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How to prepare for your data import

Need to import data into Funnel? Here’s what you should to know.

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Written by Digistorm
Updated over a week ago

If you have data about prospective students and their families in another database and want to import it into Funnel, we can help! Here are answers to some common questions about data imports.

What is the process for a data import?

The first step is to start a discussion with your Onboarding Specialist or Customer Success Manager. They will determine whether there will be any charges for the import and prepare a spreadsheet specifically for you. For the security of your data, it's important that you provide your data on the template we provide you.

Once you've submitted the data via the provided spreadsheet, we will import it. If there is any data that cannot be imported, we will notify you. You can then decide whether you want to update the data, and we can re-attempt the import with the updated data. We will continue this process until all data errors are resolved.

Digistorm will not manipulate your data for you. If the data you supply is not in accordance with the specifications we give you, we won't be able to import it until you have updated it.

How much does a data import cost?

Typically, Digistorm will perform one data import to your account at no charge. Further imports will be charged. Please contact your Customer Success Manager for more info.

What data can be imported?

Just about anything you like! If you want to import data that you haven’t used in Funnel before, we will consult with you to create a new custom property for your new data.

How do I prepare my data?

On the spreadsheet we provide to you, we will include instructions and examples of acceptable data formats. Please pay close and careful attention to these instructions, as incorrectly formatted data cannot be imported.

What are the minimum fields needed to import new leads?

There are certain fields that must be included both for our data import tool to accept the data and to avoid duplicate leads and guardians in Funnel. At a minimum, each line to import should include:

  • Lead first name

  • Lead last name

  • Lead date of birth (this is optional, but will help avoid duplicates)

  • Pipeline stage

  • Guardian first name

  • Guardian email address or phone number

Can we update leads that already exist in Funnel?

Yes. If you want to do this, let us know, and we will help you with detailed instructions. In short, you will export the leads you want to update from Funnel, and the data will include a unique identifier. You can cross-reference this with the data you want to import and provide it back to us in a file that includes the unique identifier along with the new data to be imported. Please remember that the new data will overwrite any existing data on the same fields.

What are some of the common issues when preparing data?

Please carefully check your data before submitting it to us. Common issues include:

  • Phone numbers not in an international format

  • Data that doesn’t match the data options in Funnel (e.g. “Doctor” in the data, but “Dr” in Funnel)

  • Duplicate data within the spreadsheet

  • Data for leads that already exist in Funnel

  • Missing minimum data, e.g. no lead name, no guardian first name

  • Obviously incorrect data, e.g. date of birth featuring the year 1752

How can we transfer our data securely?

Please use the spreadsheet we send to you to provide your data.

What if my data isn’t in the correct format?

We will provide you with instructions about the required format for your data. If you do not provide it in the specified format, we will ask you to update it.

What if I have more questions?

Please ask your friendly Digistorm contact or ask our Support Team - we’ll be happy to help!

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