Self-serve subscriber uploads let you import SMS and email subscriber data into Attentive using a CSV file. Use this feature to create new subscribers, update existing subscriber attributes, and manage consent and opt-in status during the upload process. This article covers how to map CSV columns to subscriber attributes, set up welcome messaging for new subscribers, and review upload results — including error reports for any rows that fail to import.
What is it?
Self-serve uploads allow you to import subscriber and customer data directly into Attentive using CSV files.
You can use this feature to:
- Create new subscribers.
- Update existing subscriber attributes.
- Upload SMS and email subscriber lists.
- Map CSV columns to subscriber profile attributes.
- Manage subscription and consent workflows directly.
Notes:
This article covers uploading a CSV to create new subscribers or update existing subscriber attributes. If you want to build a segment from subscribers who are already in Attentive, use Create a manual segment instead — that upload builds a segment only and won't create or update any subscriber records.
This uploader currently supports opt-ins only. To process subscriber opt-outs, please reach out directly to your Attentive contact or the Support team.
How do I use it?
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Navigate to Subscribers: In the left navigation, click Subscribers.
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Alternatively, you may also navigate to Setup -> Settings -> Subscriber upload.
- If you’re looking for upload history, you will find it here.
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Alternatively, you may also navigate to Setup -> Settings -> Subscriber upload.
- Start the upload. Click Upload subscriber file in the upper right corner.
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Accept the ‘Attentive Subscriber List Certification’
- Choose your upload type. Select whether you're creating new subscribers or updating attributes for subscribers who already exist. Your selection here determines which steps you'll see next.
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Select how you’re messaging these subscribers: Choose from
- Text marketing messages
- Text transactional messages
- Email marketing messages
- Email transactional messages
- Select Country, then Select Language
- Confirm opt-in status (new subscribers only). Choose the option that matches how these subscribers gave consent:
- Subscribers have agreed to receive marketing messages: subscribers receive a welcome message after being added.
Note: Your list must only include subscribers who are currently opted in to receive messages from you. In other words, you must remove any phone numbers and/or email addresses that have opted out/unsubscribed.
- Haven’t yet agreed to receive marketing messages: subscribers are added without receiving an opt-in message.
Note: Federal regulations require text message recipients to opt-in to receive marketing messages. You should consult your own legal counsel before uploading any subscribers to your Attentive account.
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Upload your CSV File: Select your CSV file to upload it.
- Make sure your file has a header row that identifies the information
- Files can be up to 5 GB, with no limit on row count.
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Map CSV Columns: Match your CSV headers to existing Attentive attributes. Create new custom attributes for unmapped columns, or ignore columns you don't need.
- For an SMS upload, phone number is required. For an email upload, email address is required.
- Set up welcome messaging (new subscribers only, and only for subscribers who’ve agreed to receive marketing messages): Select which welcome message new subscribers should receive, and choose an offer to include if applicable. Check the box to require subscribers to reply Y before they're subscribed; this is known as double opt-in, and we strongly recommend using it to confirm consent.
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Review and submit: Review the details of your import and click submit. Your upload job begins processing and you'll see its status move from Running to Complete.
Once complete:
- View success and failure counts, and see which rows matched existing subscribers.
- Download a row-level error report from the job's details page to see which rows failed and why. Correct the flagged rows and upload them again.
- The person who submitted the upload receives an email with the same success/failure metrics and a link to the job's details page.
Why should I use it
- Autonomy: manage subscriber lists and activate audiences without waiting on a CSM or Attentive support.
- Data Quality Control: validation catches formatting and identifier errors before they're imported, and detailed error reports show you exactly which rows failed and why so you can fix them.
- Streamlined Onboarding: move large volumes of subscriber data into Attentive quickly during migrations or list consolidations.
- Compliance Handling: built-in consent and opt-in settings help you stay aligned with deliverability and compliance requirements.