Importing Data into Salesforce Essentials

Learn best practices for importing your customers’ data into Salesforce. You can turn your spreadsheet into Account, Contact, Lead, and Opportunity records in Salesforce using the Data Import Wizard.

Use the Data Import Wizard to import your customer information into Salesforce. Anyone in your org can import accounts, contacts, and opportunities. To import leads, make sure that you have the necessary permissions, or ask your Salesforce admin for help.

Our video demo walks you through preparing your data file for import, creating a custom field, and using the Data Import Wizard to create new Accounts and Contacts in Salesforce. Watch the demo: Import Your Data Into Salesforce Essentials (5 minutes)

Before you start your import, clean up your import file and follow our best practices. You can view the following video playlist to get more information: Data Import How-To Series

Note If you want to import objects that aren’t supported in the Data Import Wizard like tasks or notes, or to update your opportunities from a .csv file, you can use a different tool called dataloader.io. To learn more, see Choosing a Method for Importing Data.

• Pre-Import Checklist
  Before you import your data, run through this checklist to make sure that you’re well prepared. We guide you through getting an overview of the import process, fixing up what’s already in Salesforce, and preparing your spreadsheet for a smooth import.
• Match Your Information to Salesforce Fields in Data Import
  Matching your information to Salesforce fields helps you make sure that all the details you need get to the right place. When you match your information to fields in Salesforce, you’re telling us where to put your data during the import.
• Fix Data Import Errors in Salesforce Essentials
  If there are errors during your data import, we tell you in the attachment in the summary email. See some of the most common errors and our best tips for fixing them.
• Migrate Your Accounts, Contacts, and Leads to Essentials from Other Editions
  Use reports to set up your accounts, contacts, and leads for import into Salesforce Essentials.
• Migrate Your Opportunities, Tasks, and Events to Essentials from Other Editions
  Use reports to set up your opportunities, tasks, and events for import into Salesforce Essentials.