Import your contacts
Create a list and load your contacts into it from a CSV file, without errors and with your contacts' consent.
·4 min read
To import your contacts, open Lists in your Campaigns workspace, create a list, then click Import and upload a CSV file with at least one column of email addresses. Then match each column of the file to a list field (first name, last name…) and start the import. Only import contacts who agreed to receive your emails.
Before you send a newsletter, you need recipients. In Upkyo Campaigns, your contacts are stored in lists. This guide explains how to create a list, prepare a clean CSV file (from Excel, Google Sheets, your online store or your previous email marketing tool) and import it without errors. It also covers the rules to follow so you do not damage your sending reputation.
Before you start
- Your Campaigns workspace is open, see Open your Campaigns workspace.
- You have a contact file in CSV format, with at least one column of email addresses.
- Your contacts agreed to receive your emails. In Europe this is a legal requirement, explained in Newsletters and GDPR: consent, unsubscribe and best practices.
Prepare your CSV file
A CSV file (comma-separated values) is a simple table saved as text. Each row is a contact and each column is a piece of information.
- A header row: the first row holds the column names, for example
email,first_name,last_name. - One address per row: no cell containing two addresses.
- UTF-8 encoding: it keeps accented characters intact. In Excel, choose "CSV UTF-8" when saving. In Google Sheets, use File, Download, Comma-separated values.
- Clean data: remove duplicates, extra spaces and obviously fake addresses before importing.
Import your contacts step by step
- In your Campaigns workspace, open Lists and create a list.
- Give the list a clear name, for example "Customers 2026" or "Website newsletter".
- Open the list, then click Import.
- Upload your CSV file with at least one column of email addresses.
- Match the file's columns to the list fields (first name, last name…).
- Start the import and wait for it to finish before creating your campaign.
Only import people who have agreed to receive your emails. A purchased or outdated file will hurt your deliverability.
One list or several?
One list per audience is often the right choice: customers, prospects, partners. To target part of a list (for example customers in one city, or those who clicked recently), use segments instead, which filter your contacts by their details and activity. The number of lists and segments available depends on your plan.
Why should you never import a purchased list?
Purchased or rented lists contain addresses of people who do not know you. They rarely open, often complain, and part of the addresses no longer exist. Some are even spam traps, addresses run by mail providers to catch careless senders. The result: your emails end up in spam, including for your real customers. In Europe, emailing individuals without their consent also breaches the GDPR.
Common errors and fixes
- Accents replaced by odd symbols: the file is not UTF-8. Save it again as "CSV UTF-8" and retry.
- All data in a single column: the separator was not recognised. Spreadsheets in some countries use semicolons. Check your file's separator or save it again.
- Fewer contacts imported than expected: check your file. Duplicates, rows without an address and malformed addresses (no @, a space inside) are the most common causes.
- Contact limit reached: some plans set a maximum number of contacts, shown on the service page in your client area. Move to a higher plan with Change plan, see Change plan.
Keep your list healthy over time
A list ages: people change addresses, others stop reading. Invalid addresses and unsubscribed contacts are removed from your sends automatically. On your side, regularly clean out contacts who have not opened anything for a long time. Fewer but more engaged contacts means better deliverability, see Improve the deliverability of your email campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
What file format do I need to import contacts?
A CSV file, with a header row and at least one column of email addresses. From Excel, choose "CSV UTF-8" when saving to keep accented characters.
How do I import contacts from Excel?
Open your file in Excel, check the header row, then save it as "CSV UTF-8". Then import that file into your list with the Import button.
Can I import contacts without their consent?
No. Only import people who agreed to receive your emails. Beyond the legal obligation, contacts who did not opt in drag your deliverability down.
What happens to duplicates during import?
The safest approach is to remove duplicates in your spreadsheet before importing. That way you stay in control of the details (first name, last name…) stored for each address.
Will unsubscribed contacts be imported again?
Unsubscribed contacts are removed from your sends automatically. To respect their choice for good, also remove them from your source files before any new import.