Static lists
Fixed groups of contacts you build by hand or import from CSV.
The Segments page (titled Lists & Segments) is home to both kinds of audience:
- A static list is a fixed group: members stay until you add or remove them.
- A dynamic segment updates itself from rules. See Dynamic segments.
Each row shows the type (List or Segment), a live member count, and when it was created. The row menu jumps to View, Messages, or Compose message, which starts a blast to that audience.
Create a static list
Click Create list. The chooser offers templates and the two types: pick Static List.
- Name your list.
- Optionally upload a CSV (up to 10MB) to seed the members. Helios auto-detects the columns (first name, last name, phone, email) from the headers, and any extra columns become contact properties.
- Click Create List. A progress bar tracks the import, then you land on the member list.
Add members later
Static lists grow in a few ways:
- From a contact: open anyone’s profile and use Add to list.
- From an import: the Contacts page’s Import contacts flow can create contacts and message them; choosing Import & Message creates a static list named
Import - {date}automatically. - From a flow: the Add to list action adds contacts automatically: for example, everyone who texts a keyword.
- From a form: forms can add submitters to lists on submission.
When to use a static list vs a segment
| Use a static list when… | Use a segment when… |
|---|---|
| The group is defined by an event (an import, a promo signup) | The group is defined by criteria (“active members”, “new leads”) |
| Membership shouldn’t change unless you change it | Membership should track your data automatically |
| A flow or form is adding people over time | You want blasts to target whoever matches at send time |