How do I import custom data fields?

In addition to importing standard data fields, SilkStart's importer lets you upload custom information unique to your association's members. Learn more about custom fields here.

Please note: Before importing any custom information, any desired custom fields must first be created on your network. Please contact your onboarding manager or send us a message to set this up. 

When you are ready to import, simply include a column for each custom field in your spreadsheet. For example, if you have a custom field called "Industry", you will use that wording as your column header (pictured below in red). If your custom field has predefined selections (ie. dropdown, multi-select, checkbox list) is very important that the data in your import file matches the wording of your options exactly. When you map your columns during import, you can double-check that the data will be stored in the correct place. 

Importing to a dropdown, radio button, checkbox, or multi-select custom field

When you import data to a custom field that has a set list of options for responses, it's important to make sure that your responses match the exact wording of the field options. Otherwise, the data will not be imported for that row.

The Validation step of your import will check whether you've provided the right text. If the importer doesn't recognize the response in the field, information will show in the Warnings column.

For example: An association asks their members for their highest level of education completed during signup. The options offered are "High School", "Undergraduate Degree", and "Post-Graduate Degree". For one member, the import file reads "Bachelors Degree". When the admin downloads their Validation file, they can find this error, correct the wording and reupload.

What is the right text for the custom field?

Because custom fields can be used for all kinds of data, the importer can't accept approximate wording matches or alternate wording for custom fields - the exact right wording is required. 

You can find out what the right text is from your import template. Download your import template by logging into your admin panel and clicking on Settings > Data Importer > Download Starter Template.

The column for each custom field contains a full list of the acceptable options for that field.

Importing to a custom field with more than one selection: 

If your custom field offers multiple selections, you can separate the selections by commas and no spaces. For example, if you have a multi-select field called "Affiliates", and a member belongs to ATE, BCT, and JWL, you will enter these selections separated by commas (as pictured above in blue).