# Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts

> Quickly learn how to create, manage, and organize contacts within GHL Customer Care, streamlining your client management and improving your workflow efficiency.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-create-and-manage-contacts
- Section: Getting Started w/ GHL Customer Care / Foundational Setup
- Reading time: 5 min
- Images: 8, each explained below
- Modified on Mon, 17 Aug at 3:10 PM

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Creating and managing contacts in GHL Customer Care helps you keep customer information organized and up to date. This article explains what contact records are used for and walks through how to create a new contact, edit an existing contact, and delete a contact when it is no longer needed. It also answers common questions to help you manage contact records with confidence.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is Contact Management in GHL Customer Care?](#what-is-contact-management-in-ghl-customer-care)
-   [How to Create a New Contact](#how-to-create-a-new-contact)
-   [Edit Existing Contact](#edit-existing-contact)
-   [Delete an Existing Contact](#delete-an-existing-contact)
-   [More Ways to Manage Contacts](#more-ways-to-manage-contacts)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
-   [Related Articles](#related-articles)

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# **What is Contact Management in GHL Customer Care?**

Creating and managing contacts is one of the most important parts of keeping your CRM clean and useful. Adding accurate contact details, updating records when information changes, and removing contacts that are no longer needed helps your team work from reliable data.

**Note:** To customize the Contact Details page to match your preferences, see our article on [How to Customize the Contact Detail Page](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contact-details-view/how-to-customize-the-contact-detail-page).

-   **Create contacts:** Add new people or leads to your CRM so you can track and manage them in one place.
    
-   **Edit contact details:** Keep names, phone numbers, email addresses, and other information current.
    
-   **Delete outdated records:** Remove contacts that are no longer needed to keep your database organized.
    
-   **Support better workflows:** Accurate contact records help improve communication, automation, and reporting.
    

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## **How to Create a New Contact**

Creating a new contact allows you to start tracking a lead or customer inside GHL Customer Care right away. Adding complete and accurate details from the beginning makes it easier to manage conversations, follow up with contacts, and keep your CRM organized.

**Did you know?** When a Form or Survey is filled out by a new lead, a new contact is automatically created!

**Note:** The fields available when creating a contact may vary based on how the account has been configured. If you need additional fields, use the appropriate custom fields configured for your account.

1.  Navigate to **Contacts** > **Smart Lists** from the left-side menu.
    
2.  Click + **Add Contact**.
    
    
![Step 2 of 6: Click + Add Contact](https://jumpshare.com/share/4oC6X6thrMSY3rbKFCNg+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+19.19.57.png)

**Step 2 of 6: Click + Add Contact**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 6 in the "How to Create a New Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you click + Add Contact. For context, this section explains: Creating a new contact allows you to start tracking a lead or customer inside GHL Customer Care right away. Adding complete and accurate details from the beginning makes it easier to manage conversations, follow up with contacts, and keep your CRM organized. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. This part of the guide covers 5 fields, listed below. The next step is to enter the contact's details, such as.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- What to click: Click + Add Contact.
- Fields: First name, Last name, Email address, Phone number, Additional available fields as needed
- Controls: Add Contact, Contacts, Smart Lists, Customise Form, Save
- Next: Enter the contact's details, such as:

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- First name: Priya
- Last name: Raman
- Email address: priya.raman@northgatedental.com
- Phone number: +1 312 847 1928

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists from the left-side menu.
2. Click + Add Contact.  <- this image
3. Enter the contact's details, such as:
4. Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the Customise Form button.
5. Review the information for accuracy.
6. Click Save to create the contact.

    
3.  Enter the contact's details, such as:  
      
    
    1.  First name
        
    2.  Last name
        
    3.  Email address
        
    4.  Phone number
        
    5.  Additional available fields as needed
        
4.  Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the **Customise Form** button.
    
    
![Step 4 of 6: Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the…](https://jumpshare.com/share/yzJcua2kJA7ieSVMwS0f+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+19.26.59.png)

**Step 4 of 6: Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the…**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 6 in the "How to Create a New Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the Customise Form button. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. This part of the guide covers 5 fields, listed below. The next step is to review the information for accuracy.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- What to click: Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the Customise Form button.
- Fields: First name, Last name, Email address, Phone number, Additional available fields as needed
- Controls: Customise Form, Contacts, Smart Lists, Add Contact, Save
- Next: Review the information for accuracy.

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- First name: Priya
- Last name: Raman
- Email address: priya.raman@northgatedental.com
- Phone number: +1 312 847 1928

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists from the left-side menu.
2. Click + Add Contact.
3. Enter the contact's details, such as:
4. Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the Customise Form button.  <- this image
5. Review the information for accuracy.
6. Click Save to create the contact.

