Managing Text Lists

Text lists let you organize contacts for targeted SMS campaigns. Create lists based on voter attributes, tags, or custom criteria to send the right message to the right people.

The Text List Manager with saved targeting lists

What you'll learn

• Creating static and dynamic lists

• Building targeting criteria

• Managing list membership

Types of Text Lists

Static Lists

Fixed membership - contacts are manually added or imported:

• Specific event attendees

• Imported phone numbers

• Hand-picked contacts

Dynamic Lists

Auto-updating based on criteria:

• All supporters (ID level 4-5)

• Contacts in specific precincts

• Tagged as volunteer

As contacts match or no longer match criteria, they're automatically added or removed.

Creating a List

Open List Manager

Go to Text Bank → Lists and click Create List.

Name Your List

Use a clear name that describes the audience: "GOTV - Supporters", "Event RSVPs - Rally", "Volunteer Prospects".

Choose List Type

Select Static or Dynamic based on your needs.

Build Criteria (Dynamic Lists)

For dynamic lists, set the filters:

• Support Level - 1-5 ID scale

• Tags - Any applied tags

• Location - Precinct, zip, city, turf

• Contact History - Texted, called, canvassed

• Attributes - Party, vote history, age

Review and Save

Preview the list size and sample contacts. Click Save List when ready.

Build dynamic lists with powerful targeting criteria

Start Specific

It's better to have multiple specific lists than one giant list. Targeted messages perform better.

Managing List Membership

Adding Contacts (Static Lists)

• Manual Add - Search and add individuals

• Bulk Import - Upload a CSV of phone numbers

• Copy from Another List - Duplicate membership

Removing Contacts

• Select contacts and click Remove from List

• Bulk remove by filter

Suppressing Contacts

Create suppression lists to exclude certain contacts from campaigns (e.g., staff members, problem contacts).

Using Lists in Campaigns

When creating an SMS campaign:

• Select "Use Existing List" as your audience

• Choose from your saved lists

• Optionally apply additional filters

List Hygiene

Keep your lists healthy:

• Remove invalid numbers - After campaigns, check for failures

• Honor opt-outs - Automatically managed by Pulsar

• Archive old lists - Keep your list view clean

• Review dynamic criteria - Ensure lists stay relevant

Opt-Out Compliance

Pulsar automatically excludes opted-out contacts from all lists. You cannot manually add someone who has opted out.

Keep your lists healthy with hygiene monitoring and cleanup tools

Next Steps

• How to Create an SMS Campaign

• Understanding SMS Compliance

• Using Tags for Contact Organization