This guide shows you how to use our CSV import tool to update a contact’s Email and SMS global subscription status. This feature gives you more control over your database. For example, if a contact has globally opted out but has provided consent to opt back in, you can now update their subscription directly in the Audience Manager.
Before you begin
Ensure the new Audience Manager interface is enabled on your account.
This feature is only available in the new interface. If you don’t see it, contact your Customer Success Manager.
Step 1: Open the Import Tool
Go to Import contacts in the Audience Manager.
Name your import and select the date format for your CSV (required even if your CSV doesn’t include dates).
Toggle Update subscription status ON.
This ensures the Email and SMS subscription fields are included during the import.
Check the legal confirmation box.
This allows Audience Republic to read and apply subscription values from your CSV.
Step 2: Prepare your CSV file
Option 1: Update your existing CSV with one or both of these columns:
Email SubscriptionSMS Subscription
Option 2: Download the CSV template which already includes the necessary columns.
Populate each column with the correct subscription status:
Subscribed → Opt-in
Unsubscribed → Opt-out
These values determine whether a contact is opted in or out of Email or SMS messaging.
Step 3: Map the email subscription column
Drag and drop your CSV into the import tool.
Map the fields in your CSV to the corresponding import fields:
Email Subscription
SMS Subscription
Mailchimp and Constant Contact imports: these fields are automatically mapped.
For all other imports, select the correct column manually.
Once mapped, the subscription values in your CSV will be applied to each contact.
Step 4: Run the import
Complete the import as usual.
The mapped Email and/or SMS Subscription column overrides the global subscription status for each contact.
Refresh the Audience Manager to see the updated subscription icons.
Supported Values
Value | Action |
subscribed | Opt-in |
active | Opt-in |
unsubscribed | Opt-out |
Ignored values:
Any other value (including blank cells or text like
TRUEorYes) will be ignored.Contacts with ignored values are still imported, but their subscription status remains unchanged.
Ignored values are highlighted during the mapping step so you can review before completing the import.
Important Notes
Subscription updates only apply if Update subscription status is enabled.
Contacts with unsupported values will still import, but their subscription status won’t change.
If you need help or run into issues, contact support@audiencerepublic.com or your Customer Success Manager.