How to Build Audience Segments
Sending the right message to the right people dramatically improves email performance. Segments let you target specific groups within your contact list.
Build targeted segments with flexible filter criteria
What you'll learn
• Creating static and dynamic segments
• Common segmentation strategies
• Using segments in campaigns
Why Segment?
Segmented emails perform better:
• Higher open rates - Relevant subject lines
• Better click rates - Targeted content
• More conversions - Right ask to right person
• Fewer unsubscribes - Less email fatigue
Creating a Segment
Open Segment Builder
Go to Outreach → Segments and click Create Segment.
Name Your Segment
Use descriptive names: "Donors Over $100", "Event Attendees 2024", "Supporters in District 5".
Choose Segment Type
• Dynamic - Auto-updates as contacts match/unmatch criteria
• Static - Fixed list of contacts
Build Criteria
Add filters to define who's included:
• Support Level - ID'd supporters, undecideds
• Tags - Volunteer, donor, event attendee
• Location - City, zip, precinct
• Activity - Opened recent emails, clicked links
• Donations - Amount, recency, frequency
Preview and Save
Review the contact count and sample members, then save your segment.
Preview your segment to verify the right contacts are included
AND vs OR Logic
Combine multiple criteria with AND (must match all) or OR (match any). Build complex segments with groups.
Common Segment Strategies
By Engagement
• Highly engaged - Opened 3+ emails in last 30 days
• Lapsed - No opens in 90+ days
• New subscribers - Added in last 7 days
By Support Level
• Strong supporters - ID level 5
• Persuadables - ID level 3
• Not yet ID'd - No support level recorded
By Donor Status
• Major donors - Gave $500+
• Recurring donors - Active monthly gifts
• Lapsed donors - Gave before but not recently
• Never donated - Prospects
By Location
• In-district - Voters in your district
• Key precincts - High-priority areas
• Event-specific - Near event location
Using Segments
Apply segments when:
• Selecting email campaign recipients
• Building text campaign lists
• Creating targeted exports
• Analyzing performance by group
Keep Segments Updated
Review segment criteria regularly. As your campaign evolves, your segments should too.
Manage all your saved segments from one central view
Next Steps
• How to Send an Email Campaign
• Setting Up Automation Workflows
• Viewing Outreach Analytics