Trends & insights
How do you verify segment sizes before sending an email campaign?
Summary
Compare the final recipient count against projections using preview queries to catch logic errors before sending.
To verify segment sizes before sending an email campaign, you should always compare the final recipient count against your initial database projections. This process begins by running a preview query within your database management tool to see the exact number of contacts that meet your criteria. If the resulting number is significantly higher or lower than expected, you must pause and investigate the segmentation logic. Often, a misplaced logical operator like using an OR instead of an AND can accidentally expand your audience to the entire database. You should also check for active filters, exclusion lists, and subscription statuses that might have altered the final count. Documenting these expected ranges in a pre-flight checklist helps your team catch discrepancies early. Finally, establishing a secondary peer review for campaigns exceeding a certain size adds an extra layer of security. This systematic approach ensures that your targeting remains precise and prevents costly broadcast errors.