Split Test

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Email > Split Test

How to Create a Split Test Email Campaign

With ActiveCampaign, you can use Split Test campaigns to compare different versions of your email to identify which one resonates most with your audience. This process, also known as A/B testing, is essential for improving your email marketing strategy by optimizing engagement rates among your contacts.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to create a Split Test email campaign, the available options, best practices, and troubleshooting tips.

How to Access this Feature

To create a Split Test email campaign in ActiveCampaign, navigate to the Campaigns section in your ActiveCampaign account, which may now read as Email since certain elements have been updated. From there, you can initiate the creation of a new campaign and select the split testing option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a Split Test email campaign involves several straightforward steps. Below are the specific instructions for creating two types of split tests:

Split Test Email Subject Lines and/or "From" Information

1. Click Campaigns > Create a new campaign. 2. Type the name of your campaign into the field provided (visible only to account users). 3. Click the Split testing option, then select Email subjects and/or from information. 4. Click the Next button. 5. Complete the fields for your subject line, preheader text (optional), From name, and From email address. 6. Click the + button to add a new variation of your campaign. 7. For the new variation, the subject line, preheader text (optional), From name, and From email address will copy from the original version. Modify these as needed. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to add up to five variations. 9. Select your campaign builder and design your email. 10. Optionally, test your campaign before sending.

Split Test Email Subject Lines, "From" Information, and Email Content

1. Click Campaigns > Create a new campaign. 2. Type the name of your campaign into the field provided (visible only to account users). 3. Click the Split testing option, then select Email subjects, from information, and email content. 4. Click the Next button. 5. Fill in your subject line, preheader text (optional), From name, and From email address. 6. Select a campaign builder and design your campaign. Click Next to navigate to the Campaign Summary page. 7. Click the + to duplicate your subject line, preheader text, From information, and design. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to add up to five variations. 9. Modify your variations as needed. 10. Ensure to test your campaign before sending.

Configuration Options and Settings

Before launching your Split Test campaign, configure the following options in the Campaign Summary page:

• Do not determine a winner: This option sends variants to equal portions of your list, allowing you to assess performance post-campaign.
• Determine (and send using) the winner: This option sends variations to different segments of your list and later sends the best-performing variant to the remainder.

To configure this setting:

1. Choose how the winning message is determined (best click rate vs. best open rate). 2. Decide when the winning message should be sent (default duration is two days). 3. Set the email ratios (determine what percentage of your list receives each variation).

Best Practices and Tips

• **Experiment with different elements**: Test various subject lines, sender names, and email content to capture attention effectively.
• **Limit the number of variables**: By testing one element at a time, you'll be better able to identify what impacts your results.
• **Monitor engagement rates**: Analyze open rates and click-through rates to understand which version performs best.
• **Utilize testing features**: Always use the Test and Preview option to ensure your design appears as intended.
• **Schedule your campaigns thoughtfully**: Timing can greatly impact engagement; consider audience behaviors when scheduling.

Common Use Cases with Examples

1. **Subject Line Testing**: An organization could test two different subject lines for a newsletter to see which one results in higher open rates.

2. **Sender Information**: A company might want to experiment with different sender names to find which one their audience perceives as more trustworthy.

3. **Email Content**: You could create variations of an email with different promotional content to study which offer leads to more clicks in a single email campaign.

Troubleshooting Section

If you encounter issues while creating a Split Test campaign, consider the following:

• Ensure you have selected the correct variant and campaign builder.
• Double-check that all mandatory fields, such as subject lines and From information, are completed.
• If a test email does not send, verify that you haven’t exceeded limits on the number of email addresses allowed for testing.
• For spam checks, remember to analyze your content for any potential flags that could prevent delivery.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is a Split Test campaign? A: A Split Test campaign allows you to compare different versions of an email to see which one performs better in terms of opens or clicks.

Q2: How many variations can I create in a Split Test? A: You can create up to five variations for your Split Test campaign.

Q3: Can I test different email content in my Split Test? A: Yes, when selecting the appropriate Split Test option, you can test variations in email content alongside subject lines and sender information.

Q4: How do I determine the winning email version? A: You can set this option in the Campaign Summary page, choosing from best click rate or best open rate.

Q5: What happens if I do not determine a winner? A: If you choose not to determine a winner, the campaign will send each variation to equal portions of your list without selecting a 'best' campaign.

Q6: Are there any testing limitations? A: Yes, the Test and Preview option allows sending to a maximum of 5 email addresses for testing.

Q7: How do I analyze the performance of my Split Test? A: After sending your campaign, you can view the performance reports in the Reports section to see how each variation performed.

By using Split Test campaigns effectively, you can significantly enhance your email marketing efforts and improve engagement with your audience. ```