How To Import Contacts Into Mailchimp Quickly​

Getting your contacts into Mailchimp list doesn't have to be complicated.

You can import contacts to Mailchimp by uploading a CSV file, manually adding individual contacts, or using the mobile app.

The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes to complete.

We've got step-by-step guides below for each method on how to import contacts into Mailchimp quickly.

Key Takeaways

• You can import contacts using CSV files, manual entry, or the mobile app
• Your contact list needs proper formatting and permission to send marketing emails
• The import tool helps match your data to the right fields in Mailchimp

Preparing Your Contact List to Import into Mailchimp

Before you start importing contacts, make sure you have permission to send marketing emails to these addresses.

Your contact list should be organized in a spreadsheet with proper formatting guidelines for smooth importing.

This includes having clear column headers and the correct data format for fields like email addresses and birthdays.

Choosing the Right File Format

If you are using a pre-built list from Excel, Mailchimp will accept CSV and TXT. 

CSV files are the most common and reliable format.

You can create CSV files using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet program.

Save your spreadsheet as a .csv file by selecting "Save As" or "Download As" and choosing CSV format.

Make sure your file is under 16MB to avoid upload issues.

Formatting Your Spreadsheet

Each contact must have an email address in its own column. Label this column "Email Address" or "Email."

Create separate columns for additional information like:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Phone Number
• Company
• Address**

Keep column headers simple and avoid special characters or spaces.

By adding these columns, you give yourself the ability to personalize emails using merge tags.

For example, you can insert first names to add a personal touch, such as "Hey John!"

Cleaning Up Contact Data

Check your email addresses for:

• Missing @ symbols
• Extra spaces
• Typos
• Duplicate entries

Remove any bounced or undeliverable addresses before importing.

You can also use free tools to clean your contact list.

Verify that you have permission to email each contact on your list.

Navigating Mailchimp's Audience Dashboard

The Mailchimp Audience Dashboard puts key contact management tools at your fingertips with a straightforward menu system and import capabilities.

Selecting Your Audience

Click "Audience" at the top of your screen to access the main dashboard. If you have different audiences, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled "Current Audience."

Use the Current Audience drop-down to switch between different contact lists.

This helps you organize separate groups of subscribed contacts and manage them independently.

Utilizing the Import Tool

To import your contacts, click "Manage Audience" and select "Import contacts" from the dropdown menu.

The import tool gives you several options:

• Upload a CSV file
• Copy/paste from spreadsheet
• Manual contact entry
• Connect third-party apps

Your imported contacts will appear in the chosen audience list. You can track the status of your imports through the Import History page found under "Manage Contacts."

Make sure to review your import results to catch any potential errors or formatting issues with your contact data.

How to Import Contacts Into Mailchimp Using CSV File

The Mailchimp import tool walks you through three key steps to add your contacts to your audience. 

A successful import requires proper file preparation, field mapping, and final review.

Mapping Contact Fields

Match your spreadsheet columns to Mailchimp's contact fields. 

Email address is required and will be mapped automatically.

Common fields include:

• First Name

• Last Name

• Phone Number

• Address

• Custom fields

  

Leave fields as "None" if they don't match any Mailchimp fields. Unmatched columns won't be imported.

Create new custom fields if needed to store unique contact data.

Uploading Your File

Select "Import contacts" from the Audience menu in your Mailchimp account. 

Click the button to upload your CSV or TXT file containing your contact list.

Your import file must include at least one email address column. 

Remove any formatting, special characters, or empty rows from your spreadsheet before uploading.

The maximum file size is 50MB. If your file is larger, split it into smaller chunks for multiple imports.

Reviewing and Importing Contacts

Check the preview of your mapped data to ensure everything looks correct. Mailchimp will flag any potential issues like invalid email formats.

On the right side, ensure that the preview data is importing the correct information that you want for each field name.

You can choose how to handle duplicate contacts:

• Update existing contacts
• Skip duplicates
• Allow duplicates

The import can be undone if you discover any mistakes after completion.

Click "Import" to start the process. You'll receive a confirmation email when the import finishes.

How to Import Contacts Into Mailchimp Copy and Paste

If you don't want to save the file, you also have the option to copy and paste your data.

Follow the same steps as above. Select Import Contacts **and then Copy and Paste.

Next, you'll highlight all of the cells that you want to add as fields for these new contacts.

When done correctly, it should look something like this.

