Import data

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Overview

What files can I import?

You can import your data directly into Ascend as a CSV file.  If your existing data is based in Excel or Google sheets, you can export your file as a CSV for import into Ascend.
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Can I import custom fields?‍

Yes- import custom fields directly to your list. For your custom data to populate in Ascend upon import, you must create your custom field and define the data type in the Strive Members table before you upload your CSV.
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Will Ascend auto-populate any of my data?‍

Yes! Ascend will auto-populate the following fields:

• Source (where the record came from)
• Join Date (when the record was created)
• Timezone (when state and/or zip code is saved or updated)
• Device type (when a subscriber clicks on a trackable link we can determine the phone they are using Iphone/android)
• Carrier (when a message is sent to a subscriber, we can determine who their mobile carrier is, such as Verizon or AT&T)
• Age (when birth date with year is saved or updated)
• Responses and Response Rate (whenever the record responds)
• Clicks and Click Rate (whenever the record clicks a shortened link)
• Calls and Call Rate (whenever the record makes a call via the Ascend call tool)
• Sentiment score (whenever a record responds)
• State (when zip code is saved or updated)
  
  • If you upload updated zip code data, Ascend will update any conflicting state values.
• Federal and State District (when zip and street address are saved or updated)
  
  • Street address may be required for certain districts that overlap zip codes
• Federal and State Senators
  
  • Street address may be required for certain state districts that overlap zip codes
• Federal and State Representatives
  
  • Street address may be required for certain districts that overlap zip codes

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Import a CSV

1. Prepare your Ascend account for import

• If you are importing custom field data, create the custom field in the Members list before importing.
• If you are importing members who you’d like to assign to Access groups, create the group via the Groups page before importing.

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2. Prepare your data

‍Before importing your CSV, make sure your file:

• Contains your supporters' phone numbers, formatted as +12345678910,
  1(234) 567-8910, or 12345678910.
• Is structured with individual columns for each data type (Example: Column 1: First name, Column 2: Last name).
• Includes group tags in a single column, separated by commas (Example: Volunteers, Phone bankers, Text bankers).
• Ensure any existing Group values match with values in your Members list. Data matching is case-sensitive.
• If you have a Subscribed column, make sure your values are either Y/N, Yes/No, T/F, or True/False. All other values will be considered as false (not subscribed).
• Remove quotes (“) in all rows and columns other than custom multi-select fields.
• Remove formatting, like bold or italic, in all rows and columns.
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If you are importing custom fields:

• Make sure any existing single and multi-select values match with pre-created custom values in Ascend. Data matching is case sensitive.
• If you are importing multiple multi-select values for a member, wrap all values in a set of brackets [], wrap each value in quotes "", and separate each value with a comma and space. (Example: ["value", "value2", "value 3"] shows three values delineated with the correct formatting).
• If you are importing custom boolean values, represent values as True/False or T/F. Yes/No and Y/N will result in an import error.
• Custom date values are ISO formatted Year/Month/Date/Time/Timezone. (Example 2023-04-05T14:30Z). If no time or timezone is included in your value, Ascend will default to noon UTC. (Example: importing 2022/07/05 will save as 2022-07-05T12:00:00.000Z).
• If you are importing custom number of currency values, Ascend will not accept non numerical characters.
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Note: If you are importing zip code data, Ascend will auto-populate state data in Member Records based on the zip code's location. Ascend will override any conflicting state values based on zip code. If an invalid zip code is imported, Ascend will neither populate a state value nor update an existing state value on the member record(s).

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3. Import your CSV‍

Note: If you are importing custom field data or Access Groups, create the field or group before import.

1. Navigate to your Members list.
2. Click Import.
3. Click Import a CSV.
4. Choose either to drag and drop in your CSV or click Browse to find the CSV you'd like to import from your files.
5. Once you have selected your CSV file, you will be prompted to map your data to the Ascend Members list.
6. Map the Ascend fields to fields in your CSV. You will be able to see all your existing CSV fields in the drop-down menu.
7. Once all of your fields are mapped, click Import list.
8. Ascend will begin importing your list. Please allow a few minutes for the import to complete.
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Troubleshooting CSV imports

→ Why did my import create an error?
An error can be caused by any or a combination of the following:

• Formatting such as italics or bold text in any of your rows or columns. Remove all formatting before exporting your data as a CSV.
• Formatted headers in any of your rows or columns. Remove all formatting before exporting your data as a CSV for import
• Decimal points in phone numbers or missing area codes. Format your numbers like this +12345678910 or this 1(234) 567-8910.
• Your CSV has quotes. Remove all quotes (“) from all rows and columns in your CSV. 
• Your custom field value(s) were not properly formatted

Go to the Members list and select Table Actions > Import History. In the Import History table use the Error column to identify the row and column in your CSV causing the error.

→ Why don't I see my custom field while data mapping my CSV?
You must create the custom field in the Members list before importing custom data. 

→ Why don't I see my Access Group after importing?

• Make sure you have created the Access group in Ascend before importing your CSV file. 
• The Inbox Access Group in your CSV and Members list should share the same name. Data matching is case-sensitive.
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Can I see a history of my past imports?

Yes! To review your past CSV imports, head over to the Import history page. Click Table Actions above the members table >and click Import History. Learn more.