How to Create a Contact List

Learn how to create contact lists for email and SMS marketing. Contact lists help you organize your audience and target specific groups for campaigns.

Before You Begin

• You must be logged in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com
• You need permission to manage contact lists (typically organization owners and admins have this permission)
• Contacts to add (from roster, CSV, or manual entry)

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Contact Lists

1. Log in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com/auth/login
2. From the dashboard, go to Contact Lists (or CRM → Contact Lists)
3. You'll see your existing contact lists (if any)

What happens next: You'll see the contact lists management page.

Step 2: Open Create List

1. On the Contact Lists page, look for Create list button
2. Click Create list
3. A form will open

What happens next: You'll see fields to enter list details.

Step 3: Enter List Details

1. Name: Enter a clear name for your list (required)

   • Example: "Yoga Enthusiasts", "Monthly Newsletter", "SMS Promotions"
   • Make it descriptive and easy to identify

2. Type: Choose the list type:

   • Email: For email marketing campaigns
   • SMS: For SMS marketing campaigns

3. Description: Add an optional description

   • Explain the purpose of the list
   • Note what contacts are included
   • Example: "Customers interested in yoga classes"

Note: List type determines which campaigns can use this list.

Step 4: Add Contacts

1. Choose how to add contacts:

   Option 1 - Import from CSV:

   • Click Import CSV (or Add contacts → Import CSV)
   • Upload CSV file with contact data
   • Map columns to contact fields
   • Import contacts

   Option 2 - Add Individually:

   • Click Add contacts → Add individually
   • Enter contact information:
     • Name
     • Email (for email lists)
     • Phone (for SMS lists)
   • Add multiple contacts one by one

   Option 3 - Add from Roster:

   • Click Add contacts → Add from roster
   • Select customers from your roster
   • Add selected customers to the list

2. Add contacts now or later:

   • You can add contacts during creation
   • Or create an empty list and add contacts later

Note: You can add contacts during list creation or add them later.

Step 5: Save List

1. Review your list details:
   • Name is clear and descriptive
   • Type is correct (Email or SMS)
   • Contacts are added (if adding now)
2. Click Save (or Create list)
   • The list will be created
   • You'll see it appear in your lists
   • You'll see a confirmation

What happens next: Your contact list will be created and:

• Available for use in email or SMS campaigns
• Visible in your contact lists
• Ready to add more contacts
• Can be edited or deleted later

Tips

• Use clear, descriptive names for easy identification
• Choose the correct type (Email or SMS) based on your needs
• Add contacts during creation or build the list over time
• Organize lists by purpose, campaign, or audience segment
• Import contacts from CSV for bulk additions

Troubleshooting

Problem: I don't see the "Create list" button Solution: Check that:

• You have permission to manage contact lists
• You're logged into the correct organization
• Contact Lists feature is enabled

Solution: Contact your organization owner if you need access to contact lists.

Problem: I can't save the list Solution: Check that:

• Name is filled in (required)
• Type is selected (Email or SMS)
• All required fields are completed

Solution: Make sure name and type are filled in. Check for error messages.

Problem: I can't add contacts Solution: Check that:

• You have contacts in your roster (if adding from roster)
• CSV file is properly formatted (if importing)
• Contact information is valid

Solution: Verify contacts exist or CSV format is correct. You can add contacts later if needed.

Problem: List type can't be changed Solution: List type is set when creating and cannot be changed:

• Create a new list with the correct type if needed
• Copy contacts to the new list if necessary

Solution: Create a new list with the correct type and add contacts to it.