If you’ve read the MarketingExperiments Blog for any length of time, you know that A/B testing and conversion optimization can be a very profitable endeavor. You can receive 90% more trial sign-ups, a 1,312% increase in the start rate of a multistep process, 331% more leads from a homepage, and the list can go on and on.
Split testing can be fun, too
Aside from improving results, the sociologist in me finds it fun to create a few possible headlines or subject lines, release them into the world, and see how customers react.
I’m not alone. For example, when Amelia Showalter, Director of Digital Analytics, Obama for America, discussed the A/B testing that helped generate $500 million in online donations for the president’s re-election campaign, she mentioned the fun the analytics and email teams had as well.
“There was this thing called the Email Derby … ”
“It was really fun,” Amelia said. “We started an informal poll.”
They asked the teams which subject lines being tested would win, and which would lose.
At MarketingExperiments, we’ve been known to have a little fun with surprising test results as well, thanks to a very gracious CEO.
Let’s have some fun, and give you a chance to win a ticket to Email Summit (plus hotel)
Online marketing can be a tough daily slog in the trenches, so to help you have a little fun with A/B testing, we’ve thrown down a challenge to the readers at Copyblogger.
We’ve said you, the dear readers of the MarketingExperiments Blog, are not only smarter, more fun to be around, and more physically attractive than the readers of Copyblogger – you are more effective subject line writers, thanks to all you’ve learned from A/B testing.
If you scroll down, you’ll see the exact copy of an email we are going to send promoting MarketingSherpa Email Summit 2014 in Las Vegas. We’re asking you to write the best subject line you can think of, and leave it as a comment for this blog post.
Then, the MECLABS optimization team will read each and every comment and hand-pick the five subject lines they hypothesize will perform best. Copyblogger’s team will also pick five subject lines from its blog as well.
We’ll then run all 10 of those subject lines in a split test.
The writer of the subject line that generates the most unique clickthroughs will receive a complimentary ticket to Email Summit 2014. We’ll even put you up in the host hotel, the Aria Resort & Casino, for two nights.
The writer of the subject line that receives the highest open rate (CTR is our primary KPI, or key performance indicator, but opens will be a secondary KPI), will receive complimentary access to the MECLABS Email Messaging Online Course.
If you’re the type of marketer that likes diving into the details, you can read the official rules.
Now, let’s see your high-performing subject line
Sound like fun? Great, let’s see what you’ve got. Below is the email we will be sending. Write your best subject line, and leave it as a comment to this blog post. Easy peasy.
| [Send Dates:] December 16-20, 2013
[Sender:] Pamela Markey – p.markey@meclabs.com [Audiences:] MarketingSherpa + MarketingExperiments lists [Subject Line:] TBD
Hello [xxxx], The last day to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount ($300 off) for Email Summit 2014 tickets is January 9, 2014. If you plan to be out of the office for the holidays, be sure to book your ticket before your vacation so you don’t miss out on this special rate. MarketingSherpa Email Summit 2014 promises to provide you with a great experience and an opportunity to learn what is and isn’t working in email marketing today. All case study presentations focus on real results with practical concepts you can use to do your job better. Come learn from your peers at companies like 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool. If you want to learn how to grow your list, boost your performance and increase email ROI, join us at the Aria Resort & Casino Las Vegas on February 17 through 20, 2014, for Email Summit 2014. Order your tickets today so you don’t miss out on the Early Bird price before it expires Thursday, January 9. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me anytime at p.markey@meclabs.com. I hope to see you there! Sincerely, Pamela Markey |
UPDATE: The results and winner of this contest can be found in this MarketingExperiments Blog post: “Email Marketing: What elements of your offer get people to click? [Subject line contest winner announced].”
Related Resources:
Subject Line Test: 125% more unique clickthroughs
Email Marketing: Subject line test increases open rate by 10%
Lead Generation: Capturing more leads with clear value prop communication
Before you go, there is something you must do!
Email Summit 2014: Get real results with practical concepts (and save $300 today)
Do an A/B subject line split
#1) Email Summit 2014: Be there or be emailed about!
#2) Email Summit 2014: Discounted rates for the Premier Email Marketing Event of the Year!
