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Managing Lists in TextingOnly:
Build Your
Mobile Audience
Lists are the data layer beneath every outbound campaign. A well-segmented list with complete contact fields is what makes dynamic keyword personalization work — and what separates a relevant campaign from a generic blast.
Lists are where your owned mobile audience lives. Contacts who opt in through your SmartLinks, QR codes, and collectors build here automatically — and you can supplement with imported contacts who have provided prior consent.
Creating a List
CSV Import Format
When importing a CSV, the column headers define your dynamic keyword variables. Structure your file so column names match exactly what you’ll use in campaign message templates:
phone · first_name · last_name · city · service · vehicle · last_contact
Phone number must be in the first column. US format: 10 digits, no formatting (4105550100 not 410-555-0100). Include only contacts with documented opt-in consent.
Segmentation Strategy
One large mixed list produces generic campaigns. Segmented lists produce relevant ones. Split by:
HVAC contacts get HVAC messaging. Roofing contacts get roofing messaging. Different service = different template.
Baltimore vs. Annapolis vs. DC market — different offers, different area codes, different local references.
6-month-old leads, 12-month-old leads, 2-year-old leads — each gets a different re-engagement angle and offer.
Replied to last campaign vs. never replied vs. opted out of prior send — treat them differently in the next campaign.
How to convert your existing email list to an owned SMS audience — the highest-ROI list-building move you haven’t made yet.
Read the Insight →Once your list is ready, here’s how to build a personalized campaign and connect OTTO to handle the replies.
Read the KB Article →How agencies maintain isolated client lists, subgroup separation, and per-client campaign segmentation across accounts.
Read the Use Case →