    
5.  Review the information for accuracy.
    
6.  Click **Save** to create the contact.
    
    
![Step 6 of 6: Click Save to create the contact](https://jumpshare.com/share/TuoaWMki9y4HwVXnGmtg+/GIF+Recording+2026-07-02+at+19.25.01.gif)

**Step 6 of 6: Click Save to create the contact**

This animation accompanies step 6 of 6 in the "How to Create a New Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you click Save to create the contact. For context, this section explains: Creating a new contact allows you to start tracking a lead or customer inside GHL Customer Care right away. Adding complete and accurate details from the beginning makes it easier to manage conversations, follow up with contacts, and keep your CRM organized. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. This part of the guide covers 5 fields, listed below.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- How to confirm: Click Save to create the contact.
- Fields: First name, Last name, Email address, Phone number, Additional available fields as needed
- Controls: Save, Contacts, Smart Lists, Add Contact, Customise Form

Example values (illustrative, not read from the screenshot):

- First name: Priya
- Last name: Raman
- Email address: priya.raman@northgatedental.com
- Phone number: +1 312 847 1928

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists from the left-side menu.
2. Click + Add Contact.
3. Enter the contact's details, such as:
4. Manage which fields appear when adding new Contact by click on the Customise Form button.
5. Review the information for accuracy.
6. Click Save to create the contact.  <- this image

    

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## **Edit Existing Contact**

Editing a contact helps ensure your records stay accurate as customer details change over time. Keeping contact information updated improves communication, reduces mistakes, and helps your team work with the most current information available.

**Tip:** Update contact information as soon as you learn about changes to help keep your CRM accurate and useful.

1.  Navigate to **Contacts > Smart Lists**.
    
2.  **Search** for or **select** the **contact** you want **to** **update**.
    
    
![Step 2 of 5: Search for or select the contact you want to update](https://jumpshare.com/share/MTFN3CVlxb8AXOYJQcgX+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+19.31.13.png)

**Step 2 of 5: Search for or select the contact you want to update**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "Edit Existing Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you search for or select the contact you want to update. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. The next step is to click on the Contact Name to open the contact record.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- What to choose: Search for or select the contact you want to update.
- Controls: Search, select, contact, to, update, Contacts > Smart Lists, Click, Contact, Name, open, record, Edit
- Next: Click on the Contact Name to open the contact record.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
2. Search for or select the contact you want to update.  <- this image
3. Click on the Contact Name to open the contact record.
4. Edit the necessary contact details.
5. Save your changes.

    
3.  **Click** on the **Contact** **Name** to **open** the **contact** **record**.
    
4.  **Edit** the necessary contact **details**.
    
5.  **Save** your changes.
    
    
![Step 5 of 5: Save your changes](https://jumpshare.com/share/57qhxLaJkno3Xhjti4qp+/GIF+Recording+2026-07-02+at+20.10.59.gif)

**Step 5 of 5: Save your changes**

This animation accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "Edit Existing Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you save your changes. For context, this section explains: Editing a contact helps ensure your records stay accurate as customer details change over time. Keeping contact information updated improves communication, reduces mistakes, and helps your team work with the most current information available. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- How to confirm: Save your changes.
- Controls: Save, Contacts > Smart Lists, Search, select, contact, to, update, Click, Contact, Name, open, record

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
2. Search for or select the contact you want to update.
3. Click on the Contact Name to open the contact record.
4. Edit the necessary contact details.
5. Save your changes.  <- this image

    

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## **Delete an Existing Contact**

Deleting a contact helps remove records that are no longer needed, which can keep your CRM cleaner and easier to manage. Before deleting a contact, it is important to confirm that the record is no longer required, because removing it can affect associated activity and follow-up processes.

**Note:** Deleted contacts can be restored **within 2 months**.

Deleting any contacts will also remove the corresponding: Conversations, Notes, Opportunities, Tasks, Appointments, Manual Actions, Community Group Owners. It will also stop any active campaigns and workflows for the contacts.

Follow these steps to delete a contact:

1.  Navigate to **Contacts** > **Smart Lists**.
    
    
![Step 1 of 3: Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists](https://jumpshare.com/share/7K1v5UZnBOpqW8fi5BQL+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+20.20.55.png)

**Step 1 of 3: Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "Delete an Existing Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists. For context, this section explains: Deleting a contact helps remove records that are no longer needed, which can keep your CRM cleaner and easier to manage. Before deleting a contact, it is important to confirm that the record is no longer required, because removing it can affect associated activity and follow-up processes. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. The next step is to select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- Where to go: Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
- Controls: Contacts, Smart Lists, within 2 months, Select, contact, checkbox, Delete, DELETE
- Next: Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.  <- this image
2. Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button
3. Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.

