Google Drive Data Source

Propel can automatically import and sync your property listings from Google Sheets stored in Google Drive. Once connected, Propel automatically extracts property information, keeps it up to date, and uses it to provide accurate responses to prospects.

Overview

Google Drive data sources allow you to:

• Import property listings from Google Sheets automatically
• Keep listings synchronized with your Google Sheets files
• Extract property details including addresses, pricing, availability, amenities, and more
• Support multiple worksheets from a single spreadsheet
• Map custom fields to match your spreadsheet structure
• Enable auto-sync to keep data current automatically

Works for All Use Cases:

• Property Management: Import rental listings with availability, pricing, and amenities
• Real Estate: Import properties for sale with listing details, pricing, and features
• Short-Term Rentals: Import rental properties with calendar availability and pricing
• Commercial Real Estate: Import commercial properties with complex details and specifications

Prerequisites

Before connecting a Google Drive data source, you need:

1. Google account connected: Your Google account must be connected to Propel
   • See Google Platform Integration for setup instructions
2. Google Sheets file: A Google Sheets spreadsheet with your property listings
3. Proper format: Spreadsheet should have headers in the first row and property data in subsequent rows
4. File access: The Google Sheets file must be accessible to the Google account connected to Propel

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Navigate to Data Sources

1. Log in to your Propel account
2. Select your organization from the dashboard
3. Go to Settings > Data Sources

You'll see a list of connected data sources (if any) and an option to add a new one.

Step 2: Add a New Data Source

1. Click "Add Data Source" or "Connect Data Source"
2. Select Google Drive as your cloud storage provider
3. If you have multiple Google accounts connected, select the account that has access to your property spreadsheet

Step 3: Browse and Select Your Google Sheets File

1. Browse your files - Propel will show Google Sheets files from your selected Google Drive account
2. Search for your file - Use the search bar to find your property spreadsheet
3. Select the file - Click on the Google Sheets file you want to connect
4. Confirm selection - Review the file name and click to proceed

Supported File Types:

• Google Sheets (.gsheet) files stored in Google Drive

Step 4: Configure Your Data Source

After selecting your file, you'll configure how Propel reads it:

1. File Name: Review the file name (you can rename it in Propel for easier identification)
2. Header Row: Specify which row contains your column headers (usually row 1)
3. Worksheets: Select which worksheets to import (if your spreadsheet has multiple sheets)
4. Save Configuration: Click to save and proceed to field mapping

Step 5: Map Your Fields

Propel needs to understand which columns in your spreadsheet correspond to property fields:

1. Review Detected Columns: Propel will show all columns from your spreadsheet
2. Map Standard Fields: Map columns to standard Propel fields like:
   • Address
   • Property Name
   • Price/Rent
   • Bedrooms
   • Bathrooms
   • Square Footage
   • Availability Date
   • Amenities
   • Description
3. Map Custom Fields: If you have custom columns, you can map them to custom fields
4. Preview Data: Review a preview of how your data will be imported
5. Save Mappings: Click to save your field mappings

Step 6: Enable Auto-Sync (Optional)

After mapping fields, you can enable automatic synchronization:

1. Enable Auto-Sync: Toggle auto-sync on to keep your listings updated automatically
2. Sync Frequency: Auto-sync runs periodically to check for changes in your Google Sheets file
3. Manual Sync: You can also sync manually at any time from the Data Sources page

Step 7: Review Imported Listings

After configuration, Propel will import your listings:

1. Go to Listings: Navigate to Listings in Propel
2. Review Imported Properties: Check that all properties were imported correctly
3. Verify Data: Ensure property details, pricing, and availability are accurate
4. Make Adjustments: Edit any listings that need corrections

How Auto-Sync Works

Auto-sync keeps your property listings up to date automatically by periodically checking your Google Sheets file for changes.

