Salesforce provides go-to-market professionals with the data they need to optimize sales and marketing operations and drive more revenue.

Here’s the catch: Its native reporting capabilities aren’t always the easiest to use.

Fortunately, Salesforce Excel connectors make it easy to seamlessly integrate your data into your spreadsheet.

Read on to find out more about the best methods to link Salesforce CRM to Excel.

TLDR

• Step 1:

   Find & Install Coefficient from File -> Add-ins in Excel

• Step 2:

  Once installed, you will see a “Coefficient” tab at the top navigation bar.

• Step 3:

  Click ‘Open Sidebar’ to launch Coefficient in Excel.

• Step 4:

  Choose Import Data and select Salesforce as the data source.

• Step 5:

  Specify your import’s Object fields by Selecting the Fields from window.

• Step 6:

  Click Run to connect data directly between Salesforce to Excel.

• Step 7:

  Automate updating your Salesforce data on Excel with auto-refreshes to avoid manual work.

Is There a Salesforce Excel Connector?

Salesforce does not provide a native “Salesforce Excel Connector” in the same way they offer native integration tools for other platforms.

However, several alternatives offer flexibility in integrating Salesforce data into Excel, catering to various needs and technical ability:

• Third-party Tools and Add-ins: Solutions like Coefficient simplify the importation process, featuring user-friendly interfaces and automated data syncing. Ideal for seamless data analysis without extensive setup.
• Manual Exports: Users can export Salesforce reports as CSV or XLSX files and open them in Excel. This quick solution is perfect for one-time analyses but doesn’t offer real-time data updates.
• Salesforce API and VBA: For the tech-savvy, pairing the Salesforce API with Excel’s VBA customizes data queries and enables automation. This method delivers fresh, customized data directly into Excel sheets.
• Power Query: Microsoft Power Query allows technical users to extract Salesforce data into Excel Desktop, facilitating data manipulation and allowing for scheduled updates.
• ODBC Drivers: By establishing an ODBC data source for Salesforce, users adept in SQL can directly query Salesforce data from Excel, providing a potent tool for data manipulation.

How do I Link data from Salesforce to Excel? Top 3 Methods

There are several ways to integrate data from Salesforce to Excel.

Here, we will cover the three easiest ways: Coefficient, the XL-Connector, and Manually

Method 1: Coefficient

Coefficient is a no-code, two-way Salesforce Excel Connector trusted by over 300,000 go-to-market professionals and data analysts for live data analysis and reporting.

It’s by far the fastest and easiest way to connect Excel to Salesforce. Let’s walk through how it works.

To install Coefficient, open Excel from your desktop or in Office Online.

Click ‘File’ > ‘Get Add-ins’ > ‘More Add-Ins.’

Type “Coefficient” in the search bar and click  ‘Add.’

A pop-up will open up. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Once finished, you will see a “Coefficient” tab at the top navigation bar.

Click ‘Open Sidebar’ to launch Coefficient.

Now, you can connect Salesforce and Excel in a few clicks.

Select ‘Import from…’

Scroll down until you find Salesforce in the menu.

There are several ways to import data from Salesforce with Coefficient.

1. Import from an existing report
2. Import from objects and fields
3. Import using SOQL

In this example, we’ll select ‘From Objects & Fields.’

If this is your first time connecting to Salesforce, you’ll need to authorize Coefficient to access your data.

Click ‘Authorize’ and follow the prompts to continue.

After you’ve granted Coefficient access to your Salesforce account, it will redirect you back to Excel to create your import.

Select an object from the menu and click ‘Next.’

Click ‘Select Fields’ to reveal a list of fields to add to this import.

Select the fields you want to import by scrolling through the menu. You can also search for each in the menu.

After making your selections, click ‘Done Selecting Fields’ to continue.  

Note: You can add filters to your import as needed.  

Name your import and click ‘Import’ to continue.

Your Salesforce import will automatically populate in Excel.

The last step is to use Coefficient’s auto-refresh scheduler to automatically update your data. Simply choose your cadence (Hourly, Daily, or Weekly) and time – Coefficient will take care of the rest.

Method 2: Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) Drivers

Excel for Desktop users connect Salesforce to Excel by using an ODBC. In this example, we’ll use the Devart OBDC Driver for Salesforce on macOS..

Note: Ensure you have the necessary Salesforce login credentials and have configured the ODBC data source correctly to facilitate a smooth data import process.

First, open Excel, head to Excel > About Excel to check if your version is compatible with the Devart ODBC driver specifications.

Next, visit the Devart website and navigate to the ODBC Driver for Salesforce page.

Download the driver compatible with macOS, open the file, and follow the instructions through to completion.

To configure the ODBC Data Source, go to your Mac’s System Preferences > ODBC Manager.

In the ODBC Data Source Administrator, under the “User DSN” or “System DSN” tab, click “Add” to create a new data source.

Select the Devart ODBC Driver for Salesforce from the list and fill in your Salesforce connection details, including any necessary authentication tokens.

To connect Salesforce from Excel, open Excel from your desktop and go to the Data tab.

Select “Get Data” > “From Database” > “From ODBC.”

Choose the DSN you configured for Salesforce and enter any required login credentials.

Select the tables or queries you want to import from the Navigator window. You can preview your data here and even edit it using Excel’s Query Editor.

Click “Load” to import your data directly into an Excel worksheet, or “Load To” for more specific placement options.

Cons

• Salesforce-Specific: It’s tailored exclusively for Salesforce, limiting its use for organizations that need to integrate multiple data sources within Excel for broader analyses.
• Setup Complexity: Advanced features might require a good grasp of Salesforce and Excel, posing challenges for non-technical users or those with limited time to learn the tool’s complexities.
• Version Compatibility Concerns: XL-Connector’s functionality is closely tied to specific Excel versions, which may lead to challenges in maintaining compatibility and optimal performance across different Excel updates or installations.

Method 3: Manually Exporting

Another option is manually exporting your report from Salesforce and importing it into Excel.

To do so, navigate to the Reports tab in Salesforce.