    
2.  **Select** the **contact** you would like to delete using the **checkbox** to the left of the name. Then click the **Delete** button
    
    
![Step 2 of 3: Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the…](https://jumpshare.com/share/PR52XjMp20Ywy5VXdqUw+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+20.23.25.png)

**Step 2 of 3: Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the…**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 3 in the "Delete an Existing Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists. The next step is to confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- What to choose: Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button
- Controls: Select, contact, checkbox, Delete, within 2 months, Contacts, Smart Lists, DELETE
- Next: Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
2. Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button  <- this image
3. Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.

    
3.  Confirm for action by typing **DELETE** in the popup window. Then click the **Delete** button.
    
    
![Step 3 of 3: Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click…](https://jumpshare.com/share/6kMSylQYqUP4qWoCNZkg+/Screen+Shot+2026-07-02+at+20.25.55.png)

**Step 3 of 3: Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click…**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Delete an Existing Contact" section of "Getting Started - Create and Manage Contacts". At this point in the walkthrough you confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button. The navigation path used here is Contacts > Smart Lists.

- Path: Contacts > Smart Lists
- How to confirm: Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.
- Controls: DELETE, Delete, within 2 months, Contacts, Smart Lists, Select, contact, checkbox

Full procedure:

1. Navigate to Contacts > Smart Lists.
2. Select the contact you would like to delete using the checkbox to the left of the name. Then click the Delete button
3. Confirm for action by typing DELETE in the popup window. Then click the Delete button.  <- this image

    

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## **More Ways to Manage Contacts**

Creating and editing individual contacts is only one part of contact management. As your contact list grows, GHL Customer Care provides additional tools to help you add contacts efficiently, organize the information you collect, manage multiple records at once, and keep your contact database clean.

| Capability | What you can do |
| --- | --- |
| **Import contacts** | Add multiple contacts at once by importing a CSV file instead of creating each contact manually. You can map your file columns to the appropriate contact fields during the import. **Refer to [Getting Started - Import Existing Contacts](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-import-existing-contacts) for step-by-step instructions.** |
| **Use custom fields** | Capture information that is specific to your business and not included in the standard contact fields, such as lead type, budget, preferences, or other details you want to track. **Learn more in [How to Use Custom Fields](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/logic-and-fulfillment/logic-and-fulfillment/how-to-use-custom-fields).** |
| **Manage contacts in bulk** | Select multiple contacts and perform actions on them together instead of updating each record individually. Bulk actions can help with tasks such as adding or removing tags, sending messages, or deleting contacts. **Refer to [Bulk Actions for Contacts & SmartLists](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/bulk-actions-for-contacts-smartlists) to explore the available bulk actions.** |
| **Manage duplicate contacts** | Keep your contact database organized by identifying records that belong to the same person and merging duplicate contacts when needed. **Learn more in [How to Manage and Merge Duplicate Contacts](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/how-to-manage-and-merge-duplicate-contacts).** |
| **Restore deleted contacts** | Recover contacts that were deleted accidentally when they are still eligible for restoration. This can also help when contacts were removed through a bulk delete action. **Refer to [Restore Deleted Contacts or Undo Bulk Deletes](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contacts/restore-deleted-contacts-or-undo-bulk-deletes) for recovery steps.** |

These capabilities help you manage contacts more efficiently as your database grows. Use the linked guides when you are ready to explore a specific task in more detail.

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Can I create more than one contact at a time?**  
For multiple contacts, importing contacts is the better option instead of creating them one by one manually.

**Q: Why do I see different fields when creating a contact?**  
The fields shown in the Add Contact form can vary based on how the account is configured, including any [**custom fields**](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/logic-and-fulfillment/logic-and-fulfillment/how-to-use-custom-fields) that have been added.

**Q: What happens when I delete a contact?**  
Deleting a contact removes the record from your CRM and may also affect associated records, campaigns, or workflows connected to that contact.

**Q: Can I restore a deleted contact?**

Deleted contacts can be restored **within** **2****months.**

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### **Related Articles**

-   [Import Contacts into GHL Customer Care](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-import-existing-contacts)
    
-   [Restore Deleted Contacts or Undo Bulk Deletes](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contacts/restore-deleted-contacts-or-undo-bulk-deletes)
    
-   [How to Create and Use Custom Fields within GHL Customer Care](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/logic-and-fulfillment/logic-and-fulfillment/how-to-use-custom-fields)
    
-   [Bulk Actions For Contacts & SmartLists](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/bulk-actions-for-contacts-smartlists)
    
-   [How to Manage and Merge Duplicate Contacts in GHL Customer Care](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/how-to-manage-and-merge-duplicate-contacts)

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com