Editing Starts with operators (section)

= How to use "Starts with" operators in ActiveCampaign segments =

== Introduction ==

The '''"Starts with"''' operators in ActiveCampaign segments are powerful tools that allow users to segment their contacts based on specific text matches at the beginning of certain fields. This feature helps marketers and businesses efficiently categorize and target their contacts based on precise criteria, enhancing their marketing strategies. Unlike the '''"contains"''' operator, the '''"starts with"''' operator focuses strictly on the beginning portion of a text field, minimizing the risk of unintended matches from different portions of that text. Understanding how to utilize these operators effectively can significantly streamline your segmentation process.

== How to Access this Feature ==

To access the '''"Starts with"''' and '''"Does not start with"''' operators, you must navigate to one of the supported segment builders within your ActiveCampaign account, such as the Advanced Search, Automations, Campaigns, or Lists. 

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

Follow these steps to create a segment using the '''"Starts with"''' operator:

# From a supported segment builder, choose a '''supported "starts with" segment condition.'''
# Once you select the condition, the '''"starts with"''' and '''"does not start with"''' operators will appear in a dropdown menu.
# Select your desired operator to define the criteria.
# Enter the text value corresponding to the condition you have chosen.
# Depending on the segment builder you are using, click '''Next''' or '''Search''' to finalize your segment.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

The '''"Starts with"''' and '''"Does not start with"''' operators can be applied to various segment conditions. Here are the options available:

=== Supports "Starts with" Operators ===

* **Custom Fields** (text input & text area field types only)
  * Custom contact fields
  * Custom account fields
  * Custom deal fields
  * Custom object fields

* **Standard Fields**
  - Contact Details: 
    * **First Name**
    * **Last Name**
    * **Full Name**
    * **Phone**
  
  - Account Details: 
    * **Account Name**

  - Deal Details: 
    * **Has deal with title**

=== Predictive Geography ===
  * **Zip Code**
  * **Area Code**

=== Site & Event Data ===
  * **Has visited url/domain**
  * **Has not visited url/domain**
  * **Was referred from url/domain**

=== Multi-Select Conditions Suppored ===
  * **Advanced Search**
  * **Automations**
  * **Campaigns**
  * **Lists**
  * **Scoring**

=== Does Not Support "Starts with" Operators ===
The following condition types do not support the '''"starts with"''' functionality:

* Non-text input or text-area field types (includes both standard & custom fields such as Date, Number, currency, checkbox, etc.)
* Complex data objects like Tags, Lists, and Campaigns.
* Other standard fields (Email, Country, etc.)

== Best Practices and Tips ==

* The '''"Starts with"''' and '''"Does not start with"''' operators are case insensitive, making them user-friendly for various datasets.
* It is recommended to use the '''"starts with"''' operator where both it and the '''"contains"''' operator could be used interchangeably, as it tends to process faster.
* There are no limits regarding the number of characters that can be used in a single '''"starts with"''' value, although the minimum character limit is one.
* Despite overall condition limits, you can use multiple '''"starts with"''' operators in a single segment without specific restrictions.

== Common Use Cases with Examples ==

Here are some practical examples of how the '''"Starts with"''' operator can be employed in segments:

* **Segmenting by Zip Code**: For instance, if you wish to segment contacts based on the Chicago area, you can use the '''"starts with"''' operator to capture zip codes starting with ''606'' to include contacts like Jane Doe (Zip code: 60602) and Martino Doe (Zip code: 60654).
* **Excluding Contacts**: Conversely, if you want to exclude contacts from the broader Chicago area, you could use the '''"does not start with"''' operator to capture zip codes not starting with ''606'', thus including contacts like Macy Doe (Zip code: 46204).

== Troubleshooting ==

If you are experiencing issues with the '''"Starts with"''' operator, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

* Ensure you have selected a supported segment builder.
* Check if the condition you are trying to apply supports the '''"starts with"''' functionality.
* Verify that the text values are entered correctly, and keep in mind that they are case insensitive.

== Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ==

=== 1. Are the "Starts with" operators case-sensitive? ===
No, the '''"Starts with"''' and '''"Does not start with"''' operators are case insensitive.

=== 2. Can I use "Starts with" operators for any field type? ===
No, they are only available for specific conditions such as text input and text area field types.

=== 3. Is there a limit to the number of "Starts with" operators I can use? ===
There is no specific limit to the number of '''"Starts with"''' operators within a single segment.

=== 4. What is the minimum character limit for a "Starts with" value? ===
The minimum character limit is one character.

=== 5. What kind of conditions support "Starts with" functionality? ===
Conditions such as custom fields, standard fields, predictive geography, and site & event data support the functionality.

=== 6. How does "Starts with" differ from "Contains"? ===
'''"Starts with"''' focuses on matching the beginning of a text field, whereas '''"Contains"''' can match any part of the text.

=== 7. What should I do if my segments are not returning expected results? ===
Ensure that you are using the correct operators and that the text criteria matches the contact fields accurately.

This comprehensive guide should help you effectively utilize the '''"Starts with"''' operators to enhance your segmenting capabilities in ActiveCampaign.
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