Entry Importing (Import Entries)
The Import Entries feature allows you to upload entrants into your ViralSweep promotion using a spreadsheet. This is ideal when you need to add participants in bulk instead of collecting entries through automated entry methods.
Availability
This feature is available on Premium plans and above.
How Entry Importing Works
You can upload a spreadsheet containing entrant information directly into your campaign. The file must follow ViralSweep’s import template and include required fields. Optional and custom fields can also be included if they already exist on your campaign’s entry form.
Import Requirements
Before uploading your file, ensure that:
You are using the official import template downloaded from your campaign
Each row includes an email address and an initial entry amount
All email addresses are unique (duplicate emails beyond the first will be ignored)
Column headers match exactly and are case‑sensitive
Any custom fields already exist on your campaign form
Supported Worksheet Fields
Required Fields
email – The entrant’s email address
initial_entry – The number of entries to assign
Optional Fields
first_name, last_name
address, city, state, zip, country
phone
location – Defaults to “Manual Upload” if not specified
entry_source – Indicates where the entry originated
referral_count – Number of referrals attributed to the entrant
timestamp – Entry date and time (format: M/D/YY HH:MM, 24‑hour clock)
update_entry – Set to 1 to update an existing entrant’s entry count
Any custom fields that match your campaign’s field IDs
How to Import Entries
Step 1: Download the Import Template
Open your campaign dashboard
Go to the Entrants tab
Click Import Entries
Download the provided Excel template (optional or upload your csv)
Step 2: Populate the Spreadsheet
Add entrant data row by row
Ensure all required fields are filled in
Remove any columns you do not plan to use
To update entries for existing entrants, set update_entry to 1 for those rows.
Step 3: Upload Your File
Upload the completed spreadsheet using the Import Entries interface. Once processing is complete, you will receive an email confirmation indicating whether the import was successful.
After Importing
Once your entries are imported:
Return to your campaign dashboard
Navigate to the Winners tab
Select winners from your updated entrant list
Troubleshooting
Invalid Template Errors
Uploads will fail if column headers are changed or formatted incorrectly
Ensure the file is saved in a supported Excel or CSV format
Missing Required Fields
Files without email or initial_entry values will not upload successfully
Existing Entrants Not Updated
Existing entrants will not be modified unless update_entry is set to 1
Entries showing as unchanged may already exist in the campaign
Need Help?
If you run into issues or need assistance, contact support using the chat icon in the bottom‑right corner of your dashboard.