Step by step instructions: Importing your email list into Constant Contact

Constant Contact is a third party tool that allows you to communicate with your customer base through email. This post will provide simple instructions for importing a contact list to use in Constant Contact. Constant Contact also offers the option to manually type in email addresses, but the import option is great for when you have multiple email addresses to add at once.

1. 

   image 1: This is a sample of what your email list might look like. It can contain just email addresses, or you can add more details like name, address and other contact information.

   Start with a file in one of the following formats. Constant Contact’s website contains instructions for exporting an email list in any of these formats from Outlook, Outlook Express, Act!, Excel or Notepad. (image 1)

   • Excel (.xls)
   • Comma Separated Value (.csv)
   • Text (.txt)
2. Once you have your email list saved on your computer, log into Constant Contact and click on the Contacts tab in the header, then click on the  Add/Import Contacts link (image 2).
   

   image 2: In the Contacts section, click on Add/Import.

3. On the next screen, select one or multiple lists where you’d like the contacts to be added. When you are finished, click Next >
4. On the next screen, choose the option for “Import my list from a file on my computer,” then click Next > (image 3)
   

   image 3: You will have the option to manually type in email addresses, type in email addresses with contact details, or import a file on your computer.

5. Next you will be asked to specify the file’s location. Clicking the Browse button will open a finder view of the files on your computer. Locate the *.xls, *.txt or *.csv file on your computer and click Open, then click the yellow Submit Data button on the right side of the screen.
6. Constant Contact will prompt you with a checklist to confirm you have permission to use this email list in your email marketing account. All boxes must be checked before your import can begin. (image 4)
   

   image 4: Email lists uploaded to Constant Contact must be consent based, meaning that your customers have given your business permission to contact them.

7. Once you’ve completed the checklist, click Submit.
8. Congratulations, you’ve imported your contact list! (image 5)
   

   image 5: Most email lists will be uploaded within minutes. Check the Activity page for the status of your upload.

Click here to try Constant Contact FREE for 60 days!