Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a popular protocol designed to transfer files between two remote computers safely. SFTP is the secure version of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) which allows data access and data transfer over a Secure Shell (SSH) data stream.

Birdeye uses the SFTP technology to securely transfer the customer data from the client's computer to Birdeye. Once Birdeye receives the customer data from the client, it automatically sends out review requests according to the preferences set by the client. For Birdeye server to upload the data correctly, the customer data has to be sent in a specified format by the client's internal SFTP tool.

To understand the upload process and the correct format, you can read the SFTP guidelines by clicking on the 'Settings' tab on the left navigation rail, then navigate to the 'Integrations' tab and select the 'API' option.

On the new page, find the shortened Google link with the instructions.

After you click on the shortened Google link, you will be directed to a Google document which will have instructions on the feed upload process. The primary requirement is that the data needs to be uploaded in a CSV file format and name for the file should have 'feed contacts" as its prefix. The document also specifies some sample feed names which are acceptable to use for the SFTP data transfer. You can also download the document with the instructions by clicking on this link - https://goo.gl/5VGyc8

The columns in the feed should be in the same order (A-I) as specified in the document. For Birdeye to process the information correctly, no columns should be deleted even if there is no information for the particular column. Between columns 'A' and 'H', at least one is required to be filled in. The column 'H' is mandatory which will require you to enter the Business ID associated with your Birdeye account. NOTE: The data upload will fail if the feed is not in the right format or if the Business ID mentioned is incorrect.

You can refer to this help center article to find your Birdeye account's unique business ID. Where can I find my account's unique business ID?

Open your SFTP tool, enter the Host Name: besftp.com. Also, add the username and password and upload the data in the 'www' folder. 

To get your unique 'Username' and 'Password', click on the 'Generate SFTP credentials' button on the bottom of the 'Developers' page.

You can use the unique 'Username' and 'Password' provided here to facilitate the upload process. To reveal the password, click on the 'Eye' icon. To send alerts, enter the email IDs of the users. 

If you wish to be notified whenever there is a problem with the feed file, please add your email id in the highlighted field and check the box labeled 'Do not send alerts when SFTP processing is successful'.