A Smart List is a mailing list that fills itself. You set a rule once, like "anyone who's a Donor" or "everyone subscribed to the Newsletter," and Argenta keeps the list current for you. As people start matching the rule they're added, and as they stop matching or unsubscribe they drop off. You never have to open it to add or remove anyone.

This is the opposite of a hand-built list, where you pick who's on it and it only changes when you change it.

When to use a Smart List

Use one whenever "who should get this" is a rule, not a fixed set of names:

• Everyone who signed up for a topic, like your Newsletter or Volunteer Updates
• Everyone of a certain type, like Donors, Members, or Volunteers
• Everyone in a certain state

You can combine rules. "Donors in Texas who subscribed to the Newsletter" is one Smart List that stays accurate on its own.

When to use a hand-built list instead

Use a hand-built list when the group is specific and won't follow a rule, like a handful of major donors you're inviting to a private lunch. You add those people yourself.

How to make one

Open Manage Mailing Lists, find the list, and click the wand icon ("Turn this into a Smart List"). Choose your rule, and the list starts filling itself right away.