# Move a lead list into your CRM cleanly

> A spreadsheet is a to-do list and a CRM is a pipeline. Here is how to import leads without making a mess.

## Prepare the file

- one row per contact
- clear columns: first name, last name, email, phone, company, website, city, state
- custom columns for what you'll segment or personalise on: category, rating, reviews, source
- consistent formatting (phone numbers in one format, capitalised names)

GetClient's **GoHighLevel CSV** export uses column names GoHighLevel recognises, so mapping is quick.

## Import into GoHighLevel

1. Go to **Contacts → Import**.
2. Upload the CSV.
3. Map columns: first name, last name, email, phone, company name, website, address fields.
4. Map extra columns to custom fields (category, rating, review count).
5. Add a **tag** for the list (e.g. "dentists-austin-oct").
6. Choose how to handle duplicates (update or skip).
7. Import, then check a few contacts.

## Put them in a pipeline

Create an opportunity pipeline with stages like *New lead → Contacted → Replied → Meeting → Won/Lost*. Use the tag to bulk-add the imported contacts to the first stage.

## Automate the first touches

Workflows can send the first email, schedule a call task and move contacts when they reply. Check local rules before automating texts or calls.

## Other CRMs

Most CRMs import CSV the same way: upload, map columns, tag, choose duplicate handling. Use the standard CSV export and map as above.

## Keep it clean

Tag every import by source and date, and suppress contacts who opt out across all lists.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the GoHighLevel export include phone numbers?

Yes — it includes phones and emails, plus company and location details for mapping.

### How do I avoid duplicate contacts in my CRM?

Choose the CRM's update-or-skip option for duplicates during import, and tag each import so you can trace contacts back to their list.

### Can I import GetClient lists into HubSpot or Pipedrive?

Yes. Use the standard CSV export and map the columns during import, as with any CSV.

Source: https://getclient.pro/blog/crm-import-lead-lists