HubSpot Training: How to Import Contacts

How to Import Contacts into HubSpot CRM (Step-by-Step CSV Tutorial)

Before Importing Your Contacts

Bulk Import Contacts into HubSpot

Here's how to bulk import your contacts into HubSpot:

1. Start the Import Process: To get started, head to the Contacts section in the navigation menu. From there, click on the Import button located at the top right corner of the page. A new window will pop up, where you can choose to import a file and then hit Start Import.
   
2. Choose the Type of Data: HubSpot allows you to import a variety of data types, so you’ll need to choose Contacts in this case. After selecting contacts, click Next.
   
3. Upload Your Spreadsheet: Next, you’ll be asked to upload your contact list. We left an example file at the end of the blog for your reference; download it and make sure it meets the conditions in our checklists. If you're using your own file, match your column headers to HubSpot’s properties.
   1. 💡 TIP: Add extra columns if needed, but keep the formatting consistent. For more info about setting up your file, head to the HubSpot Knowledge Base.
   2. Choose How to Import: Once your file is uploaded, you’ll have a few options for how to import your contacts. You can:
      
      1. Create and update contacts: This option will update existing contacts with matching rows and add new contacts for non-matching rows.
      2. Create new contacts only: Only new contacts will be added.
      3. Update existing contacts only: This will only update the contacts that already exist in your HubSpot account.
   3. Choose the option that fits your needs, select the correct language for the column headers, and hit Next.
4. Map Your Columns: HubSpot will automatically match some properties, but it's important to double-check for accuracy to avoid mismatched data. Remember, each contact needs a unique identifier (usually an email address or company domain) to prevent duplicates. Read our HubSpot Support Guide: How to Identify and Merge Duplicate Contacts to learn more about HubSpot best practices to avoid and handle duplicates.
   
5. Name Your Import: To keep things organized, give your import a name. This makes it easier to categorize everything later. Once that’s done, you’ll need to agree to the terms and click Finish Import.
   
6. Wait for the import to finish: Depending on the size of your contact list, the import process may take a little time. Don’t worry if it seems like it’s taking longer than expected—HubSpot will notify you once the import is complete.
   
7. View Your Imported Contacts: Once everything is done, head to the View Contacts section, where you can see the list of contacts you’ve just imported into your HubSpot account.
   

After Your Data Import

• Check for any reported errors
• Verify a sample of contacts to ensure data imported correctly
• Create any necessary segments or lists based on your new contacts

Common HubSpot Import Issues

• Duplicate contacts can occur if matching criteria are too loose
• Special characters sometimes cause formatting issues
• Large imports (over 10,000 contacts) may take significant time

🔔 Additional Resources

• HubSpot Knowledge Base
• HubSpot Community
• OTF's FREE Import Template 

Not seeing ROI from HubSpot?

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