Email Summit 2014: Click now and put $300 back in your pocket today
Email Summit 2014: Save $300 by booking now
Rien ne vas plus!
Save $300 and solve your email challenges! Santa won’t bring you this!!!
{{First Name}}, here are 300 reasons to join us at Email Summit 2014
Email Summit Early Bird Ends Soon – Save Now!
Last Day to Keep Your Wallet Fat
$300 OFF: Learn how to boost your email skills from the Pros themselves, sign up today and don’t be left out.
Jan. 9 is Play God Day…and Your Last Chance to Save $300 on Email Summit 2014!
Email Strategies, Food & Parties…What’s better? Saving $300.
The early bird gets…
Are you as smart as a bird? Prove it.
Last Day: Be an Early Bird, get a Juicy Worm – Email Summit 2014
Learn why your emails aren’t performing at their peak
The early worm gets eaten by the bird. Be early. Be the bird.
Last Chance – Book Now and Save $300
Naught or nice, Email Summit 2014 has something for everyone right after the holidays!
Last Day: Early Bird Discount on Email Summit Registration
A new year’s resolution that gets you to Vegas? It must be Email Summit 2014!
Last Day! Save! Sign-up Today!
Email Summit 2014: Join NOW and save $300
Email Summit 2014: Last chance to save $300
Register now and receive your Early Bird Discount
Do You Know Why Your Email Efforts Aren’t Working?
Open this email to get your emails opened (and save $300)
Pay off your holiday purchases early — save $300 before 1/9/2014
“Time is running out. Don’t miss the early bird deadline!”
or you could be more vague to pique curiosity with this:
“Time is running out…”
What will the best email marketers be doing this February?
[xxxx], this is important: Last Chance to Save
JUST FOR YOU – $300 OFF Email Summit 2014!
Save $300 on tickets + find out what Email Summit 2014 is all about!
“Love Money and Email? Get your ticket before January, 9th and save $300!”
[First Name], get your Email Summit 2014 Ticket now and save $300!
Birds…and their worms
Vegas + $300 for the Early Bird!
Save $300 to Vegas in February
Early Birds Get….Vegas?
Tis the season to be early! Register & save $300 now
1. Email Summit 2014: Book now. Prices are going up.
2. Email Summit 2014: Porsche will be there. Will you?
3. Sell a Porsche through Email? Find out at Email Summit 2014
Be an Early Bird and Get the Worm!
A possible A/B test
Re: $300 Savings ends Thursday!
$300 savings ends soon!
[Name], you’re way too smart to pass this up…
What happens in Vegas, Saves you $300! Act Today!
Have You Heard… Early Bird is the Word
A: Calling all penny-wise, punctual pigeons!
B: Here’s an extra $300 to slip into favorite slot machine…
C: You could win big with savings like these…
D: Forget the worm…
Got Email Marketing Challenges? Learn How You Can Overcome Them in Just Two Clicks
Smart Marketer Alert: Last chance to save $300 on Email Summit 2014
Check twice: Cross Email Summit 2014 off your list + book now for best price
2 reasons your boss will love you: save $300 & return a rock star
[Email Summit] Save $300, return a rock star & your boss will be happy
❶ Save $300 ❷ Return a rock star ❸ Boss will send you back next year
A. $300 smackeroos + MarketingSherpa, holy cow!
B. In Vegas, you got to be in it, to win it…and here is one easy way to be in it.
Use this $300 discount code to the @MarketingSherpa #SherpaEmail summit in Vegas, Feb. 17-20, 2014!
Reach the top of the Email Summit with MarketingSherpa
Life has many regrets. Don’t let this be one.
Email Summit 2014: $300 discount ends soon!
Next Space Shuttle launch…only 3 seats left! Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime!
Act now to get discounted Email Summit 2014 tickets
The surest way to get your email marketing right in 2014
Early Bird Summit Tickets. Marketing Sherpa. (LAST DAY)!!
How fun! My entry is…
Register Now & Save an Extra $300 for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Thanks!
Email Summit 2014 discount ENDS TODAY, Don´t miss it!
