Importing Overview

If you've never imported data into a CRM or other software we are here to help. You can reach out any time to support@cloze.com and we'll guide you through the process.

Before you get started it is important to know that you may not need to import contacts into Cloze at all. 

Contacts are stored in many places (e.g., mobile devices, email marketing software, other CRMs, email platforms, etc.) and Cloze is designed to help you consolidate them into one place. Because Cloze creates contacts automatically from your past conversations and other sources like your phone contacts you will find that your key relationships are already in Cloze. You may not need to import a spreadsheet.

We have integrations with many popular platforms, but if we don't have an integration, we'll help guide you through importing your data into Cloze. 

Getting Started

If you are experienced with importing data from other systems you can dive in immediately. Cloze has a built-in data mapper to make it easy. Here are instructions on how to import your file. 

If you have never imported a file before, we recommend reviewing the common questions below and reaching out to our team at support@cloze.com for guidance. 

Common Questions

Do I need to import a spreadsheet to start using Cloze?

Importing data from a spreadsheet is optional. 

Because Cloze creates contacts automatically from your past conversations and other sources like your phone contacts you will find that your key relationships are already in Cloze. 

Cloze also includes built-in integrations for many different platforms so you don't need to import contacts with a spreadsheet. Start by reviewing these integrations:

If you have organized contacts in another system, exporting this data and importing it into Cloze can be a helpful way to save redoing this organization in Cloze. 

What type of data can you import into Cloze?

You can import several different types of data into Cloze:

  • People (contacts)
  • Companies 
  • Projects (aka Properties, Deals, Jobs, etc.) 
  • Content Records (e.g. a timeline note)
  • Communications Records (e.g. texts, chat messages, email, call records, and meetings)
  • To-dos (e.g. tasks)

You can import one or more of the above types using a single import file. 

How does importing data into Cloze work?

There are three primary steps:

  1. You will export your data out of another system or organize your existing CSV or Excel spreadsheet.
    1. Make sure the first row of the import file is the "header" (not a blank row -- please see below)
    2. Each piece of data should be broken out into a unique column.
  2. Then you will navigate to our importer in Cloze and import the file. 
    1. The importer will analyze your file and tell you what data will import successfully into Cloze and prompt if there are any changes needed.
    2. You can optionally adjust the mapping (see below for more details) and even do a dry run before it imports into Cloze. 
    3. When you are ready, you can import your file. 
  3. Begin using your data in Cloze.

What's a mapping?

A mapping correlates columns of data in a CSV or Excel file with their equivalent in Cloze. 

When importing, Cloze will analyze the file and then automatically maps standard fields like First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone number, and other details for you. Cloze creates a mapping each time you import a file.
An Excel spreadsheet or CSV file includes a header, rows, and columns. 
  • Header Row - The first row in the spreadsheet is called a "header". The labels in each column of the header row define the data found in the rows below. 
    • Each column header represents data that will be mapped during import. 
    • For example, a column header may be called "Last Name". In the rows below in this column, you find the last name for each contact.
  • Rows - Each row contains a unique record (like a contact record and their details including their phone number, email address, and other details)
    • A single row in the input file can be mapped to one or more records in Cloze. 
    • After Cloze analyzes the file you'll see what Cloze records will be created.
  • Columns - Each column contains a unique value or field associated with the corresponding rows below.
    • Columns are mapped to Cloze fields during your data import. 
    • After the initial analysis of the file, you'll see the columns Cloze has mapped for you. 
    • You can override an existing import mapping or create a new mapping if needed.
You can also choose to reassign these fields if you do not want to map them how Cloze tries to map them for you.

Cloze includes a number of default "mappings" that make importing data from other systems easy. 

With a saved mapping Cloze will remember your field mappings to help speed up the process the next time you import a file from the same source. 

Tips

  • Contact support by tapping on the red Help button in the lower right corner below if you have questions.
  • Before uploading, we recommend reviewing the data contained in your import files 
    • Make sure the first row of the import file is the "header" (not a blank row).
    • Scan for rows of bad data and remove them.
    • Remove any columns of data you don't wish to import. 
    • Decide what you want to import into Cloze. It's very common to have many columns of data that you don't need in Cloze or is no longer relevant.
  • Download the Cloze import templates
  • All upload records (each row) must contain at least one of the following: 
    • a non-bulk email address, or
    • a name and a phone number, or
    • a name and complete delivery postal address
      • street number and name or post office box number and secondary descriptor and number (e.g., suite or apartment number, floor) if needed.
      • city and state
      • postal code
      • country
  • Start with just a handful of rows (5-10 rows) to make sure everything imports as expected. 
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