Send SMS with .CSV
What is .CSV?
.CSV is an abbreviation for ‘comma-separated values’. A CSV file allows data to be stored in a table-structured format, using a comma to separate the various cells in a table and a new line to separate the various rows in the table.
CSV files can be used with any spreadsheet programme, such as Microsoft Excel, Open Office Calc or Google Sheets.
Let's imagine a scenario where we have a club and we want to send a mass message to all the members reminding them to pay their membership fees.
Using the file with contacts and membership numbers, we want to send the same message to all the numbers. When we use the .CSV file import, we simply insert the contacts in one column and the message we want to send in the next column, making it easy to personalise each message.
Advantages of sending with .CSV
Creating and sending an SMS campaign from a .CSV file (comma-separated values) can bring several advantages, especially in the context of marketing campaigns, mass notifications or internal company communication.
Here are some of the advantages of sending with .CSV:
- Mass Sending: Makes it easy to send messages to a large number of recipients simultaneously, saving time and effort.
- Error reduction: .CSV files are easy to edit, adding or removing entries as required, which minimises the possibility of manual errors when copying and pasting phone numbers and messages.
- Ease of Use: It's a straightforward process and can be done quickly (they're light and compact, which means they take up less space and can be transferred more quickly than Excel files) without the need for advanced technical skills.
- Ease of Personalisation: Allows messages to be personalised using data specific to each recipient contained in the CSV, such as names, dates, promotional codes, etc.
- Data management: .CSV files can be easily updated and managed in spreadsheet programmes such as Excel or Google Sheets.
Send SMS by .CSV vs Send SMS by Campaign
Sending SMS can be done in various ways, two of the most common being sending via a .CSV file and sending via a campaign.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context and specific needs. Here's a comparison of the two methods:
Differences between .CSV and Campaign
Send SMS via .CSV | Send SMS via .Campaign |
|---|---|
Messages can be personalised for each recipient using specific data. | Messages can be personalised using customised contact fields, which must be placed in the file and imported correctly. |
Ideal for large volumes of personalised messages. | Ideal for sending mass campaigns. |
Allows detailed segmentation based on the data in the CSV. | Segmentation according to the chosen Audience. |
Personalised campaigns, specific notifications, individual alerts. | General adverts, mass alerts, generic promotions. |
Messages by .CSV and by Campaign
Send SMS by .CSV | Send SMS by .Campaign |
|---|---|
Send order confirmations with specific details for each customer. | Notify all customers of a general promotion or policy change. |
Send personalised alerts about suspicious balances or transactions. | Inform all customers about system maintenance or new features. |
Offer specific discounts based on the customer's purchase history. | Announce a limited-time promotion to all customers. |
Send links to personalised satisfaction surveys based on the customer's recent experience. | Request general feedback from all customers on a new product or service. |
Inform specific customers about changes that only affect your services. | Notify all customers about a service update or new feature. |
Send personalised reminders for medical appointments with a specific date and time. | Notify all patients of changes to opening hours. |
Use cases for .CSV:
- Sending promotions;
- Sending discounts and news to a customer list;
- Sending reminders of doctor's appointments;
- Sending appointments or invoice due dates;
- Reminding students about study sessions
- Notifying customers about new products or launches;
- Notifying employees about important meetings;
- Notifying employees about company policy updates;
- Informing about birthdays;
- Informing about changes in time, location, or event details;
- Informing volunteers about volunteer opportunities;
- Informing about trainings and community events;
How to import a .CSV file
Importing contacts using a .CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a common practice that makes it quick and easy to send an SMS campaign.
- Go to Closum and create an SMS using "Send using .CSV".
Preparing the CSV file
- File structure: Make sure that the CSV file is well formatted, with data organised in columns, and that the first line contains the field names, "phone_number" and "message".
- Delimiter: The default delimiter is the comma, but other delimiters such as semicolons are also common.
- Download the file and open it in a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets).
- Insert the data in the predefined fields of the file.
- Download the file and save it in ".CSV" format.
- Choose the .CSV file and import it into the platform.
Conclusion
Importing data from a CSV file is a straightforward process, but requires attention to detail to ensure that the data is loaded correctly and is ready for subsequent analysis or use.
Updated on: 10/07/2025
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