Summary
In this article, we will walk you through the process of adding a new attribute to an existing list of contacts in Wati.
Note: Broadcasts are now Campaigns – same powerful features, updated name!
Instructions
Requirements:
Wati account
CSV file with attribute data
Step 1: Download Sample CSV File
To begin, access the "Contacts" screen and click on the "Import" button. Then, click on the "Download Sample CSV" option to download the Contacts sample file.
Step 2: Fill Data into the File
The sample file already contains Name, CountryCode, Phone, and Required Attributes: Allow Campaign and Allow SMS. Two sample columns for inputting attributes (Attribute 1 and Attribute 2) are provided.
Allow Campaign: If set to TRUE, allows this contact to receive campaign messages.
Allow SMS: If set to TRUE, allows this contact to receive SMS messages (not available in Growth and Pro plans).
For attributes from column F onwards, the user can input attributes. The attribute column is for the attribute name, and the value in the row is the attribute's value.
Step 3: Select Import Button
Select the Import button again, click on the 'Browse files' option, and select the CSV file to upload the inputted file. The new imported contacts will be displayed with full attributes.
Step 4: Update Attributes of Existing Contacts
To update attributes of existing contacts, first download existing contacts to a CSV file by selecting the "Export to CSV" button. After downloading, the CSV file will contain the full list of contacts and their attributes. You can then update old attributes and amend new attributes data by following steps 2 and 3 above. After updating the data in the file, you can import it again and select 'Update records' or 'Skip records' option in the import screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What is the purpose of adding attributes to existing contacts?
Attributes let you store additional information about your contacts, making it easier to segment, personalize campaigns, and manage contact data more effectively.
2. What do I need before adding new attributes to contacts?
You need an active Wati account and a CSV file containing the contact data and attributes you want to add or update.
CSV file and data preparation
3. Where can I download the sample CSV file?
You can download the sample CSV file from the Contacts screen by clicking Import and then selecting Download Sample CSV.
4. Which fields are already included in the sample CSV file?
The sample file includes Name, CountryCode, Phone, and required attributes such as Allow Campaign and Allow SMS, along with sample columns for adding custom attributes.
5. How do I add new attributes in the CSV file?
From column F onwards, enter the attribute name as the column header and the attribute value in the corresponding rows for each contact.
Importing and updating contacts
6. How do I import the CSV file after adding attributes?
Go to Contacts, click Import, browse and select your updated CSV file, and upload it. The contacts will appear with the new attributes applied.
7. Can I update attributes for existing contacts?
Yes. First export your existing contacts to a CSV file, update or add attributes in the file, then import it again and choose Update records during the import process.
8. What happens if I choose “Skip records” during import?
If you select Skip records, existing contacts will not be updated, and only new contacts (if any) will be imported.