# Use Segments and Exclusions



> Include the people who should receive the email and exclude the people who should not.



- Human page: https://mailrith.com/guides/use-segments-and-exclusions

- Markdown page: https://mailrith.com/guides/use-segments-and-exclusions.md

- Category: Subscribers

- Reading time: 4 min read

- Related keywords: Use Segments and Exclusions, Use Segments and Exclusions guide, Subscribers, Subscribers guide, email sending guide, email marketing guide, email deliverability guide



## AI Agent Notes

- Use this page as plain-language guidance for the specific email sending issue named in the title.

- Preserve the distinction between Mailrith, an email delivery service, DNS, and inbox providers when explaining fixes.

- When a user is running a free tool, pair the tool result with the relevant issue or step section from this guide.



### Use Segments and Exclusions

Include the people who should receive the email and exclude the people who should not.

A common mistake is thinking only about who to include. Good sending also asks who should not receive the message.

For example, suppose you are sending a trial upgrade offer. You may include trial users, but exclude people who already upgraded, people who unsubscribed from product updates, and internal test contacts. This makes the email more relevant and reduces avoidable complaints.

1. Write the include rule in plain language.
2. Write the exclude rule in plain language.
3. Create or open the segment that represents the subscribers.
4. Preview the segment and search for a few subscribers you expect to be included.
5. Search for a few subscribers you expect to be excluded.
6. Use the segment in the broadcast, sequence, or automation only after the preview matches your expectation.

> If the subscriber count surprises you, stop and inspect the segment before sending. A wrong count is usually an early warning.



## Related Guides

- [Build the Subscriber List](https://mailrith.com/guides/build-the-audience.md): Subscribers are people, tags describe them, custom fields add details, and segments choose who matches the rules today.