Create New Contact Fields for Import in Zoho CRM

Introduction

Greetings to all Zoho CRM users! In this article, we’ll be discussing how to create new contact fields for import in Zoho CRM. Many businesses and organizations use Zoho CRM to manage their customer relationships, and it’s no surprise why. The platform offers a wide range of features and capabilities that make it easier to manage your customer data and interactions. However, you may come across a situation where you need to import contact information that does not fit within the pre-existing fields. This is where creating new contact fields for import becomes necessary, and we’re here to help you through it.

Let’s get started with the basics first.

What is Zoho CRM?

Zoho CRM is a cloud-based software that helps businesses and organizations of all sizes manage their customer relationships. The platform provides a wide range of tools and features that enable users to store, manage, and analyze customer data effectively. With Zoho CRM, you can track leads, deals, sales, marketing campaigns, and much more.

Why Create New Contact Fields for Import?

While Zoho CRM offers a lot of pre-built fields to store your customer information, you may come across a situation where you need to import data that doesn’t fit into any of these fields. For instance, you may want to import information about the products or services your customers have purchased or the dates of their previous interactions with your company.

To import these details, you need to create new contact fields in Zoho CRM. Using custom fields allows you to store specific information that is unique to your business or industry. This way, you can ensure that your customer data is accurate and complete.

Creating Custom Contact Fields in Zoho CRM

Creating custom contact fields in Zoho CRM is a simple process, and it can be done in just a few steps. Let’s take a look.

Creating a New Contact Field in Zoho CRM

Step 1: Navigate to the Custom Fields Page

The first step is to navigate to the Custom Fields page in Zoho CRM. Here’s how:

Log in to your Zoho CRM account.
Click on the Gear icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
Select the “Customization” tab from the dropdown menu.
Click on “Modules” and select “Contacts”.
Select the “Fields” option from the left-hand menu.
Click on the “New Custom Field” button.

Step 2: Choose the Field Type

Once you’ve clicked on the “New Custom Field” button, you’ll be taken to a new page where you can choose the field type. Here are your options:

Text: This field type is used to store text-based information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Dropdown: A dropdown field allows you to restrict the values that can be entered into the field. This is helpful if you want to ensure that the data entered is consistent.
Date: This field type is used to store date-based information, such as birthdates or dates of purchase.
Number: This field type is used to store numeric information, such as the number of purchases a customer has made.
Formula: A formula field allows you to perform calculations based on other fields in the record. This is helpful if you want to calculate a customer’s lifetime value or other metrics.

Step 3: Set the Field Properties

Now that you’ve chosen the field type, you’ll need to set the field properties. Here’s what you can customize:

Field Name: This is the name of the field that will appear in Zoho CRM.
Description: A description of the field, which can help you remember what the field is for.
Default Value: If you want to set a default value for the field, you can do so here.
Mandatory: If you want to make the field mandatory, check the “Make this field mandatory” box.
Visible to: You can choose who can see the field: all users, only the record owner, or selected users.
Read-only: If you want to make the field read-only, check the “Read-only” box.

Step 4: Save the Field

Once you’ve set the field properties, click on the “Save” button to create the custom contact field. Voila! You’ve just created a new contact field for import in Zoho CRM.

Table of Custom Contact Fields in Zoho CRM

Field Name	Description	Type	Default Value	Mandatory
Product Purchased	The product or service the customer has purchased.	Dropdown	N/A	No
Last Interaction Date	The date of the customer’s last interaction with your company.	Date	N/A	No
Number of Purchases	The number of purchases the customer has made.	Number	N/A	No
Lifetime Value	The total amount of money the customer has spent with your company.	Formula	N/A	No

FAQs

1. How many custom fields can I create in Zoho CRM?

You can create up to 500 custom fields in Zoho CRM.

2. Can I edit a custom field after creating it?

Yes, you can edit a custom field by navigating to the Custom Fields page and selecting the field you want to edit.

3. Can I delete a custom field?

Yes, you can delete a custom field by navigating to the Custom Fields page and selecting the field you want to delete.

4. Can I import data into custom fields?

Yes, you can import data into custom fields when importing contacts or leads into Zoho CRM.

5. Can I set up custom fields for other modules besides contacts?

Yes, you can set up custom fields for other modules, such as leads, accounts, and deals.

6. Can I create custom fields with attachments?

No, you cannot create custom fields with attachments in Zoho CRM.

7. Can I create custom fields with special characters?

Yes, you can create custom fields with special characters, but you should avoid using characters that may cause issues, such as the ampersand (&) or the forward slash (/).

8. How do I use custom fields in Zoho CRM reports?

You can use custom fields in Zoho CRM reports by adding them to the report and selecting the appropriate filter criteria.

9. Can I migrate custom fields from another CRM platform to Zoho CRM?

Yes, you can migrate custom fields from another CRM platform to Zoho CRM using the Zoho CRM migration tool.

10. How do I ensure that my custom fields are properly mapped when importing data?

You can ensure that your custom fields are properly mapped when importing data by selecting the appropriate field during the import process.

11. Can I make a custom field searchable?

Yes, you can make a custom field searchable by enabling the “Searchable” option when creating the field.

12. How do I export data from custom fields?

You can export data from custom fields by navigating to the Reports page and selecting the appropriate report.

13. How do I back up my custom fields?

You can back up your custom fields by exporting your data or contacting Zoho CRM support for assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating new contact fields for import in Zoho CRM is a straightforward process that can help you manage your customer data more effectively. By creating custom fields, you can store specific information that is unique to your business and ensure that your customer data is accurate and complete. Remember to follow the steps outlined in this article and use the table of custom contact fields as a reference. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Zoho CRM and taking your business to new heights.

Don’t forget to explore other features and capabilities of Zoho CRM that can help you grow your business. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Zoho CRM support for assistance.

Closing/Disclaimer

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of creating new contact fields for import in Zoho CRM. However, we cannot guarantee that the information provided is error-free, complete, or up-to-date. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with a qualified Zoho CRM expert before making any changes to your CRM settings or configurations.

Furthermore, the use of any product, service, or feature mentioned in this article should be based on your own independent analysis and assessment of its suitability for your specific business needs. We are not responsible for any damages, losses, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this information.

Thank you for reading, and we wish you all the best in your business endeavors!