Step 1: Export Your Groups and Categories
Before importing your ads, it’s helpful to have a list of all your groups and categories.
Navigate to Export in your platform menu.
Select Export Ballot Groups and Categories.
Save the exported CSV file to your computer.
💡 Tip: This export ensures you won’t need to memorize or manually track each group and category.
Step 2: Create Your House Ad
Next, you’ll need at least one house ad created before proceeding.
Go to Advertising in your platform menu.
Select Category Ads.
Create your display ad as needed.
🔗 For step-by-step instructions on creating ads, please see our Creating Display Ads Guide (link to related help article).
Step 3: Export Your Display Ads
Once your house ad is ready:
Navigate to Export.
Select Export Ads.
Choose Category Ads and filter to export only Display Ads.
Save this CSV file to your computer.
Step 4: Combine Your Files
Now, you’ll combine your Groups & Categories CSV with your Display Ads CSV.
Open both CSV files in your spreadsheet editor.
Copy all of the groups and categories from the Groups & Categories CSV.
Paste them into the Display Ads CSV under the column where the ads are listed.
Drag down the house ad information so that it matches every category.
This step ensures your display ad will be associated with all categories within your ballot.
Step 5: Import Your Updated File
Finally, you’ll import your updated file to apply the ads across all categories.
Go to Import Ads in the platform.
Choose Category under the import options.
Set the Type to Display Ad.
Click Choose File and upload your updated CSV.
Confirm the import.
Once complete, your house ad will automatically display in all selected categories.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or run into issues, our support team is happy to assist you.
📧 Email us at support@cityspark.com
💬 Or click the messaging icon in the bottom-right corner of the platform.