How to Build a Database from Scratch

A guide to creating a Database from scratch

Updated over a week ago

While a readily available data file can save you time during set-up, there are workflows that you can use Ecanvasser without an existing database if you build it from scratch.

WORKFLOW 1

Database building with Pin Drop

Our user-friendly Pin Drop feature allows you to easily add new locations to your database by simply dropping a pin on the map. One of the best things about Pin Drop is that you can work with something other than existing databases or import Excel files.

This means you can start building your database from scratch without worrying about pre-existing data. Pin Drop is versatile and can help a new campaign or update an existing database. The feature allows you to easily create a new database tailored to your specific needs without relying on pre-existing data or spending hours importing from Excel files. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to update your current database, Pin Drop makes it simple and efficient.

Real-Life Use Case: Building a Reliable Database with Pin Drop When Voter Files Are Unavailable

An example of how Pin Drop can be used is when a voter file is not accessible. The campaign manager can send out teams to different regions, where they can go door-to-door and capture addresses to build a reliable database.

Additionally, the campaign manager can prepare a survey and add custom fields for issues that contacts are interested in. If someone is interested in speaking with the organizer and allows personal data such as email address and phone number to be captured, the organizer can also save the additional information.

After syncing, the data is available on the map on the central dashboard.

For a second GOTV campaign a few months later, they can use the created database to cut turfs and send teams to the previously collected houses.

By tracking and recording interactions with contacts, you can ensure the team is always up-to-date and on the same page. With Pin Drop, you'll be able to build a comprehensive, accurate database in no time, making your field canvassing efforts more efficient and effective than ever.


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WORKFLOW 2

Using "Ecanvasser Go" to build a database from scratch

Using the Ecanvasser Go mobile app during an outreach allows your organizers to collect the contact details of every contact they engage with it.

Step 1: During the outreach choose the relevant fields of the Ecanvasser Go app to save the information of the engagement.

In "Contact" you can store the contact information:

Step 2: Fill in the contact details.

WORKFLOW 3

Using Ecanvasser to upload placeholder contacts to replace them later

Step 1: Open up a blank spreadsheet, and create the following:

Step 2: By selecting all the cells in Row 2, and then the bottom right-hand corner of cell F2, we can drag down the length of the document and it will auto-populate data (including increasing the House Numbers by one for each row).

Step 3: During your outreach, in order to ensure your database is entirely accurate, there are a few steps you can take:

  • If you encounter inaccurate information, for example, number 5A and 5B; you can always modify the first 5 to become 5A, and create a new House 5B right from within your app, in seconds

  • When you finish a street, take note of how many houses there were, and delete the extra ones from the dashboard back at HQ

  • Check n advance, using Google Maps to see what number the last house on the street is, and just create the exact amount

Using the straightforward steps above, you can use a spreadsheet and Ecanvasser to build your database, simply with an extra minute or two of preparation before your outreach. ย 

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to us at support@ecanvasser.com

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