Create or select the report you wish to export to Excel.

Once the report is ready, click on ‘Export’ and choose the Excel format (e.g., .xls or .xlsx).

Open the downloaded Salesforce report in Excel to finish.

Cons:

• Time and Effort: The need for exporting, possibly reformatting, and then importing data into Excel requires significant manual effort, especially with frequent updates.
• Risk of Mistakes: Handling data manually increases the chance of errors during export, transformation, or import, potentially leading to inaccurate data and decisions based on outdated information.

The Best Salesforce Excel Connector? Coefficient

Get the most out of your Salesforce data by connecting it to Excel.

Coefficient provides the most seamless and hassle-free way to pull up Salesforce data into Excel with its intuitive UI and quick setup.

Try Coefficient for free today to try it out for yourself!

TL;DR

Capturing historical Salesforce data for trend analysis doesn’t require complex manual setup. You can automate snapshots or create them manually in Salesforce.

• Automated snapshots: Use Coefficient to automatically capture and store historical data in Google Sheets/Excel
• Manual setup: Create Salesforce reporting snapshots with custom scheduling and field mapping
• Best practices: Consistent field mapping, regular reviews, and optimized scheduling for performance

Salesforce Reporting Snapshots are an essential tool for capturing and analyzing historical data, enabling you to understand trends and make informed decisions. Today, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to set up Salesforce Reporting Snapshots efficiently.

Prerequisites
Before diving in, ensure you have Salesforce access, and a basic grasp of reports and dashboards. Ready? Let’s jump in!

The Automated Way: Smart Snapshots with Coefficient

Skip the manual snapshot configuration. Coefficient automatically captures historical data from your Salesforce reports and stores it in organized snapshots within your spreadsheet.

Step 1: Connect and Import Your Source Data

Open Coefficient in Google Sheets or Excel. Import the Salesforce report you want to snapshot – whether it’s opportunities, leads, or any custom report.

Choose “From Existing Report” and select your target report. Your live data flows into the spreadsheet instantly.

Step 2: Set Up Automated Snapshots

Click on your imported data and select “Snapshots” from the automation menu.

Choose your snapshot type:

• Entire Tab: Copies your full report to a new tab with timestamp
• Specific Cells: Appends new data to a designated location for running history

Set your schedule – hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. Each snapshot preserves the exact data state at that moment.

Step 3: Configure Retention and Organization

Set retention rules to manage how many snapshots you keep. Want the last 12 months of weekly data? Configure it once and forget it.

Your snapshots automatically organize with timestamps. Compare this week’s pipeline to last quarter’s. Track lead quality trends over time. All without manual exports or complex Salesforce configurations.

Why this works: Your historical data builds automatically. No missed snapshots because someone forgot to run a report. No storage limits. Just clean, organized historical data ready for analysis.

Step-by-Step Guide for Salesforce Reporting Snapshots

Step 1: Understanding Reporting Snapshots
First off, reporting snapshots allow you to preserve historical data from standard objects, providing insight into past performances, trends, and patterns.

Step 2: Navigate to the Setup Menu
Head to the setup menu and use the Quick Find box to search for “snapshots.” This is your gateway to creating new reporting snapshot.

Step 3: Create a New Reporting Snapshot
Click on “New Re porting Snapshot.” Here, you’ll base the snapshot on an existing report, like one detailing opportunities above $50,000 without a sales team.

Step 4: Configure the Reporting Snapshot
Name your snapshot, which will auto-generate a unique name. Assign a running user—this will be you, especially crucial if you’re managing these decisions strategically, as a CEO, for instance.

Choose your source report and target object, ensuring the report is either tabular or summary to use in a snapshot.

Step 5: Map Fields Between Source and Target
Select “Save and Edit Field Mappings.” Map the fields you wish to capture in your snapshot, like aligning “Amount” with “Amount” and “Close Date” with “Close Date.”

Step 6: Schedule the Reporting Snapshot
Decide on the snapshot’s frequency—daily, weekly, or monthly. Set up the specific day for weekly runs, the start date, and the preferred start time (say, 2 am for minimal disruption)

Best Practices and Tips

Consistency in Data Fields
Ensure consistency in the field mappings between the source report and the target object. This consistency is crucial for accurate trend analysis and tracking success metrics over time.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments
Reporting requirements may evolve as business goals change. Regularly review and adjust the reporting snapshots to ensure they stay aligned with your current business objectives.

Optimize Snapshot Scheduling
When setting the frequency of snapshots, consider the impact on system performance and the relevance of the data. For example, a snapshot related to quarterly revenue might only need a monthly schedule, whereas daily sales performance might benefit from daily snapshots.

Leverage High-Quality Reports as Sources
Quality in, quality out. Ensure the source reports are well-constructed and accurate. A snapshot is only as good as the report it’s based on.

Security and Privacy Considerations
When selecting the running user and mapping fields, be mindful of data security and privacy considerations. Ensure that sensitive data is handled according to your organization’s compliance standards.

Expanding Capabilities with Coefficient
Integrate Salesforce with Coefficient for an elevated analytics experience. Coefficient, with its robust integration capabilities, streamlines the process of merging Salesforce data with Google Sheets or Excel, offering unparalleled flexibility in customizing reports.

This tool not only augments the power of Salesforce Reporting Snapshots but also ensures your team, regardless of Salesforce licensing, stays informed with real-time updates through Slack and email notifications.

Benefits of Implementation

Implementing Salesforce reporting snapshots empowers your organization to keep a pulse on historical data, identifying trends and making data-driven decisions.

We hope this guide has illuminated the path to mastering Salesforce Reporting Snapshots in six simple steps. Don’t stop here; take action by exploring Coefficient’s solutions to elevate your Salesforce experience even further.

Get started here and unlock the potential of enhanced data analysis and reporting.

Many operators export Salesforce reports and data into Excel for more flexible analysis, reporting, and sharing.

In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step walkthrough on exporting reports, objects, and fields into Excel and introduce Coefficient’s two-way Salesforce connector for Excel if you’re interested in automating Salesforce data exports and imports for free.