Don't worry about the jumbled mess, Mailchimp will take care of it.

Select Continue.

On the next page, you'll see the contacts for review. Make sure that the fields map exactly how you want them to and then Import.

How to Import Contacts Into Mailchimp Manually

If you only have one subscriber you need to add to the list, or if you prefer doing everything manually, here's the option for you. 

On your Mailchimp Audience Dashboard, select Add a Single Subscriber underneath "Add Contacts".

You'll be prompted to add the information of the contact you are listing.

This includes name, email address, phone number, address, any groups or segments you want to add them to and so forth.

Be sure that you've gotten confirmation from these individuals that you can subscribe them to your audience.

Once you are done, click Add Contact.

How to Import Contacts Into Mailchimp via Mobile Device

If you've compiled a list of your contacts on your phone, no need to worry! 

Mailchimp provides a seamless way through their mobile app to add contacts.

On the home screen, select the Plus button at the bottom.

On the next screen, you'll select Import Contacts From Device.

Once you provide Mailchimp with access to your address book, you'll be able to select the Contacts you want to add.

Be sure that all contacts you want to add have EMAIL ADDRESSES in their contact card.

Otherwise, you won't be able to add them to you list.

Once you select who you want to add, select Import and your contacts will be in your audience dashboard.

Managing Your Imported Contacts in Mailchimp

Once contacts are imported into Mailchimp, you can organize them to create targeted email marketing campaigns. 

Smart organization helps you send more relevant emails to the right people.

Segmenting Your New Contacts

You can check your import results from the Audience dashboard to confirm all contacts were added correctly.

To organize contacts, use tags to label them based on shared traits or behaviors. You can add tags during import or apply them later.

Create groups or segments to cluster contacts with similar interests or preferences. 

Go to the Groups section to sort contacts into categories like "Newsletter Subscribers" or "Product Updates."

Track engagement levels by monitoring which contacts open emails and click links. This helps you identify your most active subscribers.

Understanding Contact Profiles

Each contact has a profile showing their details and activity history. View email engagement, purchase history, and other important data in one place.

Set up custom fields to store additional information about your contacts. This could include birthdays, preferences, or other relevant data points.

Keep profiles updated by regularly reviewing and cleaning your lists. Remove invalid emails and delete unneeded audiences to keep your lists up to date.

Use profile data to personalize your emails with merge tags. Insert contact-specific details like first names or recent purchases to create more engaging messages.

Nice job! you've now imported your Mailchimp contacts and are ready to send targeting emails!

Frequently Asked Questions

Importing contacts to Mailchimp involves specific file formats, steps, and troubleshooting methods. 

The platform accepts CSV and Excel files while offering options for both desktop and mobile uploads.

What steps are required to import contacts from an Excel file into Mailchimp? Save your Excel file with contact information in .xls or .xlsx format. Make sure each column has a clear header name.

Go to Audience > Manage Audience and select Import contacts. Click "Upload file" and choose your Excel file.

Match your Excel columns to Mailchimp's fields in the mapping step. Click "Import" to complete the process.

How do you import a CSV file of contacts into Mailchimp? Navigate to the Audience dashboard and select "Import contacts" from the Manage Audience menu.

Choose "Upload file" and select your CSV file. Review the field mapping to ensure your data matches correctly with Mailchimp's fields.

Click "Import" and wait for confirmation that your contacts have been added.

What should I do if my contact import to Mailchimp fails? Check your file format and ensure all required fields are properly formatted. 

Common issues include missing email addresses or incorrect column headers.

Remove any special characters or formatting from your file. Try saving your file as a plain CSV if you're using Excel.

How can I upload contacts from my iPhone to Mailchimp? To upload contacts from your iPhone to Mailchimp, you'll open the Mailchimp mobile app and tap "Add Contacts". Select "Import from a file" option.

Choose the file from your iPhone storage or cloud service. Follow the prompts to map your fields and complete the import.

What is the correct format for a Mailchimp import template? Create a spreadsheet with "Email Address" as the first column header. 

Include additional columns for First Name, Last Name, and other contact information.

Keep headers simple and avoid special characters. Use separate columns for each piece of information.

Is it possible to import contacts with tags, and if so, how? Add a column called "Tags" in your import file. Then, separate multiple tags with commas within the same cell.

During the import process, map the Tags column to Mailchimp's tags field. Your contacts will automatically receive the specified tags upon import.