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Mailing Lists Overview

What it is​

A mailing list is a collection of recipient records - names, addresses, and optional contact details - that you use to drive mail orders. Every send on thanks.io targets one or more mailing lists, whether you are placing a one-off batch or running an automated campaign.

Lists are the connective tissue of the platform. Campaigns attach to lists. QR scan automations move people between lists. Analytics track engagement per list. A well-organized set of lists gives you precise control over who gets what mail and when.

Creating a list​

  1. Go to Mailing Lists in the left navigation.
  2. Click Add List.
  3. In the dialog that appears, choose Manually Enter Addresses.
  4. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Q3 New Leads" or "Just Listed Farm - Oak Park").
  5. Click Save.

Adding recipients​

  • CSV upload - upload a spreadsheet of addresses. See CSV Upload & Format.
  • Manual add - open the list, click + Add, fill in the name and address.
  • API - add recipients programmatically using the thanks.io REST API. See docs.thanks.io for the full endpoint reference.
  • Zapier - use the thanks.io Zapier integration to add recipients from any connected app (e.g., CRM, form builder, or spreadsheet) without writing code.
  • Add-to-List Webhook - every list has its own webhook URL that a CRM workflow can fire to add a contact. See Add-to-List Webhooks.
  • HubSpot - add a contact or company to a list from the record's sidebar in HubSpot. See HubSpot Integration.
  • Campaign automation - campaigns can move recipients between lists automatically on send or scan events.

Existing rows can also gain contact details on their own: when your account requires contact info to redeem gift cards, the email address or phone number a recipient enters to claim their card is written back to the list the card was mailed from. It fills blank fields only, matches on mailing address, and never overwrites an email or phone already on the row. See Gift Card Redemption Contact Info.

Searching and filtering​

Use the search bar to find recipients by name or address. Use the Invalid Only filter to surface addresses that failed verification and need attention.

Deleting and restoring a list​

Delete a list from its detail view. Deleted lists are set aside rather than erased - they appear behind a Show Deleted (N) button at the top of the Mailing Lists page and can be restored to the active section with a single click. Restoring a list brings its recipients back too.

Automated campaigns that were bound to the list are removed when the list is deleted, and they stay deleted when the list is restored. Recreate any campaigns you still want under Automated Campaigns. Full walkthrough: Deleting and Restoring Lists.

Tips & best practices​

  • Name lists by purpose and date so they stay organized (e.g., "Birthday Campaign 2026").
  • Keep separate lists for different campaign types - don't mix drip recipients with birthday recipients.
  • Use the Invalid Address filter regularly before sending.
  • Use Move Recipient on Send or Move Recipient on Scan to build engagement-based segments automatically.

Plan-based limits​

  • List management is available on all tiers, including Free.