So let’s start!

TLDR

• Step 1:

  In Excel, click File -> Add-ins.

• Step 2:

  Search & Install Coefficient from Excel Add-ins.

• Step 3:

  Once installed, you will see a “Coefficient” tab at the top navigation bar.

• Step 4:

  Click ‘Open Sidebar’ to launch Coefficient in Excel.

• Step 5:

  Click Import Data from the Coefficient sidebar, then select Salesforce as your data source.

• Step 6:

  Specify your import’s Object fields by clicking Select Fields.

• Step 7:

  Click Run to start exporting data directly from Salesforce to Excel.

Method 1: Coefficient, a free, no-code option to export Salesforce reports and data

To support a wider spectrum of Salesforce export options, like learning how to export opportunities from Salesforce to Excel or previously built reports in Salesforce, you’ll need an add-on to help you out. 

Coefficient is one of Salesforce AppExchange’s top-rate connectors for Salesforce and spreadsheets.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Install Coefficient: Get started for free by installing Coefficient for Excel.

2. Access Salesforce data: Open up the Coefficient extension in your spreadsheet, select ‘Import From’ -> Salesforce. You’ll be prompted to connect Salesforce.

3. Select your import type (Reports, Object/Fields, or SOQL): Choose the data or report you want to export to your spreadsheet within a simple WYSIWYG sidebar app.

Your import will automatically populate into a new tab in your spreadsheet. And, you’ll have the option to keep your import on a refresh schedule hourly, daily, or weekly. Here’s a quick walkthrough in Google Sheets; the process will be the same in Excel.

Method 2: Manually in Salesforce

Here’s how to export a report in Salesforce from inside the Salesforce user interface. This option requires more technical chops and familiarity with SOQL.

1. Install and Launch Data Loader

Access Salesforce’s built-in Data Loader tool. You can install it separately within the Salesforce ecosystem. Once installed, double-click on the Data Loader icon to launch the application.

2. Authenticate Your Account

Click on ‘Export’ on the pop-up window for the Data Loader. 

It will automatically connect to your logged-in Salesforce account and prompt you to authenticate in several steps. Follow the directions for authentication using your Salesforce account. 

Once done, relaunch the data loader tool. It will show ‘login successful’ this time.

Click on ‘Next’ to start the data export process.

3. Select Data Objects

The next step is to select which object you need the data from. The drop-down list will show several options, e.g., accounts, Leads, and Opportunities. Select the object that holds your data to export.

If you can not find the object category you need, Click on the ‘Show all Salesforce objects’ checkbox. A complete list will appear in the drop-down menu, including your custom abject categories or unnamed categories.

4. Choose Target Location

In the same window, at the bottom, Click on ‘Browse’ to select the target location for the extraction of your CSV file.

A new pop-up window will appear. Select the folder where you wish to store your exported file and click ‘Save.’

Once the window returns to export, click ‘Next’ to proceed with the final steps.

5. Edit Query or Condition 

You can edit your SOQL query for extraction and add conditions to sort and filter out data before saving your CSV file. In the Query drop-down list, you can select a range of fields you want to keep in your export file. 

You can choose selective fields manually or click ‘Select all fields.’

In the conditions section, you can create where clauses for your query. You can add fields, operations, and values to specify the data you want to export. 

For example, to only get Leads from LA, you can fill in Fields: City, Operation: Equals, Value: LA. The resulting data will consist of only what qualifies for this condition.

If you don’t wish to add any conditions, simply leave the section blank or click ‘Clear all conditions.’

6. Save the File 

Once you finish the last step, navigate and click on the ‘Finish’ button.

That’s all! The final window will show how many extractions went into your CSV file based on your criteria. You can also view your file by clicking on ‘View Extraction’ here.

Salesforce Data Export: Best Practices and Tips 

Efficient Salesforce data export is not only about the process itself but also about ensuring data integrity, security, and usability. 

Implementing best practices and tips in your data export strategy will provide a seamless, error-free experience.

1. Choose Appropriate File Formats

Before exporting data, ensure compatibility between Salesforce and Excel file formats. Choose file formats that preserve data integrity and formatting. Consider using CSV (Comma-Separated Values) for straightforward data transfer within the Salesforce interface for simple data backup.

2. Maintain Data Integrity

Verify the accuracy of your data during and after the export process. Ensure that data relationships, such as parent-child connections, are maintained. Regularly check for duplicate records and discrepancies to prevent data corruption.

3. Automate Data Updates

Leverage Coefficient’s automation capabilities to schedule regular data updates. By automating the export process, you reduce the risk of human error, ensure data is consistently up-to-date, and free up valuable time for more strategic tasks.

4. Implement Data Filters

When exporting specific datasets, utilize Salesforce’s filtering options. Narrow your export to relevant records by applying filters based on criteria such as date ranges, record types, or custom fields. This enhances data relevance and reduces the volume of exported data.

5. Backup Your Data

Before initiating any significant data export, back up your Salesforce data. This precautionary measure ensures that you have a secure copy of your data to fall back on even in the event of unexpected issues or errors during the export process.

Export Salesforce Data to Multiple Fronts with Coefficient!

By following this comprehensive guide on how to export Salesforce list to Excel, you can scale your business with the tools and knowledge necessary to harness the full potential of your data, lists, reports, and opportunities.

Take the first step by trying Coefficient for free toward streamlined imports and exports from Salesforce to Excel.

Importing leads into Salesforce. The digital equivalent of doing taxes.

Nobody enjoys it. It’s unnecessarily complicated, and one small error can create big problems down the line. And yet, it’s a critical process that determines whether sales teams thrive or struggle.

