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Are You A/B Testing Your Candidate Outreach Emails?

Updated: Jan 12, 2023


A/B Testing


We will discuss A/B testing in a broader context in this blog post and drill down specific examples of how A/B testing subject lines can be beneficial for talent acquisition and candidate lead nurturing.


So What is A/B Testing?


A/B Testing is the ultimate decision-maker for businesses. It's like a high stakes game of eeny, meeny, miny mo to determine which product version works best - by measuring key metrics such as click rates and user engagement you can get an in depth look at what content, email subject lines will have your users coming back time and time again. So stand strong on that choice knowing it was rigorously tested!


In the digital world, we sometimes find ourselves between two options: A or B - sound familiar? So do companies who use A/B Testing. By creating two versions of a product or content, or subject line and measuring how users respond via metrics such as CTR, engagement rate and conversion rates, companies can identify which version works best for their audience... rather than just taking a gamble!


A/B Testing is a powerful experiment that puts two versions of the same product in a battle royale to determine which performs better. It's like having an Arsenal vs Man Utd match, but with brand performance as the goal instead of professional bragging rights! Companies take advantage by tracking metrics such as click-through rates, user engagement and conversion rate – crucial factors for determining what content works best for their loyal fans.


So A/B testing is an invaluable tool for businesses looking to optimize the performance of their digital products or services. With A/B testing's ability to generate measurable data on how customers interact with your product or service, it is essential for success in today's competitive market.


By implementing A/B testing strategies into any business strategy, organizations can have confidence that their products or services are optimized for maximum customer engagement. A/B testing is a method of comparing two versions of a web page or mobile app or subject line to determine which one performs better. It's an invaluable tool for optimizing user experience and increasing conversions.


Here are some A/B testing best practices to ensure you get the most out of your tests:


  1. Start with your hypothesis: Before you start your test, you need to have a clear idea of what you are hoping to achieve and why. Ask yourself questions about your goal and come up with an answer that will form the basis of the experiment.

  2. Keep it simple: Don't try to test too many things at once as this could lead to inconclusive results. Focus on one element simultaneously and set up separate tests for each variable you want to test.

  3. Set realistic goals: Don’t just assume that making changes will lead to a drastic improvement in performance or results, be realistic in your expectations.

  4. Document all changes: Make sure any changes made during the test are well documented so they can easily be tracked later on if needed. This will also help when reviewing the results afterward and adjusting accordingly for future tests.

  5. Analyze the results carefully: Take time to thoroughly analyze the data collected from each test before making any decisions about what should be done next – don’t rely on hunches or intuition alone! A/B testing is a powerful tool for businesses to achieve success in today's digital environment.


What are the Benefits of A/B Testing?


There are several benefits of A/B testing, including:


  1. Improved conversion rates: by testing different elements of a page, businesses can increase the number of visitors who take the desired action;

  2. Higher ROI: because A/B tests can be conducted relatively cheaply and quickly, they have a high ROI;

  3. Better customer experience: by constantly testing and improving the user experience, businesses can ensure that their customers have a positive experience on their site or app;

  4. Increased sales: Ultimately, the goal of any business is to increase sales, and A/B testing can help to achieve this goal.


How is A/B Testing Conducted?


A/B testing is conducted by creating two versions of a web page or app and then directing traffic to both versions. The version that receives the most traffic is typically considered the winner, as it is the one that performs better. However, it is important to note that A/B tests should be run for a sufficient amount of time in order to ensure accurate results.



What are the Limitations of A/B Testing?


While A/B testing can be an effective way to improve conversions, there are some limitations to consider, such as:


  1. Sample size: in order for an A/B test to be effective, it needs to have a large enough sample size; otherwise, the results may not be accurate;

  2. Time: conducting an A/B test can take some time, so businesses need to be patient in order to see results;

  3. Resources: businesses ne are purpose built to help recruiters and talent acquisition professionals . It's essentially A Recruiter Sidekick. Giftem helps in nurturing candidates acr recruiting funnel. From built in A/B tested subject lines to pre-written templates your candidate outreach is on autopilot. Giftem does all the heavy lifting for candidate outreach and nurturing while you can focus on sourcing and recruiting talent. It's a win-win theat adds to your overall productivity!y!

