Configuring send time optimization in the A/B test node

This topic describes how to enable and configure the send time optimization in the A/B Test node Campaign: Item that determines when a recipient passes through the campaign, and the actions that are executed for the recipient. With the help of "connections", you can link nodes to specify the process of your campaign. The arrow at the end of each connection always points to the next node and the associated action. within Smart Campaigns Optimizely feature for sending out one-shot-campaigns, such as an event invitation or special Christmas offers..

The send time optimization feature is available only for the Email channel.

Send time optimization in the A/B Test node is used only to determine the personalized send time of the optimized message (the main mailing). To optimize the time of sending of individual split mailings Variation of a regular mailing where a subset of recipients is "split off". Also called split-run testing, A/B testing or bucket testing. Its purpose is to test various emails against each other to determine which version is best to use as the master mailing., use a separate Wait node for each split mailing and configure the send time optimization in the Wait node.

To configure send time optimization in the A/B test node, do the following:

  1. Under the Send Date specify a Fallback time.
  2. Enable the send time optimization.
  3. Select the maximum length of time for the send time optimization.
  4. Adjust the start and end times of the send time optimization and, if necessary, shorten the preselected maximum length.
  5. Check your settings in the info area.

Specifying a fallback time

If there is insufficient data about individual recipients to determine a personalized send time, your optimized message is sent to these recipients at the fallback the default action if no criteria is met; without a fallback, no action occurs. time. To specify a fallback time:

  1. In the Create Campaign window or the Edit Campaign window within Smart Campaigns, drag an A/B Test node from the left action pane to the workspace, between the Recipients node and the Wait node/ message node. A context menu opens.
  2. To enable automatic optimization, select the check box next to Activate automatic optimization.

    Image: Activate automatic optimization

  3. In the Type of Optimization drop-down list, select one of the following types:
    • Best effective click rate
    • Best unique click rate
    • Best unique open rate
    • Lowest unique unsubscribe rate
    • Lowest bounce rate
  4. Under Sending Date of the Optimized Message, select an option and specify the fallback time.

    OptionThe fallback time is set to Configuration
    Date and TimeA fixed time. Specify a date and a time.
    Delay After Last SplitImmediately after the delay. Specify the delay time.
    ManualThe manual start time. No configuration step needed.

Enabling send time optimization

In the context menu of the A/B Test node, select the check box next to Send time optimization.

Image: Enable Send time optimization

Setting maximum length of time

Set the maximum length of time that Optimizely Campaign can use to optimize the sending of optimized messages/main mailings.

This option is only available for the fallback Date and Time.

You can select 24 hours or 7 days.

Image: Set maximum time

Adjusting start and end times

You can adjust the start and end times of the send time optimization in 15-minute increments by using the date slider. If you make no changes, the start and end times are set so that the fallback date is the midpoint of the selected maximum length of time.

Image: Slider

To adjust the start and end times and reduce the maximum length of time, click and grab the corresponding date tab with the computer mouse.

Image: Reduce the maximum length of time

You can adjust the 24 hours and 7 days defaults downwards and shorten the maximum length of time from 7 days to 3 days. For example, for editorial purposes or short-term promotions.

Checking settings in the info area

Your current send time optimization settings appear in the info area. After completing the configuration, verify your settings in the info area, and change them if necessary.

Image: Settings information

A/B test node examples

You can configure send time optimization in one of three ways for an A/B test:

  • Only optimized message/main mailing. To only configure the send time optimization for the optimized message or the main mailing, configure the send time optimization in the A/B Test node only.
  • Only split mailings. If you want to send split mailings using a send time optimization, use a separate Wait node for each split mailing, and configure the send time optimization in each Wait node.
  • Split mailings and optimized message or main mailing. If you want to configure a send time optimization for both split mailings and the optimized message or main mailing, configure the send time optimization in the A/B Test node and in the Wait node of the split mailing.