Salesforce is one of the most popular customer relations management (CRM) software in the world right now. It is popular because it can be used by all kinds of organizations for generating more sales. Large multinational corporations as well as new startup businesses use Salesforce for easier tracking of their potential leads and customers. It offers powerful features for creating and storing databases and a large number of functions make it the perfect tool for keeping track of your client records.
Salesforce import data function is quite easy to use and allows businesses to switch to the platform, if they had been using a different sales management platform. It allows you to keep your existing contacts in good order. Upgrading to the Salesforce software will lead to a more streamlined and effective marketing process for your business.
With its robust data mapping feature, it ensures that your data integrity is maintained and every piece goes into the right field.
Steps for Importing Data into Salesforce
You can easily import contacts, potential leads and opportunities into the CRM with its built-in wizard. Salesforce also allows you to import data manually through a third-party data loader application.
Data is generally imported in the form of a spreadsheet. Follow the steps outlined below to easily import data into the program.
- Save the data file in a spreadsheet format in your existing CRM management software. The file will need to be in a .csv format to be imported into Salesforce.
- Open the Salesforce app and click on the Contacts tab at the top. Click tools and it will open a new window.
- You will see the option “Import my Accounts and Contact”. Click it to start the import wizard.
- The Salesforce import data wizard will ask you for the source file. Select “Other Data Source” and click next.
- Browse through the directory to locate and select your data file. Click next.
- You will get the option to customize and map the data fields to your preference. You can change the mapping to your choice or click next to proceed.
- The wizard will prompt you to finalize the selection. Click Import Now.
- This will start the process of importing the database to Salesforce. Generally, the process takes 5 – 10 minutes but may take longer in case of a very large or nested data file.
Important Tips for Data Import in Salesforce
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when importing data with the help of the import wizard.
- Make sure that your column headers are in the first row of the spreadsheet. You can also rename column headers in the data file to keep them consistent with the field names in Salesforce. For instance, consider renaming the “Company” field from the data file to “Account” Name.
- When importing data for your entire company you can add a column for the Record Owner to verify the record in Salesforce. This will allow the relevant person to own the record instead of the administrator.
- To differentiate geographical locations and branches of a company, for instance, Apple in Toronto from Apple in Los Angeles, you can add a new column for Site and adjust the rows in your data file to keep things organized.
- You can link accounts in the imported database by adding new columns for Group Account and Group Site and fill out the necessary fields to reflect the hierarchy better.
Data administrators must ensure that a ‘Type’ or ‘Industry’ column is present in the database and fields are appropriately filled to correspond to the kinds of businesses you keep track of.
