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Targeting Basics: How to Use Segments Strategically

This article shows how to build and use segments to focus your campaign energy where it matters most.

 

 

Knowing who to reach—and how—is the foundation of a winning campaign.
With GoodParty.org Pro, you can use voter data to create targeted lists (called segments) for different types of outreach—whether that’s persuasion, reminders, or get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts.

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🪜 Step 1: Identify Your Core Target Groups

Start by thinking about who your key voters are. For example, your core target market might be middle-aged Independents. You can target them specifically with a GOTV (Get Out the Vote) message—which is very different from messaging used to persuade undecided voters.

 

⚙️ Step 2: Create a Segment

  1. Go to Contacts → Create Segment

  2. Add filters to define your audience.
    Example:

    • Age: 35–50

    • Party: Independent

    • Contact Method: Has cell phone

  3. Click Create Segment and name it something clear, like Core GOTV.

Now you’ve got a focused list—for example, 106 likely supporters you can text to encourage voter turnout.

 

🎭 Step 3: Build Persuasion Segments

When you’re ready to expand outreach, create new lists for persuasion efforts—people you want to convince, not just mobilize.

You might create:

  • One list for Republicans aged 35–50

  • Another for Democrats in the same range

  • Or a combined nonpartisan segment if your issues cross party lines

To do this:

  1. Add filters for Age, Party, and Cell Phone.

  2. Name your segment Persuade Voters.

  3. Click Create Segment and save.

Now you have multiple targeted lists for specific messages—one for persuasion, one for turnout.

 

📬 Step 4: Apply Segments Across Outreach Channels

Once you’ve created segments, you can use them in all your outreach tools:

  • Text Messaging — send tailored messages to each voter group.

  • Phone Banking — call your persuasion targets directly.

  • Robocalls — broadcast campaign updates or GOTV reminders.

  • Door Knocking & Mail — coordinate your field strategy around segmented lists.

 

💡 Why It Matters

Segmentation ensures that every contact you make is meaningful.

  • GOTV lists help you activate supporters.

  • Persuasion lists help you win over new voters.

  • Targeting by demographics, party, or issue helps you spend less time and money for greater impact.