TLDR

• Step 1:

  Install Coefficient at Coefficient.io or from Google Sheets or Excel marketplace

• Step 2:

  Launch Coefficient sidebar and select “Export to…” then choose Salesforce as destination

• Step 3:

  Select “Leads” as target object and map your spreadsheet columns to Salesforce lead fields

• Step 4:

  Configure import settings and validation rules

• Step 5:

  Execute the import to transfer lead data directly into Salesforce

• Step 6:

  Set up automatic sync schedule (optional) for ongoing lead management

Importing Leads in Salesforce

• Automated & Time Saving Method – Using Coefficient (Easy to Use No-Code Solution)
• Cumbersome & Manual Method – Using Salesforce Native Upload

Automated Method to Import Leads into Salesforce

RevOps teams spend countless hours cleaning spreadsheets, fixing field mappings, duplicate records, creating custom objects and dealing with re-import errors. Every minute lost is time not spent driving revenue growth.

What if you can create an two-way automated sync between your spreadsheets, Salesforce, and other systems?

Coefficient helps you achieve just that.

Step 1: Install Coefficient Data Connector on Google Sheets or Excel

Step 2: Connect your Salesforce Account to your spreadsheet via Coefficient.

Step 3: Map fields between Salesforce and Spreadsheet Columns.

Step 4: Setup Automation to automatically upload leads to Salesforce on a time interval of your choice.

Quick Video Walkthrough to Import Data into Salesforce Automatically

The results:

• Faster sales cycles and higher conversion rates
• Dramatically improved hygiene in data management
• More accurate forecasts and confident decision-making

Here’s how this changes the game and makes lead management a breeze:

Reduce your CSV dependence when importing leads

The Painpoint – RevOps teams waste hours wrestling CSV files, cleaning fields, setting up permissions and fixing mismatched mappings.
The Fix – Coefficient eliminates this busywork by:

• Importing directly from spreadsheets to Salesforce: Create a two-way sync between your spreadsheet and Salesforce—no more CSV exports or manual uploads.
• Standardizing data automatically: Apply transformations (like field renaming, merging duplicates) directly in your spreadsheet that persist with every refresh.
• Empowering your entire team: Share connections across your org so everyone can pull and refresh data without requesting CSV files.

Get new leads to sales teams instantly

The Painpoint – Delays between lead capture and first sales contact kill conversions. 

The Fix – Coefficient reduces that lag by:

• Automating lead imports on a flexible schedule — Schedule data updates hourly, daily, or weekly, ensuring sales always has the freshest leads without manual intervention
• Triggering Salesforce workflows promptly — Get new leads into Salesforce faster, activating assignment rules that route prospects to the right reps when interest is highest
• Alerting teams to new opportunities — Set up automatic Sack and email notifications when specific conditions are met, enabling immediate follow-up on qualified leads

Build reports beyond Salesforce’s basic capabilities

Salesforce’s rigid reporting structure forces painful compromises: no historical tracking, blended data, or custom metrics functionality. 

Coefficient empowers you to:

• Capture historical snapshots: Preserve your pipeline state at each refresh for time-series or waterfall analyses.
• Blend data across multiple sources: Build report types to combine Salesforce, product usage, and marketing data to get a 360° view of your funnel.
• Customize forecasting in your spreadsheet: Build flexible forecasting models that auto-refresh with Salesforce data—no code required.l

Jumpstart your reporting with our free Salesforce templates and see these capabilities in action!.

Case Study – How Miro scaled lead management during 10X growth

Miro’s RevOps team was drowning. As the company surged from 200 to 2,000 employees, their manual reporting couldn’t keep up. Two people. Endless requests. Limited visibility into their sales funnel.

Alex Bugajski, Head of Go-to-Market Strategy, found a lifeline in Google Sheets. Not just any spreadsheet—one supercharged with Coefficient. Alex built three solutions that transformed their operations:

• Real-Time SLA Tracking: Miro built a daily metrics dashboard that shows how leads move through the funnel, allowing SDRs to monitor conversion rates and make immediate adjustments without waiting for weekly reports.
• Automated Account Routing: Their team replaced manual territory assignments with a self-sustaining system that requires just quarterly updates, saving hours of work while ensuring leads reach the right AEs, CSMs, and SEs without delay.
• Multi-Source Forecasting: By combining Salesforce data with product usage signals, Miro created more accurate forecasting that helps sales leaders prioritize opportunities with the highest likelihood to close.

“Not only could I design and optimize solutions, but I also could manage analytics, data modeling, hygiene reporting, and error checks with more scalability than ever before in Salesforce,” says Alex.

Read the entire story to see how Miro’s RevOps team unlocked real-time data empowerment with Coefficient.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upload Leads in Salesforce Manually

Salesforce’s data import wizard seems simple enough to use on paper:  

Step 1: On the Leads home page, navigate to Setup → Data Import Wizard → Launch Wizard

Step 2: Select Leads → Add New Records

Step 3: Upload your CSV file and map the fields

Step 4: Review your mappings and click Start Import

Step 5: Wait for completion and check for errors. You can check the details data load job in setup page.

Step 6:Refresh the Leads home page to see your newly imported leads.

Bulk Transfer Leads in Salesforce

Coefficient connects spreadsheets directly to Salesforce, eliminating tedious manual imports. For RevOps teams, this makes lead management faster and more reliable.

It’s quick to set up, free to get started, and lets you bulk update records in seconds. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Connect your spreadsheet to Salesforce and your other business systems using Coefficient (install from Extensions Menu in Google Sheets or Excel)
• Step 2: Unify, clean, and format your data directly in your spreadsheet – perfect for working with leads, contacts, opportunities, or any object
• Step 3: Export your changes back to Salesforce in bulk with just a few clicks – select your target object, map your fields, and click Export
• Optional: Set up auto-refresh to keep your data current without manual updates

That’s it! Your changes appear in Salesforce instantly, saving hours of manual work.

Ready to see how Coefficient can transform your lead management—just like it did for Miro and countless other teams? Try Coefficient for yourself today!  

Avoid problems with frequent manual uploads

Type of data in your lead lists typically comes from various sources—marketing automation tools and third-party enrichment providers—forcing you to spend valuable time unifying, cleaning, and formatting data in your spreadsheet.

Even after careful preparation, import processes often fail, creating a frustrating cycle of corrections and re-imports. It’s exhausting and drains productivity.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine effortlessly pulling, cleaning, and enriching leads directly in your spreadsheet, then seamlessly importing them into Salesforce without the headaches.

