194. Email Marketing › tools of the tradeThe most common form of email testing is to conduct an A/B split test. Thisis a test that involves sending one version of your newsletter to a specifiedpercentage of your database, whilst sending a modified version to the remainderof your database. By monitoring the results of each send you determine whichversion yielded the desired results. You can, for instance, test variations of yoursubject line to determine which is more effective in convincing subscribers toopen your email (i.e., which subject line delivers the highest open rate).Examples of what to test: • Subject lines • Send times • Best day to send • Layout • Text vs. button links • Database segmentation • Call to ActionTesting and monitoring your send statistics go hand in hand. It’s important toanalyse your results after sending to ensure you’re implementing the mosteffective strategies for your database.7.4.4 Rules and RegulationsThere are a number of laws and acts being legislated in countries acrossthe world to protect people from unsolicited emails and stop business fromabusing communication channels. While they vary in severity according to thecountry, it’s important to acknowledge one very important rule. If someonerequests to be unsubscribed from your communication, you have to meet theirrequest or face penalties. 7.5 tools of the tradeFirst up, an email campaign needs a database. A plan for growing this databaseneeds to be put in place. Most email service providers will also provide tools formanaging this database.All emails need to be tested for email client compatibility as well as for anypotential spam problems.Email client compatibility can be reviewed at:www.sitevista.com/email.aspFor email client compatibility, as well as mobile rendering, you can test youremail at:www.pivotalveracity.com/email-marketing-solution/email-rendering.html 191