Last Chance: Get Email Best Practices from Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool and Save $300
Email Summit 2014 DISCOUNT ENDS TODAY
Our holiday gift to you: Open for an Email Summit discount
A: The Early Bird Gets The Better ROI: Last day for a STEEP discount on Email Summit 2014 is Approaching Fast!
B: Make the Marketer on Your List Happy: Save $300 on Email Summit 2014 With This Exclusive Code
C: Act Now To SAVE $300 on Email Summit 2014!
A few for the MECLABS team to noodle on:
– E-mail Secrets From Porsche And More
– Want Better Results From Your Email Marketing In 2014?
– Save $300 And Transform Your Email Marketing – Email Summit 2014
– Early Bird Access: $300 Off Email Summit 2014
– Treat Yourself To $300 Off Email Summit 2014
– see you in Vegas, ~FIRSTNAME~?
– Reserve Your Seat: $300 Off Email Summit 2014
– An Early Holiday Gift For Better E-mail Marketing In 2014
– $300 Savings | Vegas | More ROI From Email In 2014
– Master E-mail Marketing For 2014
– Last Call: Save $300 On Email Summit 2014
– Re: Your $300 Email Summit Savings (expires soon)
– [Exclusive] $300 Early Bird Discount For Email Summit 2014
——————–
Thanks!
– Mike
{{First Name}}, Are You Coming?
{{First Name}} {{Last Name}}, Are You Coming?
Announcement: Your Email Summit Freebie Ends Today
Be the Bird that Gets the Worm…uhh I mean discount
Be the Early Bird with the $300 Worm at the Email Summit
Save $300 Now and Kick Off Your New Year in Vegas at Email Summit 2014
What Happens in Vegas…. Is Better Email Marketing
Do this or die…3 tips for extending viability
Why not save $300? Last chance for your Early Bird Discount to Email Summit 2014
Sender:] Pamela Markey – p.markey@meclabs.com
[Audiences:] MarketingSherpa + MarketingExperiments lists
[Subject Line:] Don’t wait! Save $300 when you register for the Email Summit 2014 in Las Vegas.
Learn to write compelling subject lines like this one!
What DOES happen in Vegas? Get $300 off your Email Marketing Summit Adventure!
Hey {FirstName}, Your $300 Discount For Email Summit 2014 Expires Soon
a) Email is Better in Vegas – Save $300 Now
b) Vegas Does Email Better – Save $300 Now
Dear MECLABS Copywriting Contest Coordinator,
Please consider testing these subject lines:
Reminder: Claim Your $300 Savings by Jan 9
Reminder: Your $300 Discount Ends Jan 9
Reminder: Use Your $300 Coupon by Jan 9
Thank you,
Adala Suzette Zelman
Hey, did you hear about our $300 Email Summit discount?
This email is worth $300 to you—but you need to act soon
Psst! Click me. I’ll share how to experience Email Summit 2014 at the best price ever.
P.S. Also, please consider testing these two subject lines:
How to Save $300 on Your Email Summit Tix
Easy Way to Save $300 on Your Email Summit Tix
Thank you,
Adala Suzette Zelman
1. RE: Your February trip to Las Vegas
2. Real, practical email tips to drive 2014 results
3. Kickstart your 2014 email marketing in Vegas
4. Great email advice. 3 days in Vegas. What’s not to love?
No one reads your emails. Want to know why?
What happens in Vegas won’t stay there this time
I know how you like crossing things off your list
The best way to get to the summit
I don’t see you on our list yet
An Easy Way for You to Save $300 by Jan 9
Get a $300 Discount on Your Ticket to the Summit
Instant $300 Savings on Your Email Summit Ticket
Email Summit 2014: Perhaps the only sure thing in Vegas. Register now and save $300.
Rock out in Vegas, be an Email Rock-Star at work – email summit 2014 $300 Discount!
You + Vegas = Email Rockstar
Hi MarketingSherpa, thought I’d give this a whirl!
Looking forward to the results.
> Get 15% Off Your Summit Ticket Today!
> Achieve Results That Will Pay For Your Attendance.
> P.S. Network and Generate Ideas With Your Peers.
Learn how to boost your email marketing conversions
Here are a few:
Yes or No, (firstname,lastname)?
