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

# Step 3: Upload & Organize Contacts

> Import voter lists via CSV, validate with carrier lookup, segment for targeting, and manage opt-out lists.

<Info>
  **Estimated time:** 15–30 minutes
</Info>

## Overview

Import your contact lists and organize them for targeted messaging. Use carrier lookup to validate numbers and filter out landlines.

## Tasks to complete

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare Your Contact List (CSV)">
    Format as CSV with columns: `phone` (required, 10-digit format), `firstName`, `lastName`, `city`, `state`, `zip`, and any custom fields you need.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Contacts">
    Navigate to **Contacts → Import** and upload your CSV file. Maximum 1 million rows per upload. System automatically validates phone number format.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Carrier Lookup (Recommended)">
    Enable carrier lookup during import to identify landlines, validate numbers, and detect carrier information. Prevents wasted sends to landlines.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Contact Segments">
    Organize contacts into groups based on location, voter data, or custom fields for targeted campaigns.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Manage Opt-Outs">
    Review and maintain opt-out lists. System automatically manages STOP keywords, but you can manually add numbers if needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pro tips

<Tip>
  * Always run **carrier lookup** to filter landlines before sending - it saves money.
  * Keep opt-out lists clean - never message opted-out contacts.
  * Use **custom fields** to store voter data, polling responses, or donation history.
  * Segment contacts **before** creating projects for better targeting.
</Tip>

## Next step

<Card title="Step 4: Create Your First Messaging Project" icon="message" href="/onboarding/first-project">
  With contacts organized, you're ready to create your first messaging project.
</Card>