Suppose you have a leads file already, you can use the Salesforce import leads strategy to get them to the platform faster. This will require you to be an admin, in order to be able to import the a leads in Salesforce. Here are the best practices for importing the leads in Salesforce.
Salesforce Import Leads Steps
1. Commence The Importing Process
You will be required to click on the link, Import Leads, which is located on the lower section of the page, under the title Tools. This will bring up the wizard page to allow you to carry out the lead importation. You will be provided with a process of 4 steps that allows you to import the records. The steps are accompanied with useful tips.
2. Compare The Field
You will be needed to compare the fields in the existing lead system or file. As you compare, you should map each field that is between the Salesforce and your existing system. You can include the fields that will allow you to record the lead by modifying Saleforce, or you can map the relevant fields in the next step.
As the fields are being mapped from the existing system to the Saleforce, it will require you to communicate with the company concerning the data clean up. Confirm the fields that are still relevant in the company’s system and those that are irrelevant.
Any field that hasn’t been used for long and is not possible to be used anytime soon, you can remove it from the system. Also, those fields that have similar names and any other duplicate record. You may want to contact your Salesforce import leads consultant and your company on the best ways of cleaning up the fields.
If you are mapping in Salesforce, you will need to use the field with your Account Name. To Map is basically to match a field to a different one in varied databases, for the sake of shifting the data. It is all about comparing the field name in Outlook and Salesforce, which have similar characteristics.
3. Export The File
Suppose you have the leads located in a current spreadsheet or database like Microsoft Dynamics or MS Excel, you will have an easier task of exporting the existing data in different formats. You will first need to choose the records, along with the fields that you want to export. After selecting the records, you will export them in a file as a specified format. Save the file in the relevant format, according to your target database.
4. Review The Leads
Even if your company did some clean up on the leads file, you will still be required to review the file in order to ensure that everything is perfect. This will help you to fix any error that might be in the data, then you can proceed with the importation to Saleforce.
5. Commence The Import Wizard
Once you are done with the preparation of salesforce import leads, you will be required to click on the link, Import Wizard. The link is located on the Wizard for Importing the Lead. There is a popup window that will appear when you click on the link. The link includes three steps, which will guide you on how to proceed.
6. Complete The Blank Fields
If you have fully prepared the file for importation, you will need to execute the following steps;
Click on the Choose File tab and choose the file you need to import.
Choose a standard lead source.
Employ an assignment rule to allow the leads to channel straight to the specified locations. In case you do not specify an assignment rule, the leads will be assigned to you by default.
Check the assignment rule box, in case you need to notify the owners of the records via email.
Confirm the coding of the character. The Saleforce will fill the list, in relation to the profile of your company.
Choose The type that matches your record. Suppose you need to evade any possible duplicate records, you will be needed to choose how you will detect the duplicate leads. The duplicate leads can be identified using the Saleforce name, ID or email address.
Check the box to generate the workflow rules to new records on Saleforce.
7. Click on Next When Done
When you click on next, a page for mapping the fields will appear.
8. Start Mapping The Fields
You will now start to map the fields that are between Salesforce your file. The fields of salesforce import leads will be presented as labels that have drop-down lists and they are also corresponding to your file’s fields. You will then move along the list and choose the field that you intend to map.
Once you are done with the mapping, you will click on next, which will then bring up the page for Reviewing and Confirming your file. In case you will have any errors in your file, they will be indicated in error messages on the page.
9. Check For Any Error
Here, you will only be checking if there is any error on the fields, which should be corrected immediately. You will know of any fields that have not been mapped and also, you will know of any issue with the data that you have entered. To correct an error, you will be needed to click on the back button, then make any relevant correction. Basically, avoid importing any data that has an error.
10. Click On the Button to Import
When everything is as expected, you will now need to click on the Import Now Button. This will bring up a page that displays the import progress. You will also know the estimated time remaining to complete the process.
11. Finish
When the import process is over, you will need to click on the Finish button, which will close the popup window.
Conclusion
When you are done with everything, you will receive an email from Saleforce, which will notify you on the successful importation of your file. You can also check on the entire work by clicking on the Leads tab, which will redirect you to the home page of the Leads. The Salesforce import leads process will help you to save on time and ensure that you import the exact file to the system.
Relevant Leads information is available on how to merge leads in salesforce page.
