used here is Settings > Custom Fields. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to click Save.

- Path: Settings > Custom Fields
- What to fill in: Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).
- Fields: How to Use Custom Fields
- Controls: Settings > Custom Fields, Add Field, Save
- Next: Click Save.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Settings > Custom Fields.
2. Click Add Field.
3. Select the type of field you need.
4. Fill in the field details (name, group, placeholder, etc.).  <- this image
5. Click Save.

    
5.  Click **Save**.

Learn more:

-   [How to Use Custom Fields](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/logic-and-fulfillment/logic-and-fulfillment/how-to-use-custom-fields)

Next, leverage your custom fields to enhance your campaigns and messaging!

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## **Bulk Contact Actions**

Effortlessly manage large groups of contacts with powerful bulk actions. Whether you're adding tags, sending emails, or initiating automations, bulk actions save you time and amplify your efficiency.

Here's how you do it:

1.  Navigate to **Contacts**.  
    
    
![Step 1 of 4: Navigate to Contacts](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216682/original/g4P9dPnIE-3D9M_mIn12is7Hnp49C2DWCg.png)

**Step 1 of 4: Navigate to Contacts**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 4 in the "Bulk Contact Actions" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you navigate to Contacts. For context, this section explains: Effortlessly manage large groups of contacts with powerful bulk actions. Whether you're adding tags, sending emails, or initiating automations, bulk actions save you time and amplify your efficiency. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to apply filters to narrow down your audience.
- Where to go: Navigate to Contacts.
- Fields: Bulk Activities: Adding Contact Tags to Multiple Contacts
- Controls: Contacts
- Next: Apply filters to narrow down your audience.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.  <- this image
2. Apply filters to narrow down your audience.
3. Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.
4. Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).

    
2.  Apply filters to narrow down your audience.  
    
    
![Step 2 of 4: Apply filters to narrow down your audience](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216730/original/ErMW3Cyblh2BwxCwkzlcV8cL3a_9JoVSFw.png)

**Step 2 of 4: Apply filters to narrow down your audience**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 4 in the "Bulk Contact Actions" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you apply filters to narrow down your audience. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.
- What this covers: Apply filters to narrow down your audience.
- Fields: Bulk Activities: Adding Contact Tags to Multiple Contacts
- Controls: Contacts
- Next: Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Apply filters to narrow down your audience.  <- this image
3. Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.
4. Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).

    
3.  Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.  
    
    
![Step 3 of 4: Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216740/original/nXzOqDX0FttIxf0kUVsRK4FvjXg8O8S0FQ.png)

**Step 3 of 4: Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 4 in the "Bulk Contact Actions" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts. This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below. The next step is to click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).
- What to choose: Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.
- Fields: Bulk Activities: Adding Contact Tags to Multiple Contacts
- Controls: Contacts
- Next: Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Apply filters to narrow down your audience.
3. Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.  <- this image
4. Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).

    
4.  Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).  
    
    
![Step 4 of 4: Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155046216756/original/GyoqnvFpzPOPeKHiLCIAwROySc-WnikCaw.png)

**Step 4 of 4: Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send…**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 4 in the "Bulk Contact Actions" section of "Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email). This part of the guide covers 1 field, listed below.
- What to click: Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).
- Fields: Bulk Activities: Adding Contact Tags to Multiple Contacts
- Controls: Contacts

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts.
2. Apply filters to narrow down your audience.
3. Select checkboxes next to your chosen contacts.
4. Click a bulk action button (e.g., Add to Automation, Send SMS, Send Email).  <- this image

    

Learn more:

-   [Bulk Activities: Adding Contact Tags to Multiple Contacts](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/adding-contact-tags-to-multiple-contacts)

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## **Standard Contact Fields During Import**

Below is a list of the standard contact fields that can be used when importing contacts:

-   Contact ID
-   Name
-   First Name
-   Last Name
-   Date of Birth
-   Contact Owner
-   Contact Source
-   Contact Type
-   Business Name
-   Phone
-   Email
-   Business Name
-   Address
-   State
-   City
-   Postal Code
-   Country
-   DND
-   Time Zone
-   Website
-   Additional Email
-   Additional Phones
-   Notes

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Next, explore automation tools to supercharge your outreach!

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com