Introduction


The eDirectory import feature allows site managers (Sitemgr) to upload listing data in bulk, streamlining the population of your directory. To make the process seamless, you’ll need to format your data according to eDirectory’s CSV file requirements. Below is a step-by-step guide to successfully importing listings into your eDirectory site.

Step 1: Download the CSV Template


Begin by downloading the CSV file template to ensure proper formatting:

  • Navigate to Content > Import > Listings > Download Template File. 
  • This file contains pre-defined headers and fields for your data. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Data


To avoid common errors, it is crucial to follow these formatting guidelines:

  1. Do not modify the file structure:

    • Do not add or remove columns. Each column is mapped to a specific table in the database.
    • Do not delete or alter the headers in Row 1. Begin entering your data from Row 2.

  2. Required fields:

    • Listing Title is mandatory.
    • We recommend adding category and location to improve searchability.

  3. Categories and Subcategories:

    • Format subcategories as Category->Sub-Category (e.g., Hotels->Luxury Hotels). 
    • Each listing can be associated with up to 5 categories or subcategories in the template file.
    • To learn more about how to fill out the import fields, please, check this article: How to fill out the import fields

  4. Avoid special characters:

    • Do not include symbols like ™, ®, or ©, as they may cause errors.

Step 3: Upload Your File


When your file is ready:

  1. Go to Content  > Import > Listings. 
  2. Click Choose Your File and upload your CSV or XLS file. (Note: XLSX files are not supported.)


  3. Ensure that your file size does not exceed 5MB and contains no more than 5,000 listings. The import feature is limited to processing a maximum of 5,000 listings per upload. 

Step 4: Preview Your Data

The system will display a preview of the first 5 rows of your file in the content mapping section:

  • Check if the data aligns correctly with the respective fields.

  • If all looks good, click Next to proceed.

Step 5: Configure Import Settings


eDirectory offers several import preferences: 

  1. Default Level for imported items without level: Assign a default plan (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold) for listings without a specified level.
  2. Default Template for items without template specified: Assign a default listings template for listings without a specified template. 
  3. Set all imported items as active: Automatically activate all imported listings.
  4. Import all new categories as featured: Mark imported categories as featured, displaying them on the homepage.
  5. Overwrite matching items: Update existing listings if their Listing ID matches. Find the instructions for this specific feature in this article: How to reimport listings without duplicating them
  6. Import items to the same account: Assign all imported listings to a single default account if the Account Username field is empty in the file.

Click Next to finalize.

Step 6: Monitor the Import Process

  • The import may take 15–30 minutes depending on the file size. 
  • Check the status under View Import Log:
    • On Queue: The process is pending.
    • Completed: Import is successful.
    • Error: The system will display the specific error for resolution.

Troubleshooting Common Errors


  1. CSV headers do not match: Ensure the headers in your file match the downloaded template.
  2. Renewal date error: Use the correct date format (mm/dd/yyyy or dd/mm/yyyy) according to your site settings under Settings > Language & Geography.
  3. Location mismatch: Verify that locations in the file align with your directory's structure. (e.g., Country, State, and City). Make sure these fields align with the location structure configured in Settings → Language & Geography. For example, if your site is set up to use Country, State, and City, ensure the template file contains data only for these enabled location levels.  
  4. Invalid file type: Save your file as CSV or XLS without the "x" extension.
  5. Import stuck in queue: If it exceeds 1 hour, contact support at [email protected].

Special Case: Importing Locations


Although eDirectory does not have a dedicated tool for importing locations, you can use a workaround:

  1. Download the Import Template

    • Go to Content → Import → Listingsand download the CSV template file.
       

  2. Populate the Template File

    • Fill the template with location data according to your site's location settings (e.g., Country, State, and City).
       
    • Make sure these fields align with the location structure configured in Settings → Language & Geography. For example, if your site is set up to use Country, State, and City, ensure the template file contains data only for these enabled location levels. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can configure location settings, please, check out this instructional article: How to Configure Location Settings
Important: As it is not possible to import only locations, it is necessary to add the listing title information and import listings along with the locations. If you don’t intend to import actual listings, include dummy listing titles to enable the import process.

  1. Start the Import Process

    • Import the completed file back into the system. 

  2. Remove Dummy Listings

    • After the import is complete, go to Content → Import, locate the completed import, and click on the dropdown arrow to select Undo Import. This will delete the dummy listings but retain the locations.


By following these steps, you can efficiently populate your eDirectory site with listings and locations. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.