MarketingSherpa Notice for (firstname,lastname)
Immediate reply requested (firstname,lastname)
The best of Email Marketing. In Vegas! (minus $300)
Book the Booster Doze and Seal the Deal of Dollars – Save $300 fast and more in future – Attend Email Summit 2014
Email Summit 2014 – Earn extraordinary and get everything about Email Marketing – an emerging field in current era
Outstanding Opportunity – An ever expanding and never ending field – Save $300 – Email Summit 2014
Save $300 now or never – Email Summit 2014
Save $300 now and make more through Email Summit 2014
Make vacation splendid by saving $300 now – Email Summit 2014
Deal of Dollar – Leave this offer or Leverage it – Choice is yours – Save $300 at a moment and more for sure in future – Attend Email Summit 2014
Seal the deal before someone steals it
What do top email marketers know that you don’t? Find out. $300 off Email Summit 2014
What should not stay in Vegas – top email marketing secrets from Email Summit 2014. $300 off registration now.
Don’t miss out. Early Bird Discount Expires 1/9 for Email Summit 2014
Don’t miss out on this $300 discount for MarketingSherpa Email Summit 2014 – ends Jan 9th!
You + $300 off = Future Email Marketing Success. Email Summit + Vegas = Amazing.
Take advantage of our early bird special before Jan 9th & receive $300 off this valuable event!
Want to learn the hottest research-based best practices for email marketing first hand? $300 discount until 1/9/13
Save $300 with this one weird trick! (Just joking)
Last Chance to Save $300.00! Register by Midnight Jan 9 to get an early bird rate on your Email Summit ’14 Pass…
Email Summit 2014 Approaching – $300 savings expiring soon!
You’ll never know… unless you open this.
Grab this Email Summit 2014’s special offer before you go on holiday
Learns how 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool boost their email campaigns
Hurry! Your $300 Email Summit 2014 early bird discount expires on 1/9
a) You’re invited
b)[NAME], why gamble at your desk when you could gamble in Vegas?
c)[NAME], why gamble with your emails when you could gamble $300?
d) To be discussed at our meeting: Email Marketing
Did you get the worm? Still time to save $300 off Email Summit 2014
The early bird gets the discount: Save $300 now on Email Summit 2014
Wanted to make sure you saw this ASAP
Your deadline is Jan. 9 – Get $300 off Email Summit 2014!
[xxxx], save $300 today – Email Summit 2014!
Cocktails and Conversions – Now $300 off Email Summit 2014
[Email Summit 2014] Last Day of Early Bird Discount is…
The Early Bird DOES get the worm – the $300 savings worm!
Early Bird Registration 1/9 – Keep $300 savings for the BlackJack table!
Find out EXACTLY what happens in Vegas! Register early for $300 in savings (Exp. 1/9).
You Just Lost $300–If You Don’t Register TODAY for Email Summit 2014
Do you wonder how to increase your Email Marketing performance? Attend MarketingSherpa Email Summit 2014. Savings expire January 9, 2014.
Poof – It’s Marketing Magic! Cut $300 from 2014 Email Summit Registration Fee
Join Email Summit 2014 in Vegas: Early Bird Discount Ends 1/9!
Learn ten top tips for tempting customers
1. 3 days to emails that convert – Email Summit 2014
2. Tested email marketing strategies and examples – Email Summit 2014
3. What’s working in email marketing today – Email Summit 2014
4. Get the latest, proven strategies in email marketing – Email Summit 2014
Give Yourself the Bird! Get $300 Early Bird Savings on Email Summit.
Turn Chirp into Cheap: Get $300 Early Bird Pricing on Email Summit
What could YOU do with $300 savings in Vegas? Go to Email Summit and Put it all on RED!
Don’t Register for Email Summit by Jan 9. We’ll keep your $300 Early Bird Savings!
Be a Bird Brain: Get $300 Early Bird Price at Email Summit by Jan 9!
Register Now! Learn from your Peers AND Save $$$
You’re smarter, more fun to be around and more physically attractive. Now be $300 richer.
Hurry! You’ve less than 1 month to save $300 – register for the Email Summit today!
