How do segments work after switching to single list
When you go through the steps of the Contact Converter, your lists will be converted to segments. These segments are created on the basis of a source. Every list you want to keep is given the list name as its source. When you want to add a contact to this segment, you will have to see to it that this contact also has this source. Read here how to do that exactly.
How do you work with segments?
A segment should actually be seen as a filter. Your target group (or the contacts you want to send a campaign to) must meet the conditions of that filter. Think for example of recipients with a common language, interest or purchased product.
In Flexmail you can build segments based on different types of conditions: your contact fields, opt-in forms, campaigns, preferences and interest labels.
Why is this so important?
With several mailing lists, there is no connection between the contacts in those lists. That is, a contact can appear multiple times, with different (outdated or contradictory) data. But it only becomes problematic when someone unsubscribes. Where does that data need to be cleaned up?
By working with unique contacts in one database, your info will always be up to date. By means of segments you compose different target groups. If contacts in that target group need to be added, they simply have to meet the conditions of your segment (or filter). Fast, easy and much less chance of mistakes.
What are the biggest differences between working with lists and working with segments?
We've compiled them for you below.
| |
Lists | Segments |
| Add contacts | Contacts are added directly to a specific list. So when you want to add a contact to multiple lists, you are also going to have to do multiple imports for each list that the contact should be in. | Contacts are added to the database. So when you want to add a contact to multiple segments, you can do this through 1 single import. You just have to make sure that the contact has the right data so that it meets all the conditions of the desired segments. |
| Edit contacts | Updating contacts must be done separately in multiple lists since contacts are stored per list. | Updating contacts can be done in 1 go by making the adjustment in the database. The data of the contacts is updated in all segments so that you are fully GDPR proof and it is a huge time saver. |
| Correct contact data | Because adding or updating contacts has to be done separately per list, the data of a contact can differ per list. When a contact asks what data is kept on him, you might not be able to answer correctly. | Contact data is stored in the database and is the same in every segment. When a contact asks what data is stored, you are always going to be able to find it quickly and easily in the database. |
| Import errors | Via importing into multiple lists, you're going to be able to reimport incorrect and/or invalid data each time. This can lead to problems when sending your campaigns. | Errors are detected during import. You receive an overview of these and an email. In this email all important numbers, errors and warnings are listed again, which you can adjust if necessary. |
How am I supposed to do this?
- Import a new target group
Importing your list. Existing target group? Make sure the data matches. New target group? Create a new segment based on a common character. This could be a source, interest or contact field. So this implies that you are importing more data than just an email address.
- Delete contacts from the target group
Since all data is stored in a single database, it will not be possible to simply remove a contact from the segment. You must ensure that the contact no longer meets the conditions of that segment.
- Send a campaign
Exactly the same thing as before. You just select a segment instead of a mailing list.
- Edit the details of a contact
Super easy. You only need to do this once via a new import or by manually modifying the contact information in the detail page of that specific contact.
Can I try this?
If you have not yet gone through the steps of the Contact Converter, you can try creating a segment under an existing list. This will already give you an idea how to create segments and what possibilities there are. We realise that this is an adjustment for you as a customer, but it will improve your contact management. A good preparation will certainly prove to be a good help.
Are you still a little bit uneasy about it? You can create an export of all your lists, so you always have a back-up.