Create or update a segment by importing a CSV file

A segment is a group of people who share common interests.

You can create a new segment, update an existing segment, or both. To create a segment, you can use the following methods:

You can generate a CSV file from applications such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apache OpenOffice Calc.

You can add tags to identify the interests of the people in the list and make them easier to find in the future. The system adds these tags to individual records in the segment.

If you import a contact with the same email address as an existing contact record, the system updates the existing record. The system doesn't create a duplicate record.

Important

You must choose whether to use the double opt-in feature before you create your first segment because Promote permanently saves the setting when you create your first segment. You can’t change it later. For more information, see Configure double opt-in.

Guidelines

Your CSV file must meet the following guidelines:

  • The first row must include these column headings:
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Email Address
  • The column headings can be in any order.
  • In the column headings, the word name is optional.
  • The column headings are not case-sensitive.
  • The maximum file size is 20,000 rows.

The following image illustrates the sample data file.

CSV file format

Subscription status

To set the subscription status, do the following:

To set a person’s status to Enter this in the Subscribed column
Subscribed Yes, X, or Subscribed.
Not subscribed No, or Not subscribed. You can also leave it blank.
Unsubscribed Unsubscribed.

If double opt-in is enabled, Promote sends an opt-in confirmation email to anyone you import who isn’t subscribed.

To view a person’s subscription status, see Search for a person.

To create or update a segment

  1. On the Audience page, select Import CSV of People.

    2. The New List of People page opens.

  2. Do one of the following:

    3. If you want to Do this
    Create a new segment
    1. Select Create a new segment.
    2. Enter a name for the segment.
    Update an existing segment
    1. Select Update an existing segment.
    2. Enter the name of the segment you want to update.

      3. As you type, the system searches for the closest match.

    3. Select the segment that you want to update.
    Create a new segment and update an existing segment
    1. Select Create a new segment & update an existing one.
    2. Enter a name for the new segment.
    3. Enter the name of the segment you want to update.

      4. As you type, the system searches for the closest match.

    4. Select the segment that you want to update.

  3. Select Next: Add Tags.
  4. Do one or both of the following:
    • Type to search for an existing tag or to create a new tag, and then press Enter to select it.
    • Select from the list of popular tags.

    If you add a tag and later decide you don't want to use it, select the X next to the name of the tag.

  5. Select Next: Import CSV File.
  6. Before you continue, select Download this sample file and confirm that your CSV file is properly formatted.
  7. Do the following:
    1. Select Browse Files.
    2. Find and select the CSV file that you want to import.
    3. Select Open.
  8. Select Next: Import CSV File.

    9. The system displays the first row of the CSV file.

  9. Verify that the data is formatted correctly.
  10. Do one of the following:
    • If the format is correct, select Confirm Import.
    • If the format is not correct, make the necessary changes to the CSV file and select Re-upload the CSV.
  11. To return to the Audience page, select Return to Audience Home.

See also