Frequently asked questions

Can you import leads in Salesforce?

Yes, Absolutely! But here’s the thing, Salesforce’s built-in import tools (like Data Import Wizard and Data Loader) can be a real headache. You’re constantly wrestling with CSV formatting, field mapping gets confusing, and one small mistake can mess up your entire import.

That’s where a tool like Coefficient shines. Instead of jumping through hoops, you just work with your leads in Excel or Google Sheets. Once your data looks good, Coefficient syncs it straight to Salesforce. Either when you want or automatically on schedule. No more formatting nightmares, way fewer errors, and you stay in control of your data quality. It’s honestly just a smoother way to get your leads where they need to go.

How do I mass transfer leads in Salesforce?

1. Go to the quick find box and type “mass transfer”
2. Select the type of record (leads) from the list of objects
3. Enter the name of the existing record owner in the “transfer from” field
4. Choose the new owner for the leads
5. Select which leads to transfer based on criteria

While this process works for ownership changes, managing lead data more broadly can be challenging. 

Coefficient lets you analyze lead assignments in a spreadsheet and push updates back to Salesforce, giving you more control over your lead management process.

How to add bulk leads in Salesforce?

1. Click the Leads tab in Salesforce
2. In the View drop-down, select the desired view of leads and click Go
3. Choose the list of leads you want to work with
4. Click “Add to Sales Campaign” to add the selected leads

This approach works for adding existing leads to campaigns, but creating new leads in bulk requires different steps. 

Coefficient simplifies the process by letting you prepare bulk data in spreadsheets (where data cleaning is easier) and then import it directly to Salesforce, with options for scheduling regular imports.

How to import leads from Sales Navigator to Salesforce?

1. From Sales Navigator Admin Home, select Admin Settings
2. Click Change in the CRM Settings section
3. Scroll to “Allow lead creation from Sales Navigator” and set the toggle to Yes
4. Select a Lead Source value to associate with leads created from Sales Navigator

While this integration is helpful, it still requires manual work in Sales Navigator. 

Coefficient offers complementary value by allowing you to combine LinkedIn data with other sources in spreadsheets, enrich it with additional information, and then import the complete lead records to Salesforce, creating more valuable prospect profiles.

Related resources

• Salesforce Dashboard Templates Library
• Salesforce SOQL: Write Queries & Import Data with GPT in Sheets
• How to Create a Sales Commission Calculator
• How to Export Data from Salesforce into Excel
• How to Connect Typeform to Salesforce
• How to Connect Webflow to Salesforce
• How to Connect Salesforce to PostgreSQL
• Forecast Categories in Salesforce: Complete Guide
• Integrating Salesforce Data into Google Sheets (Sales Pipeline Tracker)
• Automate Salesforce Commission Tracking with Coefficient
• How to Export Data from Salesforce
• Import Salesforce Report into Excel using Coefficient
• Expedite Data Cleaning and CRM Imports with Coefficient and AI
• Automatize Data Synchronization between Salesforce and PostgreSQL

Do you want to shorten your long-winded Salesforce data export and import processes?

We’re here to help you.

When you’re done reading this guide, you’ll have actionable tips to streamline your data export and import processes so you don’t spend countless hours inputting and updating data.

Top 5 methods to export and import Salesforce data

There are several ways to export and import data into your Salesforce account, including using built-in tools and third-party data connectors for Salesforce. However, in this guide, we’ll focus on the five common ways to export and import your Salesforce data.

1. Coefficient – Top-rated data automation solution for Salesforce imports and exports
2. Native Salesforce Data Management – Import Wizard & Data Export Service
3. Dataloader.io – Third-party data loading app
4. Manual CSV Export/Import – Built-in CSV functionality
5. Salesforce API – Developer-focused programmatic access

TLDR

• Step 1:

  Get Started by installing Coefficient Add-on for Google Sheets or Excel

• Step 2:

  Launch Coefficient from Extensions Menu.

• Step 3:

  Click Import Data from the Coefficient sidebar, then select Salesforce as your data source.

• Step 4:

  Select the Salesforce account you want to connect and click Connect.

• Step 5:

  Specify your import’s Object fields by clicking Select Fields

• Step 6:

  Click on Import to start pull data from Salesforce into your spreadsheet.

• Step 7:

  Set an auto-refresh schedule hourly, daily, or weekly. This automates updating your Salesforce data on Google Sheets or Excel when your source data changes.

Video Walkthrough: How Export Data from Google Sheets to Salesforce

Method 1. Coefficient

Out of the three methods presented, Coefficient is the best option to export and import Salesforce data from Google Sheets and Excel, especially for businesses dealing with massive data volumes with a simple six step process that’d take 2-3 minutes. Companies like Klaviyo reclaimed two months worth of manual operations work using Coefficient.

Coefficient’s solution makes building your dashboards and reports effortless and analyzing data a breeze since it gets updated in real time, let alone automatically. In fact, you can give a Google Sheets Salesforce dashboard template a try in just a few clicks.

For instance, if you want to export Salesforce data and import it into Google Sheets, simply open a new Google Sheets file and launch the Coefficient Data Connector Add-on.

Note: You can follow the same steps in Excel as well after installing the Coefficient for Salesforce Excel Add-in.
Click Import Data, select Salesforce as your data source, and choose whether to import from reports, objects or specific fields, or a custom SOQL query.

After authorizing the connection, your data instantly exports from Salesforce to your Google Sheets file.
You can add and remove data fields as you go along, so you only work with the data you need without repeating the exporting process.

Coefficient also auto-refreshes your exported data on Google Sheets, so you never have to build the same analysis or keep exporting your file every time your Salesforce data changes or gets updated. 

Schedule live data refreshes hourly, daily, or weekly by setting the frequency, day, and time in the Scheduled Run option. This ensures your data is always accurate and up-to-date.

Coefficient’s powerful features make your Salesforce data exporting (and importing) quick, easy, automated, and completely effortless, bolstering your data workflows and analysis.

