Ever wondered why your upload fails at the last step, even when the file looks fine? This guide answers that question and walks you through the new Add contacts view so you can move from a spreadsheet to a live list with confidence.
You’ll start at Contacts > Add contacts in your GetResponse account. The steps are current for the new interface, though older views remain similar. We explain the allowed file formats, size caps, and the need for UTF-8 encoding.
Learn how to prepare your data so email addresses pass validation, avoid syntax errors, and prevent empty lines from causing rejections. You’ll also see why only the first sheet of multi-sheet workbooks is imported and how single opt-in affects deliverability.
Practical tips show when to trim columns, split large files, or map headers so your information lands in the right fields on the website.
Key Takeaways
- Start at Contacts > Add contacts for the current upload flow.
- Use supported formats and UTF-8 to avoid file errors.
- Ensure valid email syntax and remove empty lines before upload.
- Only the first sheet of a workbook is processed—consolidate first.
- All imports use single opt-in; confirm prior permission to protect deliverability.
What this guide covers and who should use it
This article clarifies the workflows, roles, and options available in the updated adding contacts experience.
It applies to the new Add contacts view and matches current account screens and button names. You’ll find clear steps for adding contacts one by one, uploading from a file or pasted rows, and scheduling recurring transfers from ecommerce platforms or apps.
We also cover API-driven pipelines and signup forms so you can automate growth. Along the way, the guide flags decision points about mapping fields, confirming consent, and preserving privacy.
- Practical steps for marketers and CRM operators who need reliable processes.
- When manual adding is fine and when automated workflows save time.
- Integration options for ecommerce, third party services, and engineering teams.
| Method | Best for | Quick note |
|---|---|---|
| Manual add | Small teams, ad hoc entries | Up to ~50 per day; fast and simple |
| File or paste | Bulk moves, event onboarding | Prepares data and mapping before transfer |
| API / Integrations | Ecommerce and engineering | Automated syncs; check settings for privacy and cookies |
Pre‑import requirements and file preparation checklist
Take a minute to confirm basics before you upload. A few checks avoid common rejections and save time during mapping.
Supported formats and encoding. Use CSV, TXT, VCF, XLS, XLSX, or ODS. Pick one delimiter—commas, semicolons, or tabs—and keep it consistent. Save the file in UTF-8 so names and symbols stay intact.
Size and sheets. Keep the import file under 50 MB for most formats and 10 MB for XLS. Only the first worksheet is read, so consolidate all rows to sheet one.
- Include a dedicated email column with one full address per row; invalid syntax or >128 characters fails validation.
- Clip text custom fields to 255 characters; multiselect values cannot be uploaded.
- If a header reads “name,” it maps to the default Name field; matching headers map to existing custom fields automatically.
- Unassigned columns show a “?” label and can be skipped during mapping.
- All uploads use single opt‑in; remove role addresses and confirm permission before you proceed.
| Format | Max size | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| CSV / TXT / VCF / XLSX / ODS | 50 MB | Use UTF‑8; consistent delimiter required |
| XLS | 10 MB | Only first sheet imported; prefer XLSX for larger files |
| Content rules | N/A | Single email per row; custom field text clipped at 255 chars |
Step‑by‑step: Add contacts from a file in the new Add contacts view
This section walks you through adding people from a file step by step.
Start by opening Contacts and choosing Add contacts in your getresponse account. Pick the target list and, if you want, enroll entries in an autoresponder cycle by selecting the day.
Choose upload method
Pick Upload a file for drag‑and‑drop or Paste from file for a quick paste. Supported formats: CSV, TXT, VCF, XLS, XLSX, ODS. Note: legacy XLS has a 10 MB cap; others allow up to 50 MB.
Paste rules
When you paste, use one email per line. Add extra fields on the same line and separate them with commas, semicolons, or spaces so the mapping matches your columns.
Choose data handling mode
Select Add and update to overwrite existing rows, Only add new to avoid changes, or Only update existing to refresh current records without adding new ones.
Consent, mapping, and import
Check the consent box to confirm permission, then click Next to map headers to fields. Skip columns marked with a “?” or assign a label manually. Click Import to start processing. You can cancel only while the status shows Getting ready on the Import statistics page.
| Action | When to use | Key limit |
|---|---|---|
| Upload a file | Bulk moves from spreadsheets | 50 MB (10 MB for XLS) |
| Paste from file | Quick lists or single‑column emails | One email per line; consistent separators |
| Data mode | Control overwrites vs additions | Add and update / Only add new / Only update existing |
MAX accounts may request extra confirmation during uploads. After processing, review the results to correct any rows skipped for invalid information, then reapply changes as needed.
