Using an Excel file to import leads
As well as sourcing leads from a LinkedIn search URL, you can upload a pre-built list of contacts from an Excel file. This is useful for targeting a specific group of people rather than running a broad search.
⚠️ Important: Leads imported via Excel still require valid LinkedIn profile URLs in order for the automation to run outreach steps. Ensure your file includes this data before uploading.
Prepare Your Excel File
Ensure your file is in .xlsx or .csv format.
Include a column for LinkedIn Profile URL — this is required for the automation to identify and action each lead.
You may also include columns for first name, last name, company and job title to support personalisation tags.
Remove any blank rows or duplicate entries before uploading.
Upload the File to an Automation
Open or create an automation.
When selecting the lead source, choose Upload Excel File instead of LinkedIn Search URL.
Select your prepared file and map the columns to the relevant fields (e.g., LinkedIn URL, first name, company).
Click Upload to import the leads into the Leads List.
Review the Leads List to confirm all profiles have been imported correctly before activating the automation.
When to Use Excel Import vs. LinkedIn Search
Use Case | Recommended Method |
Targeting a specific pre-built candidate list | Excel Import |
Re-engaging a list exported from a CRM | Excel Import |
Broad outreach to a new audience | LinkedIn Search URL |
Ongoing dynamic lead sourcing | LinkedIn Search URL with Dynamic List |
💡 Best Practices
Clean your list before uploading - invalid LinkedIn URLs will result in failed steps.
Use Excel import for highly targeted campaigns where you already know exactly who you want to reach.
Check for duplicates against your existing Leads List to avoid contacting the same person twice.
🤔 FAQs
Q1: How many leads can I upload at once?
Answer: Please check with your administrator or support team for any file size or row limits that apply to your plan.
Q2: What happens if a LinkedIn URL in my file is invalid or the profile no longer exists? Answer: The automation will skip that lead and log an error in the Activity Feed. You can review and remove invalid leads from the Leads List.