Skip to main content

🔌 Data Sources – The Three Methods for Importing Contacts

Jomar
Updated

Before you can send surveys and gather customer feedback in AskNicely, you need to get your Contacts into the platform. There are three primary ways to do that: CSV Import, 3rd Party Integration, and API.

💡 Introduction

AskNicely allows you to import Contacts using a method that suits your team's tech comfort, data complexity, and automation goals. Whether you want to drag in a spreadsheet, connect your CRM, or fully automate with an API, there’s a data source solution that fits your workflow.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions

📄 1. CSV Importer – Quick & Flexible Setup

Use a spreadsheet to upload Contacts directly into AskNicely.

  • Best for quick setup (you can be live in 20 minutes)

  • Manually controlled, ideal for pilots or non-technical teams

  • Supports recurring import via CSV Importer App

Steps:

  1. Format your spreadsheet (.CSV) with headers (name, email, and any custom fields)

  2. Go to the CSV Importer via App Store > Integrate > CSV Importer

  3. Upload and map your fields

  4. Choose your import rule (import only, import and survey, etc.)

📎 Related:

🔗 2. 3rd Party Integrations – CRM-Based Importing

Connect AskNicely to your CRM or other third-party tools using pre-built integrations.

  • Ideal for systems like Salesforce, Zendesk, Shopify, etc.

  • Varies in flexibility: some pull contact data, others send surveys too

  • Once connected, most integrations are fully automated

Steps:

  1. Go to App Store > Integrate

  2. Locate your CRM or platform

  3. Follow the setup instructions provided in the integration article

  4. Monitor for syncing and contact import success

📎 Master List: All Integration Guides

⚙️ 3. API – Fully Custom & Flexible

AskNicely's API gives you the power to design your own import system.

  • Ideal for developers looking for total control

  • Supports both bulk and real-time contact uploads

  • Enables survey sending, contact syncing, and full platform access

Recommended Uses:

  • Use the Bulk Add/Send API for nightly syncs

  • Use the Send Survey API for one-off transactional emails

📎 Get Started:

💡 Tip: Read the docs, run tests, and iterate. Our Support Team is happy to help debug or advise on best practices.

❓ FAQs & Common Issues

Q: Can I use more than one data source?
A: Yes! Many customers combine integrations with CSV imports or the API. Just keep in mind that more sources = more complexity.

Q: Which method is best for one-time uploads?
A: The CSV Importer is fastest and most user-friendly for one-time or pilot imports.

Q: Which method supports automated daily syncing?
A: Both 3rd Party Integrations and the API can support automated syncs, depending on the setup.

Q: Does the API require a developer?
A: Yes—your developer will need to build the integration. AskNicely provides the documentation and support, but we don’t build it for you.

Q: Can imported contacts be surveyed automatically?
A: Yes! Just pair your import method with a Send Scheduler or use the "triggeremail" parameter in the API to send immediately.

🔗 Next Steps & Related Articles

Related articles