Editing Segments Searching "contains" (section)

== Segments - Searching "contains" ==

=== Introduction ===
The '''Searching "contains"''' feature within the '''Segments''' functionality of ActiveCampaign is a powerful tool that enables users to refine their contact segmentation based on specific text strings. This capability is particularly advantageous for businesses that need to create targeted campaigns and outreach strategies by focusing on particular segments of their audience. 

Accurate segmentation is key in improving customer engagement and campaign effectiveness. By utilizing the '''contains''' condition, users can filter contacts based on whether certain strings of text appear in specific fields, enhancing the precision of contact searches.

=== How to Access this Feature ===
To access the '''Searching "contains"''' feature, navigate to the following path within ActiveCampaign:
1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account.
2. On the main dashboard, click on the '''Contacts''' menu.
3. From the dropdown, select '''Segments'''.
4. Locate and select the relevant segment in which you wish to apply the '''contains''' condition.

=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
Here’s how to implement the '''contains''' condition in a segment:

# In the '''Segments''' section, click on '''Create a Segment''' or select an existing segment to edit.
# Within the segment conditions, you will see fields to specify your conditions.
# Choose the field you would like to filter by (e.g., email, first name, or any other text field).
# From the condition type dropdown, select '''contains'''.
# Enter the desired text string you want to search for in the selected field.
# Ensure that the text you enter has a minimum of 3 alphanumeric characters, as this is a requirement for the '''contains''' condition.
# Review the conditions set for your segment, then click on the '''Save''' button to apply the changes.

=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
The key configuration options related to the '''contains''' search are:

* '''Text String''': The specific term or phrase you want to search for within the selected field. Remember to use at least 3 alphanumeric characters to fulfill the input requirements.
* '''Segments Conditions''': You can apply a maximum of 3 conditions that utilize the '''contains''' type in a single segment. This allows for more complex filtering and targeted segments based on multiple criteria.

=== Best Practices and Tips ===
- Always ensure your search term is concise and relevant to maintain the effectiveness of your segmentation.
- Use descriptive terms that are commonly used within your data to ensure better match results when utilizing the '''contains''' filter.
- Combine the '''contains''' condition with other segment conditions to create layered and more effective customer segments.
- Regularly review and update your segments based on evolving customer data and campaign needs.

=== Common Use Cases with Examples ===
1. **Email Campaign Targeting**: If you are running a campaign focused on a specific product, you may want to filter contacts whose email contains the term related to that product, e.g., "shoes".
   
2. **Customer Feedback Analysis**: For segments targeting customers who provided feedback, you could filter reviews or comments containing specific phrases that indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

3. **Event Promotion**: If organizing an event, use the '''contains''' feature to segment contacts whose interests or past engagements contain relevant keywords, ensuring you reach those most likely to attend.

=== Troubleshooting ===
- If your search returns no results, verify that the input used contains at least 3 characters. 
- Ensure there are contacts in your database that actually meet the criteria specified in the segment.
- If you are experiencing performance issues, consider simplifying your search criteria or reducing the number of conditions to improve efficiency.

=== Related Features ===
For broader segmentation capabilities and additional functionalities, consider exploring:
* [[Contacts]]
* [[Segments]]

=== FAQ ===
'''Q1: What happens if I enter fewer than 3 characters for a contains search?'''
A1: The search will not be executed, as the '''contains''' condition requires a minimum of 3 alphanumeric characters.

'''Q2: How many conditions can I apply using contains?'''
A2: You can include a maximum of 3 '''contains''' conditions in a single segment.

'''Q3: Can I use contains with numeric values?'''
A3: No, the '''contains''' condition is specifically designed for text strings and is not applicable for numeric fields.

'''Q4: Is it possible to filter using multiple text strings?'''
A4: Yes, you can create multiple conditions using the '''contains''' filter, each checking for different strings.

'''Q5: What if my search key includes special characters?'''
A5: The tool primarily focuses on alphanumeric characters; be cautious as special characters may affect search accuracy.

'''Q6: What can I do if there are too many irrelevant results?'''
A6: Refine your conditions by adding more specific text strings or combining '''contains''' filters with other conditions.

'''Q7: Can I export my segments or filtered contacts?'''
A7: Yes, you can explore options to export selected contacts through the built-in exporting functionality in ActiveCampaign.

By utilizing the '''Segments - Searching "contains"''' feature effectively within ActiveCampaign, you can enhance your marketing strategies and ensure your outreach is both targeted and effective.
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