Our import tool helps you add contacts to Laylo. Upload a comma-separated value file (CSV), copy and paste contacts from a spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, or type info directly into the import table. You can also auto-update multiple existing contacts at once.
You are legally and financially responsible for verifying that data you import into Laylo has been collected in a manner that follows local, federal and international law.
Start here
Here are some things to know before you begin this process.
To get started, you'll need a blank sheet in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, saved or exported as a comma separated value (CSV) file.
Before you begin migrating your SMS contacts into Laylo, it's important to clean your list. Otherwise, when you go to import, you will have both opted-in and opted-out subscribers in your upload. It is against Laylo's Terms of Service to market to contacts who have not explicitly opted in to receive communication from you.
Importing phone numbers? Our Customer Success team reviews your import before your welcome message goes out, and you can follow its status on Fans → Lists. Email-only imports are approved automatically.
To import emails, please set up your custom domain first. Watch the walkthrough.
Format your subscriber list CSV
Carefully format your CSV file before importing it into Laylo to ensure that your contacts are imported smoothly and accurately.
You will likely want to include these columns in your import, if they have been included in your CSV file:
Email
Phone
City
State
Country
The phone number column is required to import your SMS contacts. Check the format of the phone numbers in your CSV file. Phone numbers must be in one of the following formats:
E.164 — for example, +12345678910
RFC966 — for example, +12-34-567-8910
E.123 national — for example, 12345678910
Start importing
Step 1
Go to Fans → Lists → Import and upload your CSV. Laylo checks the first row and tells you if something looks off.
It is against Laylo's Terms of Service to market to contacts who have not explicitly opted in to receive communication from you.
[SCREENSHOT 1 — the import upload screen]
Step 2
Pick what you're importing, assign your columns, and confirm your information. Then e-sign and write a welcome message.
Your CSV can carry phone numbers, emails, or both. Email-only imports skip the welcome-message step entirely and are approved automatically.
[SCREENSHOT 2 — column assignment and confirmation]
Done
Your import lands on Fans → Lists as a row with a live status chip, so you can follow its progress.
Laylo schedules your welcome message once our Customer Success team approves the import. If a submit fails you can retry it, rather than the import being stranded.
Migrating your SMS program to a new number
US cellular carriers require you to follow a formal migration process when moving your SMS program to a new phone number. During this quick process, your brand must send two messages to your subscribers to let them know about the phone number change.
The first message is sent on the existing phone number and must include:
The new phone number you're migrating to
How to opt out of texts from your brand
Key details like customer care contact information
Retaining your existing subscribers after migration
You should set realistic expectations about subscriber drop-off when migrating. The average opt-out rate for a migration message is about 2–2.5% — a bit higher than regular messages. This is completely normal, so don't be alarmed if your migration messages see higher opt-out rates than usual.
Required international opt-out terms
Msg frequency will vary. Msg&Data rates may apply. Reply STOP or email [email protected] to cancel. Terms: laylo.com/terms
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