> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kero.chat/help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add your first contacts

> Learn how to prepare and import contacts into Kero for messaging and campaigns.

Contacts help you organise the people you communicate with through Kero.

You can import existing customer information from a CSV or XLSX spreadsheet, making it easier to prepare recipient lists for messaging and Campaigns.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Importing contacts is not required to send your first test message using Direct Message.
>
> You can return to this step when you're ready to organise contacts or prepare a Campaign.

## When should you add contacts?

You may want to import contacts when you need to:

* Prepare a list of recipients for a Campaign.
* Organise customer information in Kero.
* Use contact details and additional fields to personalise messages.
* Prepare contacts for audience segmentation.

If you're only testing your messaging channel, you can start with Direct Message instead.

## Import contacts into Kero

**1. Prepare your contact file**

Create a CSV or XLSX spreadsheet containing the contacts you want to import.

Use clear column headings so you can identify and map your data during import.

Make sure the recipient phone numbers and other contact information are accurate.

**2. Open Contacts**

Sign in to [Kero](https://app.kero.chat) and open **Contacts** from the navigation menu.

Start the **Import Contacts** wizard.

![Kero Contacts page showing the option to import contacts](https://mintcdn.com/kerochat/SxperNlvs64O0KHk/images/getting-started/import-contacts.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=SxperNlvs64O0KHk\&q=85\&s=0980ccd8fa627081e978dccfbe93e5b9)

**3. Upload your spreadsheet**

Select your CSV or XLSX file.

Kero identifies the available rows and columns so you can review the information being imported.

**4. Map your contact fields**

Match the columns in your spreadsheet to the appropriate Kero contact fields.

Check that mobile numbers and any additional information are mapped correctly.

**5. Review and complete the import**

Review your contact information before submitting the import.

Complete the import using the options provided in the wizard.

## What happens next?

Once your contacts are available in Kero, you can use them when preparing Campaigns and managing your audiences.

For more information about organising and managing contacts, see the [Contacts & Audiences guide](https://kero.chat/help/product/editor/index).

> [!TIP]
>
> Start with a small group of contacts when preparing your first Campaign. This allows you to check your recipient data and message personalisation before sending to a larger audience.


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