Import contacts from CSV or Excel

You can upload a CSV file or an Excel file (.xlsx or .xls). SMS Blast reads the first sheet and uses the top row as column names. A column with a blank heading shows as “Column 1”, “Column 2” and so on, so nothing shifts.

Get the file ready

The only required column is a mobile number. First name, last name and email are optional, but a first name lets you personalize texts.

Not sure how to lay it out? On the import page, click Download template. Fill it in and upload it.

Phone numbers can be typed any common way: (215) 555-0123, 215-555-0123 or 2155550123. SMS Blast texts US and Canadian numbers only. Rows with a number it can’t read are skipped, and you’ll see which ones.

Import the file

1. Go to Contacts and click Import contacts.
2. Choose your file.
3. Check the column matches. SMS Blast guesses them from your column names. Change any that are wrong, and make sure Mobile number points at the phone column.
4. Pick the list to add everyone to, or create a new list.
5. Describe how these people agreed to get texts, for example Signed up on our website.
6. Tick the box confirming everyone agreed to get texts, then click Import [number] contacts.

If someone is already in your contacts, they’re added to the list and nobody is duplicated. Their saved details are kept: the file only fills in what’s missing (for example a first name you didn’t have), and a blank cell never erases anything. Their original consent record is kept too, with the new one added after it.

Tip: Only import people who agreed to get texts from your business. Texting people without permission breaks carrier rules and the law, and can get your number blocked.