Get started with segments

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Get started with segments in ActiveCampaign

Introduction

In ActiveCampaign, a segment is a specific group of contacts that you can define based on a set of conditions, such as actions taken, website visits, field values, and contact tags. For instance, you can create segments based on demographic information, specific tags, or user engagement with your campaigns (like who clicked on or opened an email). This feature is essential for effective email marketing, as it enables you to create and send more personalized campaigns. By doing so, you can significantly increase revenue, drive engagement, and improve your email deliverability.

This article will guide you through the workings of segments in ActiveCampaign, how to utilize them, and the next steps to ensure you make the most of this powerful feature.

How to Access This Feature

To access the segments feature, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to Contacts in the main menu. 3. Click on Segments.

From here, you will be directed to the Segments Overview page, where you can manage your segments effectively.

Step-by-step Instructions

Creating and managing segments in ActiveCampaign is streamlined through the segment builder, which can be accessed in several areas of the platform, including:

• Segments Overview
• Advanced Search
• Within a Campaign
• As part of Scoring
• In Automation Triggers
• In Automation Actions (e.g., If/Else, Wait, Goal)

1. 1. 1. Creating a Segment

To create a segment, do the following:

1. Go to the Segments Overview page by clicking on Contacts then Segments. 2. Click on the Add New Segment button. 3. Use the segment builder to define your conditions:

  - Select a condition name (e.g., name, has tag, clicked link).
  - Choose an operator (e.g., “is”, “contains”).
  - Specify a value (e.g., free-text input or selections from a dropdown).

4. Combine multiple conditions using AND/OR logic if needed. 5. Once you have defined all conditions, click on the Save Segment button to store your new segment.

1. 1. 1. Managing Saved Segments

After creating segments, you can manage them in the Segments Overview page, where you can:

• View all created segments.
• Edit existing segments by clicking the Edit button next to the desired segment.
• Delete segments that are no longer needed by selecting the Delete option.

Additionally, you can utilize AI-suggested segments, which are automatically generated based on user behavior and patterns, indicated by a sparkle icon next to their names.

Configuration Options and Settings

When using the segments feature, you will encounter several configuration options:

• Segment Builder: The primary tool for creating segments.
• Saved Segments: Store segments for future use and quick accessibility.
• Condition Groups: Use these to group multiple conditions that follow the same logic (AND/OR).
• AI-suggested segments: Automatically generated segments to streamline your segmentation process.

It's crucial to ensure that each condition within a segment is well-defined to maintain effectiveness in targeting.

Best Practices and Tips

To effectively use segments in ActiveCampaign, consider the following best practices:

1. **Regularly Review Segments**: Keep your segments updated as your contact data evolves. 2. **Leverage AI-Suggested Segments**: Use the recommendations provided by the AI to optimize your targeting based on current trends. 3. **Test Segment Conditions**: Conduct tests on segment conditions to evaluate the engagement and conversion rates of different segments.

By adhering to these practices, you can maximize the impact of your segmented email campaigns.

Common Use Cases with Examples

Segments can serve various marketing purposes. Here are a few common use cases:

1. **Demographic Targeting**: Create a segment for a specific age group or location to tailor campaigns that resonate with that audience. 2. **Engagement-Based Segmentation**: For example, a segment can focus on contacts who clicked on a link in the last campaign, allowing for targeted follow-ups. 3. **Lifecycle Stages**: Segment contacts based on their stages in the customer journey, such as new leads or repeat customers, to customize communication.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with segments in ActiveCampaign, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Ensure that all conditions have been correctly defined, as imprecise parameters can prevent contacts from being included in segments.
• Check for any filters that may be applied that could limit the output of your segment.
• If AI-suggested segments are not appearing, verify that your account settings are correctly configured to allow for AI suggestions.

Related Features

For further optimization of your marketing efforts, explore the following related features:

• Automation: Automate your marketing campaigns based on segment conditions.
• Advanced Search: Utilize advanced search functionalities to find specific contacts based on criteria.
• Contacts: Manage your entire list of contacts, which are the foundational elements of effective segmentation.

FAQ

1. What is a segment in ActiveCampaign?

A segment is a group of contacts that meet specific conditions based on their actions, website visits, field values, or tags.

2. How do I create a segment?

You can create a segment using the segment builder found in the Segments Overview page.

3. Can I use multiple conditions in a segment?

Yes, you can combine multiple conditions using AND/OR logic to refine your segments.

4. What are AI-suggested segments?

AI-suggested segments are automatically generated segments based on user activity and industry trends.

5. Where can I find my saved segments?

Saved segments can be managed from the Segments Overview page in your account.

6. How do I convert legacy list segments?

Follow instructions provided in the ActiveCampaign documentation to convert legacy list segments to the updated segments experience.

7. Can I edit a saved segment?

Yes, you can edit saved segments directly from the Segments Overview page by selecting the specific segment you wish to modify and clicking the Edit button.

By following this guide, you should now have a comprehensive understanding of how to get started with segments in ActiveCampaign. ```