MarketingSherpa is saving you $300 (to gamble?) in Vegas…open for details.
oops… missed the word ‘with’. ^gamble with $300
@Desiree Torres
Get a $300 Discount – Register for Email Summit 2014 by Jan. 9
Save $300 and Make your Email Marketing More Productive
Save $300 and Increase Email ROI
Get Everything You Need to Increase Email ROI
Increase Email ROI – Begin by Saving $300
Response Required: Grow your email marketing skills and save $300 for your vacation – limited time offer
and add a pre-header for mobile – Put $300 back in your pocket if you respond by Jan 9, 2014
Last Day for Discount on Email Summit 2014!
Go to Vegas. Boost your performance. And save $300!
You’re going anyhow, so be $300 richer!
Schmooze for $300 less — see deadline to save on Email Summit.
Top 300 reasons to sign up for Email Summit 2014 NOW.
Announcing the Best Email Marketing Case Studies | Email Summit 2014
Email Summit 2014 – last chance to save $300 on registration, so act now!
Learn Email Marketing Secrets from Companies like Porsche, Dell and Whirlpool (and save $300 in the process)!
Rock Your Emails & Make More Doing It. Email Summit 2014 – Save $300, Act Quick!
No Better Way to Save $300 for the Holidays!
Vegas, Porsche, and $300 in Your Pocket. Those aren’t even the best reasons to register for Email Summit 2014.
Email Summit 2014 – Increase ROI, Boot Performance, Blah, Blah, Blah. Did We Mention it’s in Vegas and a $300 discount!?
300 Reasons to Register Early for MarketingSherpa’s Email Summit 2014
Go to Vegas, Learn Email Best Practices, & Save $300!
Best Email Conference, in Vegas, and a $300 discount. What are you waiting for?
What would you do with an extra $300 in Vegas? Register now for the Email Summit 2014 and find out.
See you in Las Vegas for the Email Summit 2014
Want 300 reasons why going to Las Vegas can help your email marketing in 2014?
1) ‘Vegas, Baby – let’s roll the dice into a $300 discount for conference!’
2) ‘Last chance to SAVE $300 – don’t miss out on 2014 Marketing Summit’
3) ‘Prices going up, so Save $300 by signing up today!’
4) ‘Best Marketing Summit in Vegas 2014 & save $300 Today’
The Early Bird Gets the Cash, So Register Today for Our Email Summit!
First Name (if information is available), meet me in Vegas?
@Michelle Caruthers
2) The early bird gets the worm…or $300 in this case!
3) Who says you can’t mix work and pleasure? Meet me in Vegas and save $300!
What happens in Vegas……can save you $300!
Last Chance to Flip Us the Bird – Email Summit 2014 $300 OFF Early Bird Special
%%FirstName%%, Flip Us the Bird – – Email Summit 2014 $300 OFF Early Bird Special
Email Summit 2014 – ACT NOW! $300 OFF Early Bird Special Ends Soon
call to actions are pretty weak, but here ya go…
Grow your list, boost your performance, increase your email ROI…
The Chirps are Down, and Las Vegas is Calling!
Save 300$ – Attend Marketing Sherpa Email Summit 2014 – learn marketing in Vegas and help a fellow marketeer attend – All you need to do is click
Email Summit 2014 Las Vegas. Register Today to Save $300 for Play
Save 300$ – Go To Vegas – Attend Marketing Sherpa Email Summit 2014 – help a fellow marketeer attend – All you need to do is click
What Does Las Vegas, Email ROI, $300, And You All Have In Common?
Who’s opening your email? Get it opened and save $300. But you have to hurry.
Email that gets opened. Act now and save $300 on your Email Summit registration.
Only a few days left to save $300 on your MarketingSherpa Email Summit registration.
Who says email marketing doesn’t work? If you open this, you know it does. And you’ll save $300.
Future email marketing pros: get the inside skinny and save $300
Become the email marketing pro you know you can be. Save $300 right now.
Is email dead? Not on your life. Learn more and save $300.
Make Your Boss Happy…Become An Email Guru and Save $300
What Happens In Vegas Shouldn’t Stay in Vegas – 2014 Email Summit – Bring it home!
Mind Your Business: 300 Reasons You Can’t Afford to Miss Email Summit 2014
$300 Reasons Why You Must Go To Vegas In 2014 [details inside]
$300 Savings for You and Your Marketing Team!
