While Bulk Import is an easy way to add a large number of Panelists using a single Excel spreadsheet, it can also be utilized to update panelist accounts as well. This allows for an easy update to participant data that may have been incorrect at the time of import or that has changed over time.
Prepare a spreadsheet
To bulk update Panelist accounts, your spreadsheet must contain a column that includes either the Email Address or External ID of the Panelists to be updated. These columns serve as unique identifiers which allow the platform to match the updates to existing users.
Note: When External ID is used as the sole identifier in a Bulk Import spreadsheet, Recollective will block Email Addresses, Usernames, and Passwords from being updated for existing panelists. This is to ensure that participant profiles are not inadvertently overwritten. Should you wish to update these Standard Panelist fields, Recollective Support is able to assist you with this. For assistance, please contact [email protected].
A Bulk Import can be completed either from the Bulk import area under Site Administration, or within a particular study space.
You may choose to create a new participant grid, modify an existing spreadsheet, or use a template. The name of each column header should be a verbatim match for the existing Segments and/or Profile Fields in the platform, however, you will have the opportunity to manually define the column type during the import process.
Wherever the data contained in the spreadsheet matches existing panelist profile data stored in the platform, the data will not be modified. Wherever there is a discrepancy between the existing panelist data on the platform and the spreadsheet being imported, the data will be modified.
Warning: Including a Password column in your spreadsheet is not recommended unless you are intentionally updating participants' passwords.
Updating Basic Segment Assignments and Custom Field Data
To add a Panelist to a Basic Segment, place a “1” in the corresponding row and column. To remove a Panelist from a Basic Segment, place a “0” in the corresponding row and column.
Updating Smart Segment Assignments and Profile Fields
Membership in a Smart Segment is defined by the Smart Segment criteria.
To update a panelist's Smart Segment assignment(s), you must update the relevant criteria (i.e. profile field data) on their account.
To alter the value stored for a Profile Field, update the value in the associated row for the Panelist before completing the Bulk Import.
In the examples shown above, participant Ricky C will be automatically removed from the Age Range: 18-24 Smart Segment and added to the Age Range: 25-34 Smart Segment when the value in his Age profile field is updated to 25.
Column Review and Verify Data
During the Column Review phase of Bulk Import, Recollective will inspect the Excel sheet provided and match the column headers to any existing Segments and Profile fields. If any of the column headers in your spreadsheet were not a verbatim match for existing Segments or Profile Fields, you will have the option to select the existing ones at the this stage. You can also create new Segments and Profile Fields during this stage of the Bulk Import if needed.
Once the Column Review is complete, you will move on to the Verify Data phase of the Bulk Import. Here, the platform will indicate the number of Panelists and fields being updated. This is your last chance to review the updates for accuracy.
🗣️ Still have questions or want to leave feedback on how we can do better? Contact us at [email protected].