Lists and Segments Explained
What Are Lists and Segments?
Lists and segments are the two primary ways to organize and select audiences for campaigns. Both represent groups of profiles that can be targeted when selecting recipients.
However, lists and segments differ in how profiles are added and how membership changes over time.
[Insert Screenshot: Send to dropdown showing lists and segments]
Lists
A List is a static group of profiles.
Profiles are added to a list manually, through imports, or through signup sources. Once a profile is added, it remains in the list until it is removed.
Lists are commonly used for audiences such as:
- newsletter subscribers
- imported contact groups
- event registrations
- internal test audiences
Because lists are static, their membership does not automatically change.
Creating a list
Lists can be created from the audience management area.
To create a list:
- Navigate to the Lists section.
- Click Create list.
- Enter a name for the list.
- Save the list and begin adding profiles.
Profiles can then be added manually, imported, or added through signup forms.
[Insert Screenshot: Create list interface]
Segments
A Segment is a dynamic group of profiles defined by rules or conditions.
Instead of manually adding profiles, EVA automatically includes profiles that match the defined criteria.
Segments update automatically as profile data changes.
Segments are commonly used for audiences such as:
- customers who purchased recently
- profiles who have not engaged with messages for a period of time
- users with specific behavioral or profile attributes
Because segments are dynamic, the number of profiles in a segment can change as profiles enter or leave the defined conditions.
Creating a segment
Segments are created using filtering conditions.
To create a segment:
- Navigate to the Segments section.
- Click Create segment.
- Define the conditions that profiles must meet.
- Save the segment.
EVA automatically updates the segment membership whenever profile data changes.
[Insert Screenshot: Segment rule builder]
Key Difference
The main difference between lists and segments is how membership is maintained.
Lists
Membership is manually controlled and remains fixed until profiles are added or removed.
Segments
Membership is automatically updated based on defined conditions.
Why This Matters for Campaigns
Choosing the correct audience type helps ensure campaigns reach the intended recipients.
Lists are useful when the audience is fixed and intentionally maintained.
Segments are useful when the audience should automatically update based on behavior or profile attributes.