How to add rules and actions within an automation to segment or update subscribers

Automation & No-Code

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Goal: Enable precise segmentation and timely updates within automations.
Approach: Outline rules, map actions to segments, and validate outcomes using a minimal, scalable framework.

Who is this for?

- Marketers implementing list hygiene and targeting through automations.
- Automation builders who want to segment without code.
- Operations teams managing subscriber attributes and lifecycle events.
- Analysts validating rule effectiveness before broad deployment.

Before you start

- Access to your website or signup form to observe triggers.
- A basic understanding of subscriber data fields and segments.
- A test list or sandbox environment to validate changes.

General Process (How it works)

Define objective Identify the business outcome and the segmentation goal.
Map data fields List subscriber fields to read or update and verify data integrity.
Create rule Set condition(s) that trigger updates to specific segments.
Add actions Specify updates to subscriber records or segments in a single workflow.
Set timing Determine when actions run and in what order.
Test with sample Run a dry run with a test list to observe effects and adjust.
Review and deploy Check results and launch to the full audience if expectations are met.

Jump to tool:

Kit

AWeber

🏆 Recommended for this task

🏆 Recommended

Kit

Best for: Creators, authors, and marketers who want to grow their email lists, engage subscribers, and monetize newsletters.

Free Plan Available$33 / month

How to in Kit

Define automation objective: Clarify the goal of the automation (e.g., segment subscribers by behavior or apply updates to profiles). Establish measurable outcomes and success criteria that will be used to verify the automation works as intended.
Select trigger for automation: Choose an event that starts the automation, such as a tag being applied, a form submission, a purchase, or a subscriber profile update. Ensure the trigger aligns with the objective.
Create the automation container: Create a new automation/workflow with a clear, descriptive name that reflects its segmentation or update purpose. This container will house all rules and actions.
Add entry rules (conditions): Define entry conditions that identify who should enter the automation. Use clear AND/OR logic to include the intended audience and exclude others as needed.
Add actions to apply tags or segments: Configure actions that tag subscribers, add them to a segment, or update subscriber fields. Include any related actions (e.g., enroll in a sequence) as appropriate to the objective.
Create conditional branches: Set up branches based on subscriber attributes or behavior (e.g., if has Tag A, do X; else if has Tag B, do Y). Ensure branches are mutually exclusive where required.
Test the automation: Run tests using test subscribers or a dry-run feature to verify that triggers fire, rules evaluate correctly, and actions execute as expected.
Activate the automation: Publish or enable the automation and verify that it starts processing with real subscribers. Monitor initial runs for anomalies.
Monitor and adjust: Review run history and subscriber updates to confirm outcomes align with objectives. Refine rules or actions if counts or flows diverge from expectations.
Document and maintain: Document the objective, entry conditions, actions, and branches. Establish a maintenance cadence to adjust the automation as subscriber behavior evolves.

Try Kit Tool details

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Alternatives

AWeber

Best for: Bloggers, coaches, Etsy sellers, and other small businesses seeking to grow their email list and automate communications.

Paid Required$20.00 / month

How to in AWeber

Sign In To AWeber: In your browser, open AWeber and log in. Ensure you are in the correct account and see the main dashboard with the left navigation panel.
Open Automations: In the left sidebar, click Automations to access built-in automation workflows.
Create New Automation: Click the New Automation button in the top-right corner to start a fresh workflow.
Name The Automation: Enter a descriptive name like 'Segment Subscribers by Tag and Update Field'.
Choose Trigger: In the Trigger options, select Subscriber Tagged. Then choose the tag that will start the automation (e.g., 'New Lead', 'Engaged').
Add Condition: Add a Condition (Rule) to check for a tag or other subscriber attributes (e.g., Tag Contains 'Engaged').
Add Action - Tag Subscriber: Add Action: Apply a tag to the subscriber (e.g., 'Segment:Engaged').
Add Action - Update Field: Add Action: Update a Custom Field (e.g., set 'Segment' to 'Engaged').
Add Action - Move Subscriber (If Supported): If the platform supports it, add Action: Move to a destination List (e.g., 'Engaged Subscribers'). Otherwise skip this step.
Add Action - Notify Team: Optional: Add Action to send a notification to your team when the automation runs.
Save And Activate: Click Save. In the automation's status, toggle ON to activate.
Test The Automation: Use the Test feature or create a test subscriber and apply the trigger to verify the automation triggers and actions.
Monitor Run History: Open Automation Run History to review results and adjust triggers or actions as needed.
Document And Refine: Document the tag schema and automation logic. Periodically review performance and refine rules.

Tool details

Quick Comparison

Tool	Free Plan?	Min Price
Kit	Yes	$33 / month
AWeber	No	$20.00 / month

Which tool should you choose?

AWeber

AWeber Automations let you create rules and actions that automatically segment or update subscribers by tagging, field updates, or list routing. It’s a visual, code-free workflow that speeds setup, reduces manual maintenance, and ensures consistent engagement across campaigns.