✋ Stop manually filtering contacts. Start automating smarter.
Let’s be real:
You’re probably not using Dynamic Marketing Lists in Dynamics CRM to their full potential.
Most marketers and sales teams either:
- Stick with static lists and manually update them (time-consuming!)
- Or they’ve heard of dynamic lists… but never quite figured out how to use them effectively.
But if you’re already using Dynamics 365 for marketing or sales, dynamic lists are one of the easiest ways to level-up your segmentation — without coding, plugins, or weekly Excel exports.
In this short guide, I’ll break down exactly how to set one up — and why it might save you hours of list cleanup down the line.
💡 First, What Is a Dynamic Marketing List (And Why Should You Care)?
A dynamic list auto-updates itself based on criteria you define.
Add a filter like “City = Mumbai” or “Last purchase > 90 days ago,” and the CRM will automatically include (or remove) contacts based on that logic — in real time.
No exports. No manual cleanup. No outdated leads.
Still using static lists? You’ll have to update that list every single time a new contact matches the filter.
Dynamic lists = Set it once, forget it.
How to Create a Dynamic Marketing List in Dynamics CRM
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown that even non-tech teams can follow:
Step 1: Go to ‘Marketing Lists’
- In Dynamics CRM, navigate to Marketing > Marketing Lists
- Click + New
Tip: Make sure you’ve got the right access role to create or edit marketing lists.
Step 2: Choose the Right Settings
In the new list form:
- Name your list clearly — e.g., “Leads from LinkedIn – Last 30 Days”
- Targeted At → Choose what entity (usually: Contact, Lead, or Account)
- Type → Select Dynamic
Don’t forget this part — many users accidentally create static lists!
Step 3: Set Your Filter Logic
Click Manage Members > Use Advanced Find
Now define your logic — for example:
- “City equals Mumbai”
- “Lead source contains LinkedIn”
- “Created On is in the last 30 days”
You can mix and match multiple conditions here — go wild, but stay relevant.
Once done, click Find > Save and Close
Step 4: Let It Run (Automatically!)
Once saved, the system constantly evaluates new records against your criteria.
Any contact who qualifies gets added in real time.
Any contact who no longer fits? Removed, no questions asked.
- Want to test? Add a dummy contact matching your logic — and see if it shows up automatically.
⚡ 3 Pro Tips to Get More from Dynamic Lists
Use It for Campaigns
Every time you run an email or SMS campaign — use a dynamic list tied to behavior or segment (e.g., “High intent leads this week”).
No more last-minute scrambles.
Pair It with Power Automate
Trigger workflows based on list membership — like assigning hot leads to specific reps or sending reminders.
Combine CRM logic + automation = serious scaling power.
Clean Old Logic Monthly
Yes, dynamic lists update automatically — but your filters may become outdated.
Schedule a 30-minute monthly review to retire or update old lists.
Conclusion
Dynamic marketing lists are not just a “nice-to-have.”
They’re how smart teams make sure the right people are always in the right campaigns — without manual effort.
Set your filters once. Let CRM do the heavy lifting.
And spend your time on strategy — not spreadsheet cleanup.
Your Turn:
Are you still relying on static lists? Or have you tried going fully dynamic in your campaigns?