Common Methods to Export and Import Salesforce Data

Do you want to shorten your long-winded Salesforce data export and import processes?

We’re here to help you.

When you’re done reading this guide, you’ll have actionable tips to streamline your data export and import processes so you don’t spend countless hours inputting and updating data.

Top 5 methods to export and import Salesforce data

There are several ways to export and import data into your Salesforce account, including using built-in tools and third-party data connectors for Salesforce. However, in this guide, we’ll focus on the five common ways to export and import your Salesforce data.

1. Coefficient – Top-rated data automation solution for Salesforce imports and exports
2. Native Salesforce Data Management – Import Wizard & Data Export Service
3. Dataloader.io – Third-party data loading app
4. Manual CSV Export/Import – Built-in CSV functionality
5. Salesforce API – Developer-focused programmatic access

TLDR

• Step 1: Get Started by installing Coefficient Add-on for Google Sheets or Excel
• Step 2: Launch Coefficient from Extensions Menu.
• Step 3: Click Import Data from the Coefficient sidebar, then select Salesforce as your data source.
• Step 4: Select the Salesforce account you want to connect and click Connect.
• Step 5: Specify your import’s Object fields by clicking Select Fields
• Step 6: Click on Import to start pull data from Salesforce into your spreadsheet.
• Step 7: Set an auto-refresh schedule hourly, daily, or weekly. This automates updating your Salesforce data on Google Sheets or Excel when your source data changes.

Video Walkthrough: How Export Data from Google Sheets to Salesforce

Method 1: Coefficient

Out of the five methods presented, Coefficient is the best option to export and import Salesforce data from Google Sheets and Excel, especially for businesses dealing with massive data volumes with a simple six step process that’d take 2-3 minutes. Companies like Klaviyo reclaimed two months worth of manual operations work using Coefficient.

Coefficient’s solution makes building your dashboards and reports effortless and analyzing data a breeze since it gets updated in real time, let alone automatically. In fact, you can give a Google Sheets Salesforce dashboard template a try in just a few clicks.

For instance, if you want to export Salesforce data and import it into Google Sheets, simply open a new Google Sheets file and launch the Coefficient Data Connector Add-on.

Note: You can follow the same steps in Excel as well after installing the Coefficient for Salesforce Excel Add-in.

Click Import Data, select Salesforce as your data source, and choose whether to import from reports, objects or specific fields, or a custom SOQL query.

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Coefficient lets you choose from several data sources.

After authorizing the connection, your data instantly exports from Salesforce to your Google Sheets file.

You can add and remove data fields as you go along, so you only work with the data you need without repeating the exporting process.

Coefficient also auto-refreshes your exported data on Google Sheets, so you never have to build the same analysis or keep exporting your file every time your Salesforce data changes or gets updated.

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Schedule your data imports in Coefficient easily.

Schedule live data refreshes hourly, daily, or weekly by setting the frequency, day, and time in the Scheduled Run option. This ensures your data is always accurate and up-to-date.

Advanced Coefficient Features

Beyond basic imports and exports, Coefficient offers powerful advanced features that transform how you work with Salesforce data. These capabilities eliminate manual data entry and provide real-time access to your CRM data directly within your spreadsheets.

Export to Salesforce (Upserts and Writebacks)

Coefficient’s Export to Salesforce feature lets you push updated data from your spreadsheets directly back into Salesforce, supporting sophisticated operations like upserts that can update existing records or create new ones automatically.

How to Export to Salesforce:

Step 1: Prepare your data

We recommend creating a Salesforce import of your data into Google Sheets/Excel using Coefficient before performing the Export to Salesforce. This allows automatic field detection and mapping.

Step 2: Click “Export to…”

Open the Coefficient sidebar and click on the “Export to…” button, then select Salesforce as your destination.

Step 3: Configure destination settings

Select the Tab and Header row (the row with Salesforce field headers), then choose your Salesforce Object and desired Action:

• Update: Modifies existing records (requires record ID)
• Insert: Creates new records
• Upsert: Updates existing or creates new records (requires External ID field)
• Delete: Removes entire records

Step 4: Map your fields

Coefficient automatically maps fields if your data came from a Salesforce import. For manual data, you’ll need to map columns to Salesforce fields yourself.

Step 5: Configure advanced settings

• Column for Results: Choose where to write export status information
• Batch Size: Set processing batch size (max 10,000 rows)
• Export Empty Cells: Enable to clear existing Salesforce values in bulk
• Include export button: Add a quick-access button to your sheet

Step 6: Preview and execute

Review your settings, select which rows to export, and use the “Preview Changes” option to see exactly what will be updated before pushing to Salesforce.

Real-time Formula Functions

Access live Salesforce data directly in your spreadsheet cells using Coefficient’s powerful formula functions. These formulas work like native spreadsheet functions but pull data straight from your Salesforce org.

=salesforce_lookup Function

Pull field values from a single Salesforce record by matching any field. It works just like VLOOKUP, but for your Salesforce data.

Syntax: =salesforce_lookup(object_type, lookup_field, lookup_value, fields_list)

Example: Fetch account industry and type using the account name:

=salesforce_lookup("Account", "Name", "Acme Corp", "Industry, Type")

Batch lookup example: Look up multiple contacts by email:

=salesforce_lookup("Contact", "Email", A3:A25, "First Name, Last Name, Phone")

=salesforce_search Function

Query Salesforce objects with filters directly from your spreadsheet, returning multiple matching records in a tabular format.

Syntax: =salesforce_search(object_type, fields, filter_string, settings)

Example: Find opportunities with specific criteria:

=salesforce_search("Opportunity", "Name,Stage,Amount", "Stage = Proposal and Amount > 25000")

Advanced filtering example: Use complex filters with sorting:

=salesforce_search("Opportunity", "Name,Stage,Amount",,"sort=amount:desc, include_header=true")

=salesforce_report_search Function

Fetch multiple rows from saved Salesforce reports with optional filtering and sorting. Perfect for pulling filtered datasets from existing reports.

