Comments on: Sending Targeted Emails With Interest Groups

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:26:45 +0000

It’s very possible “INTERESTS” still works there in the API. If you tried, and it didn’t work, make sure the “group” was setup properly in your list. Designating something as a “group” is actually a very distinct step in the process. You can have pulldowns and options on a form that aren’t groups. This distinct step of classifying something as a group is what’s changed recently.

But I’m just a pretty face here. If you need technical help with the API, this is the place to ask:
http://groups.google.com/group/mailchimp-api-discuss/topics

By: Bobby Norris

Bobby Norris — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:09:16 +0000

Thanks for clarifying Ben.

The API example files are also out of date and still refer to ‘interests’ like so:

$merge_vars = array(
‘FNAME’=>”,
‘LNAME’=>”,
‘INTERESTS’=>”
);

Its a little tricky to actually implement when the latest example files are confusing. How would this work now with groups?

$merge_vars = array(
‘FNAME’=>”,
‘LNAME’=>”,
‘GROUPS’=>’group_name, group_2′
);

Thanks for your time,

Bobby

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:56:06 +0000

Steve – One more thought. You might want to setup a fake list, with the interest groups or segments that you want. Then, subscribe to that list and test all this stuff on yourself. That way, you’re 100% confident it works the way you need it to.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:54:49 +0000

Steve: Yes, they can be on multiple segments. If you send one newsletter and target those multiple segments, they’ll only get one copy.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:42:57 +0000

Sorry Bobby, a while ago we renamed “interests” to “groups.” Some of our older help docs and articles haven’t been updated yet.

So when you create a campaign, and it’s time to select a list, pick “Select Segment” and then look for a pulldown like this:
http://blog.mailchimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/select-segment.jpg

Keep in mind that when you create a list, and you design the signup form, you can create pulldown menus, checkboxes, etc. But that doesn’t necessarily make them “interest groups.” There’s an option called “groups” that you’ll see on the Lists screen:

http://blog.mailchimp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/groups-options.jpg

that will help you setup proper groups to segment by.

By: Bobby Norris

Bobby Norris — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:36:48 +0000

Yes…

On the following page: http://blog.mailchimp.com/articles/email_segmentation_ideas/ down the bottom are instructions on how to segment by interest groups. But the problem is, when you look at the drop down menu there is nothing like ‘interests’ listed.

So – how is it done? I can find many pages which say it can be done… yet I’ve lost half a day trying to figure it out.

Rob posted his issue back in May. No response?? My client with 45,000 subscribers ready to migrate over is ready to roll and I’ve told them mailchimp is the way to go and I’m sitting here scratching my armpits like a stupid monkey.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:42:53 +0000

Sounds good, but can a person be in more than one segment in my list? In other words, can they be in my “hamburger” and “meatloaf” segment? And if so, will mailchimp only email them once if I send an offer/coupon to my “hamburger” and “meatloaf” segments?

By: Gem Webb

Gem Webb — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:15:23 +0000

Now I gotta figure out how to segment into the GROUPS I made for one list of certain people who clicked certain links. Do I have to export a Excel file then delete them from the list and create a second one? Hmmm… Not sure how to do this.

By: Gem Webb

Gem Webb — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:14:07 +0000

Ok, bought the A.I.M reporting add on from mail chimp which is totally needed (smart monkeys)

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:52:54 +0000

OK, sounds like a great feature, exactly what I need, but…
I can’t find squadush on how to use it, how to set it up etc. There are no “interest group” features in the form builders! I guess you still have more work to do.