This guide explains how to import customers from Google Sheets into Katana using Zapier.
You can use this workflow for both:
Continuous import: automatically add new customers as rows are added to the sheet.
One-time import: bulk upload customers by setting up a Zap with an example row first, then adding the rest.
For more details on Zapier in general, see our Zapier integration overview
Before you start: one-time vs. continuous imports
One-time import:
Add one example row to the sheet before creating your Zap.
Set up the Zap using this row.
After turning on the Zap, copy the rest of your customer data into the sheet.
Turn off the Zap once import is complete.
Continuous import:
Leave the Zap running.
Each time a new row is added to the sheet, a new customer will be imported into Katana.
Setting up the zap
Tip: Save time by using pre-made templates:
Step 1: Create a new Zap
Log in to your Zapier account.
Click Create Zap and give it a name.
Step 2: Set up the trigger (Google Sheets)
Select Google Sheets as the app.
Choose the trigger event: New Spreadsheet Row.
This runs whenever a new row is added.
The “New or Updated Spreadsheet Row” trigger is not supported, as Katana cannot update existing customers. Editing a row will create a duplicate customer.
Connect your Google Sheets account.
Press Continue and select the spreadsheet and worksheet where customer data will be entered, and then click Continue again.
Test the trigger to confirm.
Step 3: Add an action to create or match customers (Katana)
Add a new action and select Katana.
Choose the event: Find Customer.
Prevents duplicates by checking if the customer already exists in Katana.
Connect your Katana account.
Press Continue and configure the customer search:
Search By: Email address (recommended).
Search Term: Select the Customer Email column from Google Sheets.
Enable Create Katana Customer if it doesn’t exist yet.
Map spreadsheet fields (e.g., name, email, phone, address) to Katana customer fields.
Test the action to confirm.
Step 4: Turn on the Zap
Once tested, turn on your Zap by clicking Publish in the top right. Customers from new spreadsheet rows will now be added to Katana automatically.
For a one-time import, add the rest of your customer rows after turning on the Zap, then turn it off once done.
Important: This setup only detects new rows added at the bottom of the sheet. Rows added in between existing data or edited later will not trigger imports.
Use this template if you want updated rows to trigger imports.
Limitations & notes
Updates not supported: Zapier cannot update existing customers in Katana — only create new ones.
Row handling: Only new rows appended at the bottom are imported. Inserted or edited rows will not be processed.
Data accuracy: Enter complete and correct customer information before importing. Incomplete or incorrect rows may cause errors.
Workflow summary
Add a new row to Google Sheets with customer data.
Zapier checks if the customer already exists in Katana (via email).
If found → existing customer is used. If not found → a new customer is created in Katana.
You can now continuously or one-time import customers from Google Sheets into Katana.
Your feedback is invaluable. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything in Katana you'd like to see improved: [email protected]