Filter Paged Query with buttons on the page

I have the results of a query displayed on a page. I have created a text input filter that works fine. I want to add buttons that filter data on the page when clicked. I have followed the steps below but when the button is clicked, nothing happens. Seems my confusion is with step 2. Hoping for a list of steps that I can follow to make this work

1. Create a variable in App Connect … let’s call it var_filterButtons
2. Pick the variable value as a value for the parameter you use to filter the database query in the server connect component on the page.
3. Select your button, add a new dynamic event > click > Variable > Set Value … and enter your value.