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Update existing subscribers with an import

Refresh field values for subscribers you already have by re-importing an updated file. Use this when details such as name, region, job title, or a custom field have changed and you want the correct values reflected in personalization and segmentation.

Before you begin​

  • Export or prepare a file (CSV is typical) that includes a unique match key — usually the subscriber's email address — plus the columns you want to update.
  • Make sure your column headers map to existing subscriber fields. Create any missing custom fields first so the import has somewhere to write the values.
  • Only include the columns you intend to change. Blank cells can overwrite good data with empty values, so leave out fields you don't want touched.
  • Confirm you're importing into the correct audience or list. (confirm the exact steps in your account)

Steps​

  1. Open the audience or list you want to refresh and start a new import.
  2. Upload your file and choose the option to update existing subscribers (rather than add-only). This tells the import to match on your key and overwrite matched records.
  3. Set the match field to your unique key (typically email address).
  4. Map each file column to the matching subscriber field. Skip any column you don't want to change.
  5. Review the import preview: check the match count and how many records will be updated versus added.
  6. Run the import and wait for the summary report.

Result​

The import summary shows how many subscribers were matched and updated, plus any rows skipped for errors (for example, an email that didn't match). Spot-check a few updated subscribers to confirm the new field values appear, then verify they render correctly with your personalization tags.

Canonical terms: Author, Edition, Folder (Project Folder), Broadcast. See the Glossary.