How to Import Bulk Contacts In WhatChimp using CSV File? | WhatChimp Basics

How to Import Contacts into Watch Chimp

Introduction to Contact Importing

• Anant, the founder of Watch Chimp, introduces the video and its purpose: to guide users through importing contacts step by step, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Preparing Your Spreadsheet

• Users need a spreadsheet containing essential columns such as name, email, website, and phone number for personalizing messages. The importance of including a country code with phone numbers is emphasized.

• It is noted that the plus sign should not precede the country code when entering phone numbers. Users can add additional columns like gender if desired.

Converting Excel to Google Sheets

• If users do not have a Google Spreadsheet, they can convert their existing Microsoft Excel files by copying data into a new Google Sheet created via "sheets.new." This method ensures compatibility with Watch Chimp's requirements.

• Anant explains how to clean up formatting in Google Sheets by ensuring uniform font size and removing any bold text or background colors for clarity before importing.

Formatting Phone Numbers Correctly

• To ensure proper formatting of phone numbers in Google Sheets, users should select the column and apply custom number formats or automatic formatting options if issues arise with alphanumeric values appearing instead of plain numbers. This step is crucial for successful importation into Watch Chimp.

Exporting and Custom Fields Setup

• Once the spreadsheet is ready and formatted correctly, users can download it as a CSV file for import into Watch Chimp. They will then navigate to the subscribers manager within their dashboard to manage custom fields effectively.

• Anant discusses creating custom fields in Watch Chimp based on user needs (e.g., referral channels or customer addresses), allowing for personalized tagging during message sending processes.

How to Import Subscribers in WhatsApp Subscriber Manager

Adding Custom Fields

• The process begins by creating a new custom field, such as "website," which is then saved and confirmed on the page.

• Existing fields like email, name, and phone number are noted; phone numbers are included by default, eliminating the need for manual creation.

Importing Subscribers

• Users can import subscribers either through a CSV file or Google Sheets. To use Google Sheets, it must first be connected via settings.

• Labels can be created to categorize contacts effectively. For example, a label named "Google Ads Leads" helps in organizing leads from specific campaigns.

Mapping Data Fields

• After selecting the CSV file for import, users must map data fields (name, email, website, phone) to corresponding custom fields in WhatsApp.

• It's important to note that only a few example values will display during mapping; actual data may contain thousands of entries.

Confirming Data Mapping

• Users need to specify which columns correspond to WhatsApp's custom fields. This includes matching names with subscriber names and emails with their respective fields.

• Once all mappings are confirmed (e.g., name mapped to full name), users click 'confirm' to start importing contacts.

Handling Duplicates and Finalizing Import

• The system prevents duplicate entries based on phone numbers; if duplicates exist (like John and Drake having the same number), only the first entry is imported.

• After importing contacts successfully (e.g., John and Drake), refreshing the page shows updated contact lists without duplicates.

Viewing Imported Contacts

• Users can filter imported contacts by tags and view detailed information about each contact directly within the subscriber manager interface.

• Clicking on individual contacts allows users to access their details easily and initiate messaging directly from the platform.