CSV Import

Importing leads via CSV file is an efficient way to bring multiple leads into Alex at once. This method is ideal if you have your leads organized in a spreadsheet or exported from another system. This guide will walk you through the process of importing leads using a CSV file.

Why Use CSV Import?

CSV import is beneficial when:

  • You have a large number of leads to add at once
  • Your leads are already organized in a spreadsheet
  • You're migrating data from another CRM or tool
  • You want to maintain formatting consistency across multiple lead entries

CSV Import Process

Follow these steps to import leads from a CSV file:

Step 1: Access Leads Section

Click on the Leads section in the sidebar menu, then click on the "Add Leads" button.

Step 1 - Access Leads section and click Add Leads

Step 2: Select CSV Upload

Click on the "Upload CSV" button.

Step 2 - Click on Upload CSV button

Step 3: Prepare Your Spreadsheet

Before importing, prepare your data in a spreadsheet. You can create it manually or export it from your CRM. Column names can be customized according to your needs (you'll map them in a later step).

Step 3 - Prepare spreadsheet with lead data

Step 4: Export as CSV

From your spreadsheet program, export the file as a CSV. If using Google Sheets, click on File > Download > Comma Separated Values (.csv).

Step 4 - Export as CSV file

Step 5: Upload and Map Fields

Drag and drop your CSV file onto the upload area. Map your CSV columns to the corresponding fields in Alex. If you need custom fields, create them first in Profile > Settings > Custom Fields.

Step 5 - Upload CSV and map fields

Step 6: Confirm Import

Double-check that all leads were imported correctly. You're done!

Step 6 - Confirm successful import

CSV File Requirements

For a successful import, your CSV file should:

  • Use UTF-8 encoding
  • Include a header row with column names
  • Contain at least one unique identifier (email or phone)
  • Have properly formatted data (dates, phone numbers, etc.)
  • Be under the maximum file size (typically 10MB)

Field Mapping

During the import process, you'll need to map your CSV columns to Alex's lead fields:

Standard Fields

  • Name: The lead's full name
  • Email: Email address
  • Phone: Phone number
  • Company: Organization name

Custom Fields

You can map additional columns to:

  • Custom fields you've created in your Alex settings
  • System fields like source, tags, or notes

Handling Duplicates

When importing leads via CSV, Alex automatically identifies and manages duplicates by checking email addresses, phone numbers, LinkedIn profiles, and Instagram handles. If a lead with matching information already exists in your database, the system will intelligently skip the duplicate entry to maintain data integrity and prevent redundant contacts.

Best Practices for CSV Import

For optimal results when importing leads via CSV:

  • Clean your data before importing to remove duplicates and fix formatting issues
  • Use consistent formatting for phone numbers, dates, and addresses
  • Include as many relevant fields as possible for comprehensive lead profiles
  • Test with a small batch first before importing your entire database
  • Review the import summary to identify and resolve any issues

Related Import Methods

If CSV import doesn't suit your needs, consider these alternative methods:

Manual Lead Entry
Learn how to manually add leads to Alex one by one
Google Sheets Import
Learn how to import leads into Alex directly from Google Sheets