Rockin’ Around the Email Summit – $300 off Early Bird Rate
Last Chance! Your $300 Discount is Expiring
New Year, New Strategy. Email Summit 2014 Features the Latest Trends.
You’re only here for three nights, then it’s gonna be memory. Make it the best: Email Summit 2014
What do marketing, emails and Las Vegas all have in common? Your chance to save $300!
1) I really want you to join me in Vegas! Here’s what I’ll do…
2) Extra Funds Notice – Your savings are available until January 9
3) ##FirstName##, your savings are now available!
FirstName, learn how email marketing pros get results (Save $300 if register by Jan. 9th)
Vegas. Email Summit. Save $300. Act now.
Discount ends soon for nuclear-strength email marketing training
Coundown to Vegas – Early bird saves $300
Countdown to Vegas – Early bird saves $300
Psst! Time is running out to dazzle your clients and save $300, too!
-OR-
Yoo-hoo! Astonish your clients and delight your boss. Book now and save $300!
Hey (First Name), isn’t it time you became an EMAIL MASTERMIND? Register now and save $300, now that’s genius!
1. Register to Save $300.00 with Early Bird Discount for 2014 Email Summit
2. $300 Savings with Early Bird Registration for 2014 Email Summit Makes Sense and Dollars
3. $300 Savings with Your Early Bird Registration for 2014 Email Summit
Something nice for earlybirds (before you get naughty in Vegas)
Naughty or Nice: What’s Your Price?
Nice – Save $300 on Email Summit | Naughty – Miss the Earlybird savings
Last Chance: Marketing Sherpa Email Summit 2014 early bird offer
Where can you Save $300 and Increase Email ROI?
Subject: “2014 Email Summit: Yore $300 urlee burd disk hound ex-pie yours in tree weeks on Jan 9”
Subject: “2014 Email Summit: Yore $300 urlee burd disk hound ex-pie yours in tree weeks on Jan 9”
Subject: “300 reasons NOT to attend the 2014 Email Summit”
Subject: “Sherpa? I hardly know ya”
a. Vegas is Waiting
b. Book Your Trip to Vegas and Save $300
c. %firstname%, Vegas Awaits. Save $300 on Your Ticket!
d. Porsche. Vegas. $300 for Slots | Email Summit 2014
e. Meet the Minds Behind Porsche
a. Vegas isn’t all about cabaret shows and slot machines.
b. Pick up a few marketing tips from Porsche.
c. Pocket $300 for Christmas shopping
d. A marketer’s playground: Porsche, Vegas and networking.
e. Work, meet Vegas.
Last Chance to Save $300 on 2014’s Best Email Marketing Summit!
Reserve Your Seat and Save $300 on the Best Email Summit of 2014!
Luck be a Lady Tonight | Save $300 on Your Ticket to the 2014 Email Summit in Vegas
Don’t Miss Email Summit 2013! Save $300 with early registration!
1- Will you learn in January what companies like 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool are doing that you do not know about?
2- What companies like 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool are doing that you do not know about?
3- What your close business competitors are doing better than you are in January?
4- You can do as well as 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool but you need to know their secret… Open now before is too late!
5- 3M, Dell, Porsche and Whirlpool grow sales by doing this every time, are doing it?
Regards
Email marketing by elves
Need an elf to help you with email marketing?
Fast track your marketing career in just two days: Act now and save $300
Time is running out to save $300 on Email Summit 2014
Going to Email Summit 2014? Here’s a $300 discount. But hurry – sale ends January 9.
Tick Tock – Email Summit 2014 discounted registration ends soon.
Here are a few. Please use exactly as put as they have been tested through the subject line tester for spaces, length and compatibility:
#1
(Alert) Register Inside (subject line test 1 of 10)
#2
(Alert) Future You Says: “Thanks for this”
#3
(Alert) Email Summit 2014 (subject line test 1 of 10)
For this one, I can’t help but think of a subject line that states the early bird catches the holiday worm.
Sherpa Saves You $300 To Summit!
(yes I know I’m really late 🙂
Darn, I missed it! 🙁 🙁 🙁