Map custom fields, tags, and data formats correctly
Ensure your file headers match exactly the platform’s expected values for smooth assignment. Good mapping prevents silent failures and keeps your data clean.
Defaults must match exactly. For example, gender accepts only “male” or “female.” Country and currency labels must match system defaults or codes, or those rows will not map.
Dates, numbers, and text limits
Use YYYY‑MM‑DD for dates. Convert Excel date columns from numeric to text so values stay unchanged on upload.
Text custom fields are capped at 255 characters and are clipped silently. Move long notes to a CRM if fidelity matters.
Phone numbers and prefixes
If numbers lack country codes, set prefix rules during assignment. That ensures consistent E.164-style storage and reduces parsing errors.
Tags and mapping tips
You can add up to 10 tags on the mapping screen. Or include a tag header in your file and mark values with 1/0 to auto-apply tags per row.
- Review unassigned columns labeled “?” and map or skip them.
- Convert multiselect attributes to tags or single-select fields before upload.
- Test with a small sample file to confirm mapping and then proceed with the full file.
Consent, opt‑in settings, and account nuances
Consent is the foundation of safe emailing—make sure your records show clear permission before proceeding.
All uploads use single opt‑in. That means addresses are added without an extra confirmation click. This speeds onboarding but places the burden on you to have valid permission and to exclude role-based addresses (for example, admin@ or info@).
All imports are single opt‑in: what that means
Single opt‑in adds entries immediately. Use it only when you can prove consent and when privacy and advertising practices align with your policies.
Keep records of how permission was collected, including timestamps and source pages on your website or services. Those details help respond to complaints or regulatory questions.
MAX accounts: request additional confirmation without changing settings
Enterprise accounts can enable an extra confirmation step during upload while keeping the list-level opt‑in as single. Use this selectively—target older data or event leads of uncertain quality.
- Use extra confirmation for legacy or purchased datasets.
- Document consent flows and store proof alongside imported information.
- Monitor post-upload metrics (bounces, complaints) and suppress risky segments quickly.
| Scenario | Recommended action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh leads from forms | Single opt‑in; keep consent records | Fast onboarding; clear permission |
| Old or event-derived data | Use MAX extra confirmation | Reduces complaints; protects deliverability |
| Cross-service syncs | Harmonize consent and cookies settings | Prevents mixed-quality flows |
Alternatives to getresponse contact list import csv and ongoing updates
Don’t rely only on a single file upload. Choose a method that matches your team size and technical resources. Each path reduces manual cleanup and helps you add new contacts in ways that keep consent and data quality intact.
Manually add contacts for small volumes
For ad hoc updates, add entries one at a time. You can add up to 50 per day—perfect for event follow-ups or niche lead captures.
Pros: fast, controlled, and ideal when you need to capture custom fields on the fly.
Recurring imports and integrations from ecommerce and apps
Set recurring syncs from platforms like Magento to keep buyers and subscribers synchronized. Configure frequency and fields so your lists reflect transactions and profile changes automatically.
- Use App Center services to push new records after checkout.
- Lock file structure and mapping templates to reduce mapping errors on repeat drops.
- Monitor sync logs to resolve missing headers or type mismatches and improve performance over time.
API and signup forms for automated, continuous growth
If you have developers, the API gives real-time control to create, update, and tag records as people interact with your site and services.
Embedded forms and pop-ups capture subscribers directly on your website and remove spreadsheet friction. Combine integrations and API logic to enrich profiles for better segmentation and to improve campaign relevance.
| Scenario | Best option | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| One-off signups | Manual add | Quick, accurate entries |
| Frequent sales sync | Recurring imports / integrations | Automation reduces errors |
| Real-time personalization | API + forms | Immediate updates and tagging |
Conclusion
A tidy file and accurate mapping are the fastest way to avoid rejections and protect deliverability. Save your spreadsheet as UTF‑8 in a supported format, include one valid email per row, and keep size limits in mind.
Map carefully: match headers to default fields such as gender, country, and currency, and use YYYY‑MM‑DD for dates. Use tags (up to ten or via 1/0 columns) and set phone prefixes when needed to normalize fields and custom fields.
Choose the right handling mode—Add and update, Only add new, or Only update existing—based on whether you are syncing a master or adding new contacts. Confirm consent: uploads use single opt‑in, and MAX accounts can request extra confirmation for risky data.
Run a small sample, review the Import statistics, then proceed. Clean formats, correct labels, and permissioned information keep your list healthy and campaigns effective.