Friday, November 2, 2012

multivariate testing 101

One step up from A/B testing is multivariate testing (also called multi-variable testing).

A/B tests are straightforward: try two scenarios, determine the better of the two content variations.
Multivariate testing can theoretically test an infinite number, though you need to keep in mind the need to maintain a statistically significant number of results to determine a performance difference between scenarios.  It's best carried out via a dynamically generated website: visitors are served proportionate but random variations of content to test a hypothesis.

Smashing Magazine artfully explains: "There are two principal approaches used to achieve multivariate testing on websites. One being Page Tagging; a process where the website creator inserts Javascript into the site to inject content variants and monitor visitor response. The second principal approach used does not require page tagging. By establishing a DNS-proxy or hosting within a website's own datacenter, it is possible to intercept and process all web traffic to and from the site undergoing testing, insert variants and monitor visitor response. In this case, all logic sits server rather than browser-side and after initial DNS changes are made, no further technical involvement is required from the website point of view."
To read more, check out:

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

email market leader ExactTarget in the news

IT is about direct marketing, and email is leading that.
Size of ExactTarget deals & scope of this industry :
Read about it at Bloomberg BusinessWeek

  • ExactTarget can charge a 50% premium for its email and social media customization services
  • It's revenue is projected to grow 126%
  • Best asset? Customization of online experiences based on consumer behavior


Monday, October 29, 2012

fusing video with email marketing


Video players can now function within email, with calls to action around and within them.  
Here are a few tips to get you started:
BusinessInsider tells us how to incorporate an email marketing app inside a Viewbix interface.
Viewbix dominates right now, but LiveClicker and others are trying to compete
Read more at: Bronto and Mailchimp