If you have a list of leads in a spreadsheet, you can upload them directly to ReachBoost using an Excel file (.xlsx). This is useful when your leads come from an external source (a CRM export, a tool like Apollo or Clay, or a manual list).

Before you start

• Your file must be saved as an .xlsx file (Excel format)

• The file must include linkedin_profile_url, first_name, and last_name columns - these are all mandatory for ReachBoost to identify and display leads correctly

• Custom columns are supported - any extra columns in your file will be available as merge tags in your campaigns

Required Excel format

Your Excel file must include linkedin_profile_url, first_name, and last_name - these are all mandatory. All other columns are optional and can be used as custom merge tags in your campaigns.

Important: Column headers must match exactly - lowercase, with underscores. If a header is missing or misspelled, that column will be ignored. Download the example file below to use as a template.

Steps

1. Go to Lead lists

In the left sidebar, click Leads, then Lead lists.

2. Create a new list or open an existing one

Click New list or select an existing list to add leads to.

3. Choose Excel as the import source

Select Excel upload as the import type.

4. Upload your file

Click Choose file, select your Excel file (.xlsx) from your computer, and click Upload.

5. Map your columns

ReachBoost will show you a column mapping screen. Match each column in your CSV to the correct ReachBoost field. The linkedin_profile_url column must be mapped.

6. Confirm the import

Review the lead count and click Import to finish.

Expected result

Your leads appear in the list with their name, LinkedIn URL, and any other columns you mapped. They are ready to be used in a campaign.

Common errors and fixes

"Invalid file format" error

Make sure the file is saved as .xlsx (Excel format). Open your file in Excel and go to File - Save As, then select Excel Workbook (.xlsx).

Leads imported but names are missing

Your CSV has the linkedin_profile_url column but the first_name/last_name columns are missing or spelled differently. Check the column headers match exactly and re-upload.

Special characters showing as garbled text (e.g. é instead of é)

Your file is not UTF-8 encoded. In Google Sheets, this is handled automatically. In Excel, go to Save As and select CSV UTF-8.

Custom fields not appearing as merge tags

Make sure the column headers in your Excel file use lowercase with underscores (e.g. job_role, company_name). Any column that matches this format will automatically appear as a merge tag when writing your campaign messages.

"0 leads imported" after upload

The linkedin_profile_url column is missing or was not mapped correctly in the column mapping step. Check your column headers and try again.

Duplicate leads warning

ReachBoost will flag leads that already exist in your account. You can choose to skip duplicates or update existing records.

Next step: Import leads via API or integration (link to article 06)

Updated on: 09/06/2026