Custom groups allow Editors to create more precise target audiences within a folder by uploading a CSV file. The folder in which emails are created defines their potential recipient pool. Editors can decide if the audience for that email is all users, specific user groups, specific users, or a custom group. The custom group gives Editors more flexibility, as they can tailor audiences more precisely.

Editors can create a custom target audience by uploading a CSV file with a subset of the folder recipients' email addresses. All addresses included in this CSV file must be contained within the folder's recipients. Any newly added addresses will not be added to the target audience, and those users will not receive the email. The total number of recipients is displayed next to the uploaded CSV file.

Prerequisites

To ensure that the mapping of data from the uploaded CSV file works smoothly, make sure that the CSV file meets the following criteria:

• The first column must hold the email addresses or internal or external IDs of the recipients. This column must be named identifier. The column name is case-sensitive, so it cannot be Identifier or IDENTIFIER. The email addresses, however, are not case-sensitive. 
• The file must use UTF-8 text encoding.
• The cell separator must be a semicolon (;) or a comma (,).

You can also download a sample CSV file to use as a reference. The download option is available only after you select Custom Group as described in the following instructions.

Creating the Custom Group via CSV Upload

1. In the Studio, navigate to Email > the draft email you want to send or schedule.
2. Open the email and click Next.
   The summary page opens.

3. Under Target Audience, select Custom Group.

   
4. Click Choose CSV File.
5. Select the CSV file you want to upload.
   The CSV file is uploaded.
   You have successfully uploaded a CSV file. You can now complete the details on the summary page and send the email to a custom group.

Additional Helpful Information

• FAQ on Custom Target Groups in Staffbase Email