Syntax: =salesforce_report_search(report_name, fields, [filter_string], [settings])

Example: Get top closed won opportunities:

=salesforce_report_search("All Opportunities", "Opportunity Name, Amount, Stage", "Stage = Closed Won", "limit=100,sort=amount:desc")

=salesforce_report_lookup Function

Pull field values from Salesforce reports by matching any field. Ideal when your report contains pre-filtered or aggregated data.

Syntax: =salesforce_report_lookup(report_name, lookup_field, lookup_value, fields, settings)

Example: Look up opportunity details from a report:

=salesforce_report_lookup("All Opportunities", "Opportunity Name", "Acme Inc", "Stage, Amount")

Coefficient’s powerful features make your Salesforce data exporting (and importing) quick, easy, automated, and completely effortless, bolstering your data workflows and analysis.

Pros

• Coefficient is uber-easy to set up and install and you can get it up and running in seconds. 
• It’s a powerful tool that requires little to no effort when exporting and importing your Salesforce data. 
• Build once and refresh forever with auto-refresh schedules to ensure you always work with the latest and most accurate data.  
• You can use AI to build custom SOQL queries.
• Coefficient supports multiple data source integrations to your spreadsheet like Hubspot, Stripe, Quickbooks for advanced data analysis.
• No object data mapping and manual query building required since Coefficient works instantly and on the fly as soon as you set up your data source connections. 
• Upserts and writebacks are native to the Coefficient app

Cons

• Coefficient has a free plan which is limited, but it offers affordable pricing plans.  

Method 2: Salesforce native data management functionality

Salesforce has two native features that allows its users to export and import data: the Salesforce data import wizard and Salesforce data export service.

A. Export Salesforce Data using Import Wizard

To import using Salesforce data import wizard, follow these steps.

Step 1: Prepare your file for import

In our example, we’ll show you how to import leads into Salesforce. 

To prepare your file for import, be sure to:

• Clean your import file for consistency and accuracy, such as deleting unnecessary details, enforcing name conventions, updating the info, removing duplicates, and correcting any spelling errors.
• Change any configurations necessary to ensure successful Salesforce import. For instance, you may need to add new values to your picklists, make new custom fields, or temporarily deactivate some workflow rules.
• Compare your import file’s data fields with the Salesforce fields you’re importing into to verify and ensure your data gets mapped into the right fields.

After preparing your import data, save it as a CSV file.

Step 2: Launch the Salesforce Data Import Wizard

Click the Setup icon on the Salesforce interface, type in “Data Import Wizard” in the Quick Find search box, and select Data Import Wizard. 

Review the Salesforce field names in your import file to ensure they match the standard Salesforce field names by clicking the View a list of Salesforce data fields link. 

Click Launch Wizard! and choose the data to import. Under Standard Objects, click Leads. Other options under this tab include, Solutions, Accounts, Contacts, and Campaign Members. 

Specify if you want to update your existing Salesforce records, add new records, or perform both simultaneously. 

Select matching and other required criteria and upload the file where your data is located. 

Drag and drop your CSV lead import file in the space provided or choose from the data source options, specify the character encoding method, and select your file. 

Click Next when you’re done. 

Step 3: Map your import file data fields to Salesforce data fields

The data import wizard will automatically map as many data fields to Salesforce standard data fields as possible. If it can’t, you’ll need to do it manually since unmapped fields won’t be imported to Salesforce. 

Salesforce will mark your unmapped fields. Click Map under the Edit column to change and map the fields to an existing Salesforce field.

In our example, you’ll need to change the unmapped field by selecting Map and choosing the First Name in the Salesforce standard list fields.

You can also change the automatic mappings performed by Salesforce by clicking Change under the Edit column beside the field you want to modify.

After reviewing your import information, you can go back to the previous steps to change unmapped data and ensure all the information is correct. Click Start Import.

B. Export Salesforce Data using in-built Data Export

Follow the steps below to export data from Salesforce via the data export service. 

Step 1: Navigate to the Data Export option on Salesforce

On the Salesforce interface, navigate to Setup and enter Data Export in the search box. 

Choose Export Now, which prepares your data for export immediately, or select Schedule Export, which lets you schedule your file exporting to weekly or monthly intervals.

Step 2: Choose the types of information to export

Choose your preferred encoding for your export file.

Click the box beside Replace carriage returns with spaces, so your export files have spaces instead of line breaks or returns. This is useful for importing and for other integrations.

Select the types of info you want to include in your export. If you’re not familiar with Apex API names, choose Include all data and click Start Export.

Step 3: Schedule your export

Configure your export schedule by setting the frequency, start and end dates, and the time.  

Click Save when you’re done (or Start Export if you’re not scheduling, but instead exporting your Salesforce files immediately).

You’ll receive an email from Salesforce when your zip archive of CSV files is ready. Large exports are usually broken into multiple files, and you can download the zip files from the link within the email.

Want to learn how to export leads from Salesforce quickly? Open your report, click the dropdown arrow beside the Edit button, and select Export. 

Choose your export view, click Export, and you’ll instantly get a downloaded CSV or .xlsx spreadsheet file.

Pros

• The Salesforce data import wizard and export data service are native Salesforce tools. This means you won’t need to install third-party apps for your Salesforce data export and import. 

Cons

• Both methods are tedious and time-consuming since you’ll need to set up your data import and export manually. What’s more, whenever you want to update the data on your Spreadsheets, you’d have to repeat the import/export process every time.
• You might also need to map some of your data if Salesforce fails to do it automatically, which can be cumbersome and labor-intensive. 
• Your exported files in zip format will only be available for 48 hours upon exporting and will be deleted afterwards. 
• You can only import up to 60,000 records at a time. Also, all the objects for importing must be supported by the Wizard. The process is not fully automated since you’ll need to set your data importing manually.

Method 3. Dataloader.io

Dataloader.io is a third-party data loader app for Salesforce that lets you import and export your data in bulk.

It allows you to update, insert, export, import, upsert, and delete your Salesforce records for standard and custom objects with ease. 

