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Upload a list of leads

How to import leads from an excel or csv file.

Jeppe Liisberg avatar
Written by Jeppe Liisberg
Updated over a week ago

Here's a quick video describing the best way of getting that list into myphoner, and a guide to give you some extra details.

Introduction to Lead Management

Managing large lead lists demands a clear strategy for organization, updating, and retaining important data attributes. This guide focuses on prioritizing leads, ensuring data integrity during imports, and utilizing Myphoner tools to streamline your workflow.


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Simply put, you get the email, phone, mailing address, social profiles and a host of other data (technologies, jobs, news, ad spend, estimated salaries, and more) for people you are targeting.

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Step 1: Prepare your data

Before you begin, take a look at your data. The first row in your spreadsheet must define the column names. Those will be mapped into the fields of your list in myphoner.

If your spreadsheet has a heading or notes on the first row(s), before the column names and the lead data, delete those row(s), so the column names are on the very first row in your spreadsheet.

If your spreadsheet does not define column names on the first row, but simply starts with lead data from the first lead in the list, you'll have to insert a row at position one, and give each column a name.

Step 2: Upload the list

Now all you have to do is find the import screen in myphoner. Go to Manage => Lists => Add a new list, hit "Import from file" and locate the file on your hard drive.

When hitting 'Next', you'll be asked if you want to use a template or simply import using the file column names as field names.

Using file column names is faster and easier, so we reccommend this for new users (everything can be changed later).

However, if you already have another list, or if you plan on setting up synchronisation to another system later on, we recommend using a template.

Use our default template to enable synchronisation with other systems. Read more in Configure Integrations.

Use another list as template to enable moving leads back and forth between your lists, for example as part of a pipeline design.

The myphoner import template selection view.

Upload into existing list

If you want to import a file of leads to an existing list, go to Manage => Lists  and then choose Import  from the context menu  next to the list you want to import into.

During import, you'll be given the option to update existing leads. If you do this, be careful to choose the right field used to match up leads. If an existing lead matches a new lead its stemdata will be updated with data from the new lead. State including category, schedule, claims and activity log will not be changed.

Best Practices for Data Import

  • Retention of Key Columns: During the import process, retain essential columns such as lead status or unique identifiers to avoid losing key data. These attributes might include statuses like “Call Back” or “Archived.”

  • Avoid Manual Mergers: Instead of merging lead details manually through the exported sheet, leverage Myphoner’s in-built pipeline automations or migration tools. This ensures data consistency and minimizes errors.

Find the Import into list option in the list context menu.

Step 3: Preview and map

After selecting your template you'll be presented with a preview of your lead data. There's two important things to look out for here:

  1. Make sure your data looks like you'd expect. If not, refer to the troubleshooting section in the detailed documentation: Upload xlsx or upload csv .

  2. Make sure that all the columns you want imported have a green header. If the header is red, it means that the field has not been mapped and data for that column will not be imported. Please note that if you selected 'Use file column names' when selecting the template, you won't have to do this.

Preview and map your import data.

Having trouble?

If you see an error message while importing a list, please refer to the troubleshooting section.

Step 4: Select user access

Now all that's left is selecting which of your users should have access to call leads in this list. Once done, you'll get to the list configuration screen where you'll get a chance to tweak your list further. But that's covered in the next part of this guide: Tweaking your list.

Managing Your Lead Lists Effectively

  • Segmentation and Prioritization: Use Myphoner’s filtering and segmentation tools to organize the leads based on relevant properties. For instance, you can prioritize leads that are more likely to succeed or group them based on regions or demographics for targeted outreach.

  • Advanced Automation for Efficient Mergers: Integrate Myphoner’s pipeline automation tools to simplify lead management processes across multiple lists. Automated processes reduce manual effort and help in updating lead statuses and priorities in real-time, ensuring your team works with the most current information.

Please Note:

  • We recommend keeping your lists under 100k leads as this ensures proper performance of the platform, especially when generating reports.

  • If you are on the Premium Plan & use the Client feature, you will see a step to add the list to a client. This will ensure that only users assigned to the Client can be added to the list.

  • Utilize Myphoner’s pipeline automations to handle complex data processes across lists efficiently and ensure updates are accurate.

  • Ensure lead lists are regularly reviewed, and automation settings are adjusted based on team priorities and changes in target demographics.

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