A/B Testing Subject Lines


A/B testing your subject lines is a great way to optimize email marketing campaigns and improve open rates. By testing different versions of the same message, you can identify which subject line resonates most with your audience and use that to inform future emails.


Additionally, A/B testing subject lines allows you to experiment with different lengths, styles, and tones to further maximize engagement. Ultimately, it provides valuable data that can help you craft more effective messages in the future.


Here are some examples of A/B tested subject lines that have achieved great success:

  1. "Which one will you choose?"

  2. "Make your pick!"

  3. "Open now and make your selection!"

  4. "Ready to decide? Choose quickly!"

  5. "Time's running out - pick now!"

  6. "See what everyone is talking about!"

  7. "The choice is yours – act fast"


A/B Testing Subject Lines for Talent Acquisition:


A/B testing is an invaluable tool when it comes to recruiting talent. You can use subject lines to identify which language and messaging resonates most with potential candidates and use that data to create more effective recruitment emails.


Platforms such as Giftem are purpose built to help recruiters and talent acquisition professionals . It's essentially A Recruiter Sidekick. Giftem helps in nurturing candidates across the recruiting funnel. From built in A/B tested subject lines to pre-written templates your candidate outreach is on autopilot. Giftem does all the heavy lifting for candidate outreach and nurturing while you can focus on sourcing and recruiting talent. It's a win-win that adds to your overall productivity!


Using Email effectively for Talent Acquisition:


Email can be an effective recruiting tool. It's one of the most direct and cost-effective ways to reach potential candidates, and it allows you to quickly target groups of people with tailored messages.


Automating Email campaigns:

Additionally, automated email campaigns allow recruiters to save time and resources by setting up drip campaigns that are delivered on predetermined schedules. This ensures leads are nurtured even when their attention is elsewhere, making it easier for recruiters to stay top of mind.


Personalized Outreach:

Personalized outreach is a great way to stand out and show that you’re interested in the individual. It's a powerful way to connect with potential candidates, build relationships, and increase their engagement. Customizing your message according to the individual's interests or experience can be a great way to grab their attention and demonstrate that you value them as an individual, making them more likely to apply for positions at your organization.


Examples of A/B tested subject lines for recruiting include:

  1. "Be part of something special"

  2. "Make a difference – join now!"

  3. "Join the team – limitless opportunities ahead"

  4. "Be part of the next success story"

  5. "Don't miss out on this unique opportunity"

  6. "Take your career to the next level - join us now!"


Lead Nurturing for Talent Acquisition


It's the process of encouraging potential candidates to move along the recruitment funnel and become qualified applicants. Here are some ways to perform effective lead nurturing for recruiting:

  1. Create content that appeals to your target audience – this could include emails, job postings, blogs, videos, and other forms of communication.

  2. Establish a connection with your potential candidates through personalized messages or outreach campaigns.

  3. Utilize A/B testing to identify which language resonates most with potential recruits and adjust messaging accordingly.

  4. Monitor progress and engagement by tracking clicks, conversions, inquiries, and other metrics.

  5. Use segmentation to tailor your message based on lead data such as job titles or skill sets. • Give regular updates about the recruitment process to keep candidates engaged and informed.


Using Gifting for Candidate Lead Nurturing:


Gifting can be an effective way to nurture relationships with candidates. It's a great way to show your appreciation for their time, and it gives you the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that can help you get to know them better.


For example, you could send them a gift card for a favorite retailer, a winery tour or other experience related to the job they’re applying for. Additionally, sending branded items such as t-shirts, hats, stickers, etc. can create positive associations with your brand and make them more likely to actively want to work for your organization in the future.



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