# Get a clean, import-ready contact list from a messy one

> It leaves your original file alone and lists every row it changed or wasn't sure about.

Upload a contact or client list with duplicates, odd capitals and mixed formats. AI returns a clean copy with one format per column, duplicates merged, and a note on every change it made.

- Page: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/clean-messy-contact-list/
- Category: Put your business on autopilot
- Made for: Small business owners, Coaches, Creators, Everyone
- Works in: ChatGPT, Claude
- Time: About 5 minutes
- Effort: Just copy and paste
- Note: Remove details you don't need, like private notes about clients, before you upload the file.

## The prompt

Fill in the parts in [square brackets], or leave them and the AI will ask you for them.

```text
Attached is my [LIST TYPE, e.g. client contact list]. Don't change the original. Make a cleaned copy as a CSV with these rules:

- Split full names into first and last name columns, with normal capitalization.
- Trim extra spaces and fix obvious typos in email domains, like 'gmial.com'.
- Put phone numbers in one format: [PHONE FORMAT, e.g. (555) 123-4567].
- Use one date format: [DATE FORMAT, e.g. YYYY-MM-DD].
- Merge duplicates that share an email address, keeping the most complete details.
- Leave blank cells blank. Never invent missing data.
- Keep a column with the original row number.

Then give me a short data-quality note: how many rows you changed, merged or removed, and a list of rows you weren't confident about, so I can check them myself.
```

## Step by step

1. Export your list as a CSV or spreadsheet from your email tool, CRM or phone.
2. Drag the file into ChatGPT or Claude and paste the prompt.
3. Download the cleaned copy and skim the rows it flags as unsure.
4. Import the clean file back into your tool.

## What you'll get

A clean, import-ready copy of your list, plus a short note on what changed and which rows need a human look.

## Good to know

**Which AI tools does this work in?** It works in ChatGPT and Claude. On this page, ChatGPT and Claude open with your prompt already typed in. Remove details you don't need, like private notes about clients, before you upload the file.

**How long does it take?** About 5 minutes. It's rated "Just copy and paste". There are 4 steps, listed above.

**What do I need before I start?** Just your details for 3 blanks: list type, phone format and date format. You can skip any, and your AI will ask for them.

**What will I get back?** A clean, import-ready copy of your list, plus a short note on what changed and which rows need a human look.

Idea spotted on the official docs, shared by OpenAI: https://learn.chatgpt.com/codex/use-cases/clean-messy-data. The prompt is The Solo Creators' own version.

## Go further

Ready-made skills in the Solo Creators AI Studio (https://thesolocreators.com/studio/) that fit this: Second Brain (Give your AI a memory it reads across every project, so it finally knows your business); Watch It For Me (Drop any video link and get the step-by-step playbook, the full timestamped transcript, and the best quotes. Without watching it).

From AI Use Cases and Prompts by The Solo Creators: https://thesolocreators.com/prompts/. Free to use; please link back to the page when you share it.