Importing Contacts: Bring Your Audience into Subflow

The Import feature allows you to upload external contacts into Subflow using a CSV file. Whether you’re migrating from a CRM, an Excel spreadsheet, or another data source, importing ensures your contacts are added quickly and efficiently—ready for messaging, segmentation, and workflow automation.

Getting Started with Imports

To begin an import:

1. Click “Import” from the left-hand navigation menu

2. Click “New Import” in the top-right corner

This will launch a three-step process:

1. Upload File

2. Map Fields

3. Processing & Completion

Step 1: Upload Your File

Subflow supports standard .CSV files. We recommend:

• Using our sample CSV template (available for download in the import view) to ensure smooth mapping

• Including column headers in your file that clearly identify the data (e.g., First Name, Email, Phone, City, Tags, etc.)
  
  

🔁 The template is optional, but helpful for faster mapping in Step 2.

Step 2: Map Your Fields

After uploading your file, Subflow will attempt to automatically match your CSV columns to existing contact fields in your account.

If any columns aren’t auto-matched:

• Use the dropdown menu next to each column to manually match it to a field

• Choose “Do Not Import” if there’s a column you don’t want to bring in
  
  

🔧 Missing a Field?
If a property doesn’t yet exist in Subflow, go to Fields in the left nav, create the field, and then return to your import to complete mapping.

Step 3: Processing the Import

Once all fields are mapped, click Next to begin the import.

Subflow will process your file and display a completion message when finished. Your newly imported contacts will now appear in your Contacts Table, with all mapped properties attached to each contact record.

Important Notes on Consent

For compliance and communication purposes:

• If your imported CSV includes SMS or Email Consent fields, make sure the values are clearly marked as TRUE for each contact who has opted in

• If consent fields are not provided, contacts will be imported with opt-out status by default

✅ You can manually update SMS and Email consent from within each Contact Record

✅ Best Practices for Imports

• Clean your data before importing—remove duplicates and ensure consistent formatting

• Always include phone number or email fields to enable communication

• Use Tags in your CSV to help with segmentation post-import (e.g., New Patient, Referral Source A)

• Don’t forget to test with a small file first before importing large batches

Need help formatting your CSV or organizing your fields? Reach out to support@subflow.com—we’re happy to assist!