Prepare your Google Sheets or Excel file following the template provided by the Surfe app. (You can download this template by clicking the download link here). Don't forget the mandatory information that your CSV file must have.*Save your CSV file in UTF-8/Unicode format! If your file is not encoded in UTF-8, the import process may fail. Double-check the encoding settings in your spreadsheet tool before saving the file.
Download the Spreadsheet in CSV format. Or convert Excel files (XLS) to CSV via a converter, for example, Convertio. If you encounter issues during conversion, ensure that the file uses the correct separator (comma or semicolon) and recheck the formatting in your spreadsheet tool.
Log in to your Surfe app account.Go to the upload section and select your CSV file. If the upload fails, verify that the file meets all formatting requirements, including UTF-8 encoding and correct column headers.
Column mapping can be done automatically, however make sure it’s correct: each column represents a column in your original file. For example, if your spreadsheet has a column named "Contact Name," choose "First Name" from the list. It's like sorting your data into the right categories!
Don’t forget to map mandatory fields: First Name, Last Name, and Company Name/ Company domain. Without doing that, the “Enrich list of contacts” button won’t be active.
Follow the prompts to map your fields and complete the upload (don’t forget to map mandatory fields: First Name, Last Name and Company Name).
Troubleshooting Common CSV Import Issues
Common Issues with CSV Imports
File Encoding: Ensure the file is encoded in UTF-8 to avoid import errors.
Separator Differences: Check that the correct separator (comma or semicolon) is used consistently.
Invisible Characters: Remove any hidden or special characters that may interfere with the import.
Header or Column Mismatches: Verify that headers match the required format and column structures are correct.
Steps to Resolve CSV Import Issues
Open the File in a Spreadsheet Tool:
Use Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to open the CSV file.
Review and Adjust the File:
Check that the file is encoded in UTF-8.
Verify that the correct separator (comma or semicolon) is used consistently.
Inspect the headers to ensure they match the required format.
Re-export the File:
In Google Sheets or Excel, save or download the file as a CSV.
This process removes hidden characters, standardizes separators, and corrects subtle formatting issues.
Reattempt the Import:
Upload the newly exported CSV file to Surfe and check if the issue is resolved.
Additional Tips
Always double-check the required columns and their headers before importing.
If issues persist, try using a different spreadsheet tool to re-export the file.
Ensure that no extra rows or columns are present in the file. If the import fails, review the file for hidden characters, mismatched headers, or incorrect separators. Re-export the file from your spreadsheet tool to resolve these issues.