Segment the list
Group subscribers by behavior, tags, or attributes for targeted sends.
Segment the list Tutorials


















Segment the list Tools
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Segment the list Industries
What is List Segmentation?
Segmenting a list means dividing your broader subscriber base into smaller groups based on shared characteristics. Unlike a static list, a segment acts as a dynamic filter that automatically updates as subscribers meet or lose specific criteria. You would use this to avoid sending generic 'blasts' and instead deliver personalized content that improves open rates and conversions.
The General Segmentation Workflow
To segment your audience effectively, follow these tool-agnostic steps:
- Define Your Logic: Decide if you are grouping by demographics (location, job title) or behavior (opened an email, viewed a product).
- Set Conditions: Use 'AND' logic to narrow your group (e.g., 'In the USA' AND 'Opened in last 30 days') or 'OR' logic to broaden it.
- Filter for Deliverability: Always include a condition for 'can receive email marketing' to exclude suppressed profiles.
- Name and Process: Give the segment a descriptive name. Note that large segments may take time to process and will show a 'Queued' status initially.
Best Tools for List Segmentation
Based on our first-party demo data, these tools are most frequently used for advanced segmentation:
- Klaviyo (9 demos): The most demonstrated tool, specifically for its ability to track 'What someone has done' (like website activity) versus just email opens.
- Brevo (5 demos): Frequently used for its dynamic group updates and straightforward condition builders.
- Kit (3 demos): Often demonstrated for tag-based segmentation, such as grouping 'webinar attendees' or 'beginner designers'.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Real-world tutorials highlight several critical caveats. First, avoid redundancy; if you are tracking 'Active on Site,' you don't need to add 'Viewed Product' as a separate metric. Second, be careful with date math; most platforms use UTC time for segment rules.
A common mistake is using 'AND' when you mean 'OR' for engagement metrics, which incorrectly restricts the segment to only people who performed every single action. To maintain high deliverability, experts recommend an 'Engaged 90-day' segment to keep open rates above 50%. Refer to the demo clips on this page to see these filters in action.
Frequently asked questions
What is a segmented list?
A segmented list is a targeted group of subscribers carved out from a larger database based on specific traits like purchase history, location, or engagement. It allows you to send more relevant content to specific portions of your audience.
What is the difference between a segment and a list?
A list is typically static or grows only when people are manually added, while a segment is dynamic. Segments use 'smart filters' to automatically add or remove contacts as their behavior or attributes change in real-time.
How do I segment an email list for higher conversions?
Focus on behavioral data such as 'Active on Site' or 'Placed Order' rather than just email opens. Our data suggests using an 'Engaged 90-day' segment to target your most active users and maintain high deliverability.
What are some segment the list examples?
Common examples include 'VIP Customers' (those who have placed more than 3 orders), 'Inactive Subscribers' (those who haven't opened an email in 6 months), or 'Recent Browsers' (those who viewed a product but didn't checkout).
How do I create segments in HubSpot or Klaviyo?
In most platforms, you navigate to the 'Lists & Segments' area, select 'Create Segment,' and define rules using 'AND/OR' logic. For example, you might set a rule where 'Tag contains Webinar' to group specific event attendees.
What is a static segment?
A static segment (often called a static list) is a snapshot of contacts at a specific point in time. It does not update automatically when user behavior changes, making it better for one-off manual campaigns.
Why is my segment queued for processing?
Large segments or complex filters require significant computing power to calculate. In tools like Klaviyo, you can leave the page while this happens in the background; the segment will populate once the processing is complete.


