This guide explains how to upload contacts and correctly set their email subscription status using the AM3 import flow.
Before you begin
Make sure the AM3 feature is enabled on your account. This allows subscription status to be updated during imports.
Step 1: Enable subscription updates in the import modal
When starting your contact import:
Open the Import modal
Toggle Update subscription status to ON
Check the legal confirmation checkbox
Enabling this setting allows Audience Republic to read and apply subscription values from your CSV during the import.
Step 2: Prepare your CSV file
Update your CSV to include a column called:
Email Subscription
Populate this column with the appropriate subscription value for each contact. For example:
Subscribed
This column will be used to determine whether a contact is opted in or out of email messaging.
Step 3: Map the email subscription column
During the CSV mapping step, you will be prompted to map a column to Email subscription status.
If you are importing from Mailchimp or Constant Contact, this field is automatically mapped
For all other imports, manually select the Email Subscription column from your CSV
Once mapped, the subscription value in your CSV will be applied to each contact.
Step 4: Run the import
After mapping is complete, proceed with the import as normal.
The mapped Email Subscription column will override the global email opt-in status for each imported contact.
Supported values and behaviour
Only specific values in the mapped column are processed.
Accepted values
These values will update the contact’s email subscription status:
subscribed→ Opt-inactive→ Opt-inunsubscribed→ Opt-out
Ignored values
Any other value (including empty cells or unexpected text) is ignored
When ignored, the contact’s existing subscription status is not changed
Ignored values are visually highlighted during the mapping step so you can review them before completing the import.
Important notes
Subscription updates only apply when Update subscription status is enabled
This mapping affects email subscription status only
Contacts with unsupported values will still be imported, but their subscription status will remain unchanged
If you have questions about AM3 imports or need help troubleshooting an upload, please contact support@audiencerepublic.com or your customer success manager.