Segments vs. Tags

Segments vs. Tags

In Delivra, both tags and segments help you organize and target your audience, but they serve different purposes and function differently:

  • Tags are static: A tag is a fixed list of contacts manually assigned through import, workflow updates, or individual assignment. Once added to a tag, contacts stay there unless manually removed or if a temporary tag expires.

  • Segments are dynamic: Segments automatically update based on rules you set around contact data, behaviors, or engagement. If a contact’s information changes to meet or no longer meet segment criteria, they are automatically added or removed from the segment.

Both tags and segments are accessible and manageable from the Contacts dashboard.

How-To

Create a Segment

Segments are dynamic groups built using common rules or conditions. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Contacts dashboard.
  2. Click Segments from the left menu.
  3. Click the Create Email Segment button.
  4. In the pop-up, select your segment type (e.g., Regular, Triggered).
  5. Enter a name and optional description.
  6. Open the Select field drop-down menu to start building your rules.
  7. Choose a clause type (e.g., Contact Fields for demographics, Actions for behavior).
  8. Set an operator (e.g., equals, contains) and input the value that defines your rule.
Segments automatically update as contact data changes, ensuring your targeting stays fresh without manual effort.

Create a Tag

Permanent Tags

Permanent tags are static and best used for long-term groupings like VIP lists, loyalty groups, or internal testing groups. Here's how to create one:

  1. Go to the Contacts dashboard.
  2. Select Tags from the left-hand menu.
  3. Click the Create Tag button.
  4. Enter a name and optional description.
  5. Click Save.

You can also assign a tag during a CSV import. In the final import step, check the box next to the tag you want to apply to the imported contacts.

Temporary Tags

Temporary tags are designed for short-term use. They automatically expire 30 days after the last time they are used in a campaign. These are perfect for:

  • Event promotions
  • Limited-time offers
  • Single-use newsletter sends

Temporary tags can only be created during a CSV import:

  • On the final import step, check Create New Tag.
  • Enter a name and set Tag Expires to Yes.

Key Differences Between Segments and Tags

Feature
Segment (Dynamic)
Tag (Static)
Updates automatically?
Yes, based on changing data
No, manual updates only
Based on behaviors or data?
Yes, rules include demographics, behavior
No, fixed list of contacts
Use in workflows?
Can trigger automations based on criteria
Can add or remove via workflows
Best for
Ongoing targeting and lifecycle management
Special groups or one-time sends
Expires automatically?
No
Only temporary tags expire after 30 days

Practical Use Cases

When to Use Segments

  • Welcome Campaigns: Automatically enroll new contacts who meet sign-up criteria.
  • Re-engagement Campaigns: Target contacts whose Engagement Scores drop below a threshold.
  • Regional Promotions: Build segments based on geographic fields like State or Zip code.
  • Behavior-Based Offers: Create segments for contacts who clicked specific links or viewed certain web pages.

When to Use Tags

  • Event Attendees: Import a static list of registered participants for event reminders.
  • Limited Promotions: Group contacts who opted in to a one-time promotion.
  • Internal Test Lists: Create a tag for internal staff for test sends and previews.
  • Loyalty Programs: Maintain a permanent tag of high-value customers for ongoing rewards communication.

Notes

  • Automation workflows can update both segments and tags:

    • Use Update Contact Field to change data that feeds into segment rules.
    • Use Update Tag to add or remove contacts from specific tags automatically.

  • Proper management of tags and segments will keep your database clean, efficient, and ready for precision marketing.

Additional Resources

Want to dig deeper? Visit our e-Learning hub for training modules covering tags, segments, and other Delivra features.

If you have questions about organizing contacts with tags or segments, email our Support team at support@delivra.com and we’ll be happy to assist!

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