In our example on importing Salesforce contacts, we’ll use the Upsert operation. That means we’ll create a new record or update an existing one. We’ll also enable email notifications so reports are automatically sent when the import is complete. 

We’ll also show how you can schedule daily imports, so your CSV file gets imported to your Salesforce account automatically.

Step 1: Select your Salesforce connection, operation, and object type

After installing and logging into Dataloader.io, select New Task, then Import.

In this example, we’ll use the default connection. Select Upsert, then search for the object type you want to import (in this case, Contacts), and click Next. 

Step 2: Choose a CSV file

Dataloader.io offers direct connectivity to File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Secure FTP, Dropbox, and Box. Select where your CSV file is stored for uploading.

You can also configure a third system, such as Database or another Salesforce instance (the server your Salesforce organization lives on), to upload the CSV file in the same location automatically.

This allows Dataloader.io to automatically import your up-to-date data from their data sources directly into Salesforce.

Step 3: Define the mapping

Dataloader.io automatically inputs your data into the matching Salesforce fields: First name, Last name, Email, and Phone.

Modify Email to map to a Contact ID and configure a Lookup via email to set the email address as a unique identifier.

Select the check box on the left side of Insert as new if no match is found and click Next. 

Step 4: Schedule importing task

Set a schedule in the Summary page so Dataloader.io automatically performs the import task into Salesforce with your defined mapping configurations daily (or hourly, weekly, monthly). 

Select bulk API for faster importing and enable the Send me the results via email option to get automatic email reports every time the task runs. You can also configure the advanced settings based on your preferences. 

Click Save and Run once you’re done. Your new records should be uploaded instantly to Salesforce and existing records should be updated.

The general steps to export data from Salesforce using Dataloader.io include creating an export task, selecting your connection and object, building your custom query, then saving and running your task. 

The tricky part is the custom query building aspect of the process since you need to understand SOQL well to review and ensure you’re asking your query properly.

The Dataloader.io data exporting feature also lets you use its SOQL Query editor to write your custom queries. 

Pros

• The app’s interface is easy to navigate and understand.
• It automatically translates the query into SOQL as you select your preferred object fields to build your query. 
• Cons

• While Dataloader.io offers essential automation features for exporting and importing, setting these up can still take up your time.
• You need to build your query when exporting, which can be complicated and confusing if you don’t know a lot about object fields and types and what they are specifically, including SOQL. 
• You can access basic Salesforce data importing and exporting features with Dataloader.io’s free version. However, you need the paid plans to get a bigger file size limit and schedule more than one task and email notifications (among others).
  

Method 4: Manual CSV Export/Import

Salesforce provides built-in CSV functionality for quick data exports and imports, perfect for one-time data transfers or small datasets.

CSV Export Process

Step 1: Navigate to the object or report

Go to any list view in Salesforce (Leads, Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities, etc.) or open a saved report containing the data you want to export.

Step 2: Export the data

For list views, click the gear icon and select “Export”. For reports, click the dropdown arrow next to “Edit” and select “Export”.

Step 3: Choose export format

Select your preferred format (CSV or Excel) and choose whether to export all records or just those currently visible.

CSV Import Process

Step 1: Prepare your CSV file

Ensure your CSV file has column headers that match Salesforce field names. Clean your data by removing duplicates and correcting formatting issues.

Step 2: Use Data Import Wizard

Navigate to Setup > Data Import Wizard and select “Launch Wizard”. Choose your object type and upload your CSV file.

Step 3: Map fields and import

Map your CSV columns to Salesforce fields, review your settings, and start the import process.

Pros

• Quick and simple for small datasets
• No third-party tools required
• Built into Salesforce natively
• Works well for one-time data transfers

Cons

• Manual process requires repetition for ongoing needs
• Limited to 50,000 records per import via Data Import Wizard
• No automation or scheduling capabilities
• Basic error handling and validation

Method 5: Salesforce API

For developers and organizations with complex integration needs, Salesforce provides comprehensive APIs for programmatic data access.

REST API

The REST API uses standard HTTP methods and supports JSON and XML data formats. It’s ideal for web applications and mobile apps.

Key capabilities:

• Create, read, update, and delete records
• Execute SOQL queries
• Access metadata
• Perform bulk operations

Bulk API

The Bulk API is designed for large data sets and long-running operations. It processes data asynchronously in batches.

Key capabilities:

• Handle millions of records
• Asynchronous processing
• CSV and JSON support
• Insert, update, upsert, and delete operations

SOAP API

The SOAP API provides programmatic access to Salesforce functionality using standard SOAP protocols.

Key capabilities:

• Strongly typed
• Extensive metadata support
• Transaction control
• Client library support

Pros

• Maximum flexibility and customization
• Can handle very large datasets
• Integrates with existing systems
• Full programmatic control
• Supports real-time and batch processing

Cons

• Requires development expertise
• Complex setup and maintenance
• API limits based on Salesforce edition
• Ongoing management and monitoring needed

How to bulk update records in Salesforce?

Salesforce offers a Writeback Object node feature to update, create, or upsert your Salesforce org records with transformed data.

Salesforce lets you create a maximum of five Writeback Object nodes within a Data Processing Engine definition. This allows you to write back your transformed data to custom or standard objects, updating them in bulk. There are a few tools out there that can help with writing back to Salesforce, however, Coefficient takes the cake with its writeback feature for Salesforce. 

Open your Spreadsheet file, and from the Coefficient window, select Push to Salesforce, select your preferred action, and you can update bulk Salesforce from Google Sheets quickly and easily.

This is a huge time- and energy-saver since it only takes a few clicks (and seconds) to do bulk Salesforce record updating. 

Conclusion

We hope you feel enabled to choose the best-suited Salesforce export and import option to leverage the right tools for your organization that automate and streamline data handling, sharing, and analysis.

The more efficiently you can move and sync your data, the better its quality. This can help revolutionize your company’s Salesforce adoption, boosting your ability to generate accurate dashboards and reports.

Ultimately, seamless Salesforce data importing and exporting amplifies your data flow, allowing you to derive insights effectively and efficiently.

Try Coefficient for free today!