Updated: 12 June 2025 for Release v214
What are Combo queries?
Looking at combining different data sets for your campaigns? Combining queries in our new Combo queries module might be just what the doctor ordered!
The Combo queries module enables you to combine multiple queries from the Query builder into one result set. Just like regular queries, the results are calculated and updated in real time, so the results are always up to date.
Why Combo queries?
Building queries in the Query Builder uses a funnel principle - each filter narrows your data set down further. For example, “give me all Visitors with X Visitor tag AND who purchased an event in June AND have opted in to the newsletter. With each filter added, the result set will get smaller. This is by design and results in very specific targeted datasets suited to many needs.
What if, you want to expand your reach instead of narrowing it?
Enter Combo queries: This new module is built as a stand-alone feature and enables you to combine queries in new ways. You can combine 2 or more queries together with the “plus” action [include], or minus [exclude] entire queries from other queries, or even combine these two actions.
The result is always a set of unique visitors. Even if visitors are found in multiple queries, when combining these queries in the Combo query module, those visitors are only included once.
How to create a Combo query
In your Combo query module, click the “add combo query” button to create your new Combo query. Give it a descriptive name so you can see instantly what the data set is about.
You are prompted to select your “Parent query”. This dropdown list contains all queries from the Query builder which have “mailing query” switched on. (Archived queries are not included):
After saving your Combo query, a new button appears to add additional “Child” queries to your Combo query:
Each new Child query you select can either be added (include) to your parent query, or subtracted (exclude) from your parent query. Select the query you want to use and choose the “Plus” or “Minus” operator in the slider:
Repeat the process to add multiple Child queries to your Combo query:
All queries are displayed in a list underneath the Parent query, with their “Plus” or “Minus” operator.
About the order of queries and the effect on the result
The Combo query calculation works it’s way through all queries, starting at the top. This means the order in which you add queries is important. You can drag and drop Child queries to make sure the order is correct for what you want to do.
Example of different results by changing the order of Child queries:
Let’s first look at this example:
Parent Query: All red cars Child query (Minus): All Ford cars Child query (Plus): All blue cars
First we start with a selection of all red cards, and subtract all Ford cars. We are left with all red cars that are not Fords. Now we add all blue cars (which could also be a Ford), and the end result is all red cars (but no red Fords), and all blue cars. So we have some blue Fords in the end result.
Now lets switch the Child queries:
Parent Query: All red cars Child query (Plus): All blue cars Child query (Minus): All Ford cars
First we start with a selection of all red cards, and add all blue cars. We are left with all red cars and all blue cars. Now we subtract all Ford cars, and the end result is all red and all blue cars that are not Ford cars. Note that there are no Fords in the end results.
Where to use a Combo query
In Release 214, Combo- queries can be selected in your mailing scheduler. In future releases, we will expand the functionality into other parts of the platform.
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