Importing segments allows you to bring people from your Email Service Provider (ESP) or secure FTP server into a segment.
A use case for this is importing marketing newsletter subscribers to prevent them from seeing content like Data Capture SmartBlocks on your website.
1. Create an import channel
Before creating an import segment, you must set up an import channel that connects to a supported ESP or secure FTP server where the data is stored. To create an import channel:
Expand the User menu, then go to Settings > Imports > Person Import Channels.
Under Set up a new channel, expand the Choose Import Source drop-down menu, and choose the import source you want to use.
Select CREATE IMPORT CHANNEL.
On the next page, specify the settings for the import channel. The settings vary depending on the channel type (FTP or ESP), here’s a guide to help you.
Channel Type | Setting | Description |
FTP | Hostname | The server address where the data is stored. |
FTP | Port | The port number to access the server. |
FTP | Username | The username for accessing the server. |
FTP | Password | The password for accessing the server. |
FTP | Directory | The directory path where the data is stored. |
ESP | API Key (or alternative authentication method) | The API key (or authentication method) is provided by your ESP. |
ESP | Import Channel Status | Whether the import channel is paused or active. |
ESP | Import Interval | The interval in minutes between imports (recommended: 1440 minutes or 1 day). |
ESP | Types of Contacts | The types of contacts to import (e.g., subscribed, pending, unsubscribed). |
For FTP import channel settings, consult your IT team if you’re unsure.
5. Select NEXT.
2. Create an import segment
You can create an import segment once you've set up an import channel. To create an import segment:
Go to Data > Segments.
Select CREATE SEGMENT.
Select Import.
Select CREATE SEGMENT.
Configure the segment by specifying settings in the following tabs:
Import tab
The created import channel to use.
The list ID (if using an ESP import channel type).
If there is nothing showing here or it is disabled, there is a problem with the channel authentication.Whether to clear the segment before each import.
Options tab
A descriptive name for your import segment.
Whether to expire and delete the segment after the specified number of days.
Post-build tab
Define what happens after the segment is generated, send a message to the specified address once the segment has been generated.
Once the segment is configured, select SAVE, and then GENERATE SEGMENT to build the segment.
The segment generation process may take several minutes, depending on your database size and query complexity. The segment regenerates according to the import interval specified in the import channel the segment uses.