ABAC: Add audiences with CSV files

Overview

You can create large audiences by uploading a CSV file containing unique login identifiers (email, mobile number, or employee number). Once created, these audiences can be edited or deleted later.

In this article, we provide step-by-step instructions on how you can create an audience using CSV.

Who is this for: App managers, Audience managers

Jump to a section: 

• Step 1: Download the CSV template  
• Step 2: Add users to the CSV template  
• Step 3: Upload your CSV 
• Optional: Edit or delete your CSV audience
• Best practices 
• Troubleshooting  

When to use the CSV method

There are multiple ways to create audiences. Audiences are customizable groups of users based on attributes like role, location, or specific individuals. They can then be used to manage who has access to specific features and content.

The CSV method is recommended when:

• You need to upload a one time list of employees, rather than an ongoing sync.
  • Example: You want to include specific users across departments/roles that don’t fit neatly into rule based or synced audiences.  
• You don’t have people data integrated with Simpplr. 

Step 1: Download the CSV template

Download this CSV template to begin the process of creating your audience via CSV upload. 

Step 2: Add users to the CSV template 

At least one unique login identifier (e.g. email, mobile number, or employee number) must be provided for each user. 

• Use the attached CSV template at the bottom of this article to populate your own data (headers, columns).

Step 2: Upload your CSV

Once you’ve added users to your CSV template, it is time to create your audiences using your CSV. Follow these steps:  

1. Click on Application settings > Audiences.
2. Click on the dropdown arrow next to Create.
3. Click Create audience with CSV.
4. Name your audience and add a description.
5. Add or select an existing category. 
6. Add the CSV file by clicking Select from computer.
7. Select your CSV file, then click Create.

After you’ve uploaded your CSV, you will receive a notification (in app & email) that your CSV upload is complete, and you can now use your audience for features and content. 

Optional: Editing or Deleting an Audience (CSV) 

To edit an audience created with a CSV file, upload a new version of the CSV to the same audience.

Note: Only audiences originally created with a CSV can be updated using a CSV upload.

Editing an audience (CSV) 

To edit an audience created via CSV follow these steps: 

1. Click on Application settings > Audiences.
2. Navigate or search for the audience you want to update. 
3. Click on the three dots to the right of the audience name and click on Edit.
4. Click on the trash can icon next to the CSV file name. 
5. Upload a new CSV file. 
6. Click Save.

After you’ve uploaded your CSV, you will receive a notification (in app & email) that your CSV upload is complete and you can now use your audience for features and content.  

Deleting an audience (CSV) 

To edit an audience created via CSV: 

1. Head to Application settings > Audiences.
2. Navigate or search for the audience you want to delete. 
3. Click on the three dots to the right of the audience name and click Delete. 
4. Click Delete.

Best practices 

1. When creating your CSV, we recommend the following tips and tricks:
   • Ensure the uploaded file uses the format and includes the correct identifier column(s). Use the attached template at the bottom of this article.
   • Use your existing CSV template as a reference; it helps ensure consistency and correct formatting.
2. Naming conventions and descriptions for your audiences uploaded via CSV
   • Give audiences meaningful names and group them under relevant categories so they’re easier to manage and find.
     • You might want to create an “Events or Conferences” audience category. For more on audience categories, click here.
   • Add a description to your audience to include extra context, such as purpose or coverage.
3. Delete outdated or redundant audiences uploaded via CSV once per year 
   • Since CSV uploads are usually a one off audience for things like events, conferences, performance reviews, etc., we recommend deleting outdated or unused audiences once per year.

Troubleshooting - CSV fails to upload 

If your CSV fails to upload, check the following criteria. 

1. Are you using the right template? [Use the attachment at the bottom of this article] 
2. Is the unique identifier filled out for each user? 
3. Are users in the CSV currently active/provisioned in the system? Check out this list of articles on provisioning users in Simpplr.