1. Periodic Checks: Propel checks your Google Sheets file for changes on a regular schedule
2. Change Detection: Detects new properties, updated information, and removed properties
3. Automatic Updates: Updates your listings in Propel automatically
4. Sync History: Tracks sync history so you can see when data was last updated

Managing Your Google Drive Data Source

Viewing Connected Data Sources

1. Go to Settings > Data Sources: See all connected data sources
2. View Details: See file name, provider, last sync time, and status
3. Edit Configuration: Update field mappings or settings
4. Sync Status: Check if auto-sync is enabled and when last sync occurred

Editing Data Source Configuration

You can update your data source configuration:

1. Select Data Source: Click on the data source you want to edit
2. Update Mappings: Change field mappings if your spreadsheet structure changed
3. Enable/Disable Worksheets: Add or remove worksheets from import
4. Update Settings: Change auto-sync settings or other options
5. Save Changes: Save your updated configuration

Manual Sync

You can sync manually at any time:

1. Go to Data Sources: Navigate to Settings > Data Sources
2. Select Data Source: Click on the data source you want to sync
3. Click Sync: Click the "Sync Now" button
4. Wait for Completion: Propel will sync your data and show a completion message

Disconnecting a Data Source

To disconnect a Google Drive data source:

1. Go to Settings > Data Sources: Navigate to your data sources
2. Select Data Source: Click on the data source you want to disconnect
3. Disconnect: Click "Disconnect" or "Remove"
4. Confirm: Confirm that you want to disconnect

Note: Disconnecting a data source will not delete your imported listings, but it will stop automatic synchronization. You can always reconnect the data source later.

Google Sheets Format Requirements

For best results, your Google Sheets file should follow these guidelines:

Header Row

• First Row: Column headers should be in the first row
• Clear Headers: Use clear, descriptive column names
• No Merged Cells: Avoid merged cells in the header row

Data Format

• Consistent Format: Keep data formats consistent (e.g., dates, prices)
• No Empty Rows: Avoid empty rows between data
• Complete Information: Include as much property information as possible

Required Information

At minimum, your spreadsheet should include:

• Property Identifier: Address, unit number, or listing ID
• Pricing: Rent or sale price
• Basic Details: Bedrooms, bathrooms, or property type

Recommended Information

For best results, also include:

• Full Address: Street, city, state, zip code
• Availability: When the property is available
• Amenities: List of amenities
• Description: Property description
• Photos: Links to property photos

Troubleshooting

Data Source Not Connecting

If you can't connect your Google Drive data source:

Possible causes:

• Google account not connected
• File not accessible
• Permissions not granted

Solutions:

1. Verify your Google account is connected in Settings > Integrations
2. Check that you have access to the file in Google Drive
3. Ensure Propel has permission to access your files (granted during Google account connection)
4. Try re-authenticating your Google account

Listings Not Importing

If listings aren't being imported:

Possible causes:

• Field mappings incorrect
• Spreadsheet format issues
• Header row not detected

Solutions:

1. Review your field mappings to ensure columns are mapped correctly
2. Check that your header row is in the correct position
3. Verify your spreadsheet format matches requirements
4. Preview your data source to see how Propel is reading your file
5. Contact support if issues persist

Auto-Sync Not Working

If auto-sync isn't updating your listings:

Possible causes:

• Auto-sync not enabled
• Sync errors
• File access issues

Solutions:

1. Verify auto-sync is enabled for your data source
2. Check sync status and error messages
3. Try a manual sync to test connectivity
4. Verify file access permissions
5. Check that your file hasn't been moved or deleted

Best Practices

Organize Your Google Sheets File

• Clear Headers: Use descriptive column headers
• Consistent Format: Keep data formats consistent
• Complete Data: Include as much property information as possible
• Regular Updates: Keep your spreadsheet up to date

Use Standard Fields

• Map to Standard Fields: Use Propel's standard fields when possible
• Custom Fields Sparingly: Only use custom fields when necessary
• Clear Naming: Use clear, descriptive names for custom fields

Enable Auto-Sync

• Keep Data Current: Enable auto-sync to keep listings updated automatically
• Regular Manual Syncs: Perform manual syncs after major spreadsheet updates
• Monitor Sync Status: Check sync status regularly to ensure it's working

Related Documentation

• Google Platform Integration - Connecting your Google account
• Data Sources Overview - General data source information
• Managing Listings - How to manage imported listings
• OneDrive & SharePoint Data Source - If you use Microsoft instead of Google

Need Help?

If you have questions about Google Drive data sources:

• Support Email: partners@propelhq.io
• Documentation: Browse our complete documentation for more guides
• Import Issues: If you're experiencing issues importing listings, include details about your spreadsheet format and any error messages when contacting support