Databases
Each list you load into Pinpointe is a separate database.
Let's use an example. If "jane@company.com" is a contact in 3 of the databases you have loaded into Pinpointe, she accounts for 3 separate contacts.
If you send an email campaign to 1 of the databases that "jane@company.com" is on and she unsubscribes, she is still subscribed to the other 2 databases. She might get a little irritated if she receives another marketing email from your company.
You can save the hassle of manually unsubscribing jane@company.com from those other two lists by using segments, but first you need to create a master (main) database.
To learn more about creating a database, read this article: How do I create a new contact list (database)?
Note: Your administrator may have already created a database for you. To check to see if a database already exists, click the 'Manage Databases' link on the home screen (Fig 1).
Fig 1
Segments
Segments are like "saved searches" or flexible, dynamic lists that can be changed anytime. You can define your "segment or "audience" based on demographics (custom fields you upload) and behavioral info like opens and clicks.
Pinpointe highly recommends working from a master database and segmenting it into small lists rather than uploading multiple databases. You’ll be able to better target audiences by pulling out portions of your list and sending targeted emails to specific segments. You’ll also be able to manage your lists more effectively!
To learn more about creating a segment, read this article: How do I create and utilize segments?
Tagged Lists
Tagged lists are lists that you upload into a Pinpointe database that you tag with a certain name. Tagged lists make it easier to select contacts from within your database and send them a targeted campaign.
To learn more about tagged lists read the following articles: