Importing Your Alumni or Community Contact List
Summary: Learn how to prepare and submit your alumni or community contact list so users can be invited to download and register for your app.
Overview
One of the most important steps in preparing your app for launch is importing your alumni or community contact list. This allows your organization to send invitations to users so they can download the app and create an account. A well-prepared contact list helps ensure a smooth invitation process and increases the number of users who successfully register.
Why Contact Lists Matter
Your contact list is the foundation of early app adoption. By inviting alumni and community members directly, your organization can quickly build an active user base. Programs that provide a complete and accurate contact list during implementation typically see stronger early engagement and faster adoption after launch.
What Information Should Be Included
When preparing your contact list, each entry should include basic contact information for each user. The most common fields include the user’s name, phone number, and email address. Phone numbers are often used to send SMS invitations, while email addresses may be used for email invitations or account communication. Providing both phone and email when possible improves the likelihood that users receive their invitation.
Recommended Contact List Format
Contact lists are typically submitted as a spreadsheet file such as a CSV or Excel document. Each column should represent a single field of information. Common columns include first name, last name, phone number, and email address. Keeping the format simple and organized helps ensure the list can be imported quickly without delays.
Tips for Preparing Your List
Before submitting your list, it is helpful to review it for accuracy and completeness. Remove duplicate contacts, confirm that phone numbers include the correct digits, and ensure email addresses are properly formatted. Cleaning the list beforehand helps prevent issues with invitations and improves overall deliverability.
Who Should Be Included
Most organizations begin by importing their alumni community, but lists may also include current clients, staff members, or other approved community participants depending on how the app will be used. Your implementation team can help determine which groups are appropriate to invite during your initial launch.
After Your List Is Imported
Once your contact list has been imported, invitations can be sent to users encouraging them to download the app and create an account. Many organizations also promote the app through meetings, alumni outreach, or follow-up communication to encourage users to complete registration.
Next Steps
During implementation, your team will be asked to submit your alumni or community contact list so it can be prepared for invitation. Providing this list early helps ensure your organization is ready for a successful app launch.