What are the reasons and implications for A/B testing the from email address?

Summary

A/B testing the 'from' email address and name is a common email marketing optimization tactic. While testing the 'from name' (sender's name) can effectively improve open rates, brand recognition, and build trust, testing the 'from' email address itself poses significant deliverability risks. ESPs track sending address reputation, so changing the 'from' address means starting with a new reputation, potentially causing deliverability issues if not properly warmed up. Maintaining a consistent 'from' address builds brand recognition, while frequent changes can confuse subscribers. Different 'from' addresses influence perception (personal vs. generic), potentially impacting open and reply rates. Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability, especially when testing new addresses. Sudden changes, like testing a new 'from' address on a large scale without warming it up, can trigger anti-spam systems. Effective A/B testing requires isolating variables, a statistically significant sample size, and close monitoring of deliverability metrics. The 'From' field is essential for identifying the sender and facilitating replies.

Key findings

  • From Name vs. Address: Testing the 'from name' is generally more effective for open rates and trust; testing the address poses deliverability risks.
  • Reputation Matters: ESPs track sender reputation; new 'from' addresses require a warm-up period to establish a positive reputation.
  • Consistency Builds Trust: Consistent 'from' addresses build brand recognition; frequent changes can confuse recipients.
  • Authentication Is Key: Proper sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial, especially when testing new 'from' addresses.
  • The From Field: Essential for identifying the sender.

Key considerations

  • Warm-Up New Addresses: Implement a warm-up strategy for new 'from' addresses before sending large volumes.
  • Authentication Configuration: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured for all 'from' addresses.
  • Isolate Variables: Isolate the 'from' address variable during A/B tests to accurately measure its impact.
  • Monitor Deliverability Metrics: Closely monitor deliverability metrics during and after A/B tests of 'from' addresses.
  • Consider Subscriber Perception: Consider how changes in the 'from' address may affect subscriber recognition and engagement.
  • Review Reputation: Review reputation of current from address.

What email marketers say
14Marketer opinions

A/B testing the 'from' email address and name is a common practice to optimize email marketing performance. Testing the 'from name' (sender's name) is generally more effective for improving open rates, brand recognition, and trust, as it's the first thing recipients see. Different 'from' names can influence perception, with personal names often feeling more intimate than generic company addresses. However, changing the 'from' email address itself can have significant implications for deliverability because ESPs track the reputation of sending addresses. Switching to a new address means starting with a fresh reputation, which can lead to deliverability issues if not warmed up properly. Maintaining a consistent 'from' address helps build brand recognition and trust, while frequent changes can confuse subscribers. When conducting A/B tests, it's crucial to isolate the 'from' address variable, ensure proper sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and use a statistically significant sample size to accurately measure the impact.

Key opinions

  • From Name Impact: Testing the 'from name' (sender's name) is more effective than the email address for improving open rates and building trust.
  • Deliverability Risks: Changing the 'from' email address can negatively impact deliverability due to reputation tracking by ESPs.
  • Consistency Matters: Maintaining a consistent 'from' address builds brand recognition and prevents subscriber confusion.
  • Personalization: Personal 'from' names (e.g., a real person's name) can create a stronger connection with subscribers.
  • A/B Test Goals: Primary reasons for A/B testing the 'from' address include improving open rates, building connections, and enhancing inbox placement.

Key considerations

  • Sender Reputation: Consider the sender reputation associated with the 'from' address; switching to a new address requires warming up the reputation.
  • Authentication: Ensure proper sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place, especially when testing new 'from' addresses.
  • Isolate Variables: Isolate the 'from' address variable during A/B testing to accurately measure its impact.
  • Sample Size: Use a statistically significant sample size to ensure reliable A/B test results.
  • Subscriber Recognition: Be mindful of subscriber recognition; changing the 'from' address too often can confuse subscribers.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog explains that when A/B testing the 'from' address, it's important to isolate this variable. Ensure all other elements of the email remain consistent to accurately measure the impact of the 'from' address change. Also, ensure you use a statistically significant sample size.

June 2024 - Email on Acid Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks raises the question of whether a sender-id can have a reputation associated with it over time, and if switching from one sender ID to another can produce differences in inboxing.

June 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that testing the 'from' text (sender's name) is more fruitful than the email address. Changing the email address has potential consequences as people might have the current address in their address book, and a new address is more likely to end up in the junk folder.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperOffice Blog explains that using a recognizable 'from name' is essential for building trust and encouraging opens. They suggest using a real person's name rather than a generic company name to create a more personal connection with subscribers. Also suggests A/B testing a real name vs brand name.

January 2024 - SuperOffice Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that A/B testing the 'from' email address can help measure if/when people add the address to their address book.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor Blog emphasizes the 'from' name in email marketing is a golden opportunity to build trust and improve open rates. Using a consistent, recognizable 'from' name helps subscribers identify your brand and feel confident opening your emails. This blog suggests the brand name is generally better.

January 2022 - Campaign Monitor Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that A/B testing the 'from name' is generally more effective than the email address itself. The from name is what recipients see first, making it crucial for brand recognition and trust. Testing different from names can improve open rates. Testing the 'from email' is less impactful and can affect deliverability.

May 2022 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora user Jane Doe answers that using a consistent 'from' address helps build brand recognition and trust. If you change it too often, subscribers may not recognize your emails, leading to lower engagement and potential spam complaints. However, testing it can sometimes reveal improvements.

March 2024 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog shares that changing the 'from' address can impact deliverability. Email service providers (ESPs) track the reputation of sending addresses. Switching to a new address means starting with a fresh reputation, potentially leading to deliverability issues if not warmed up properly. They recommend gradually increasing volume when using a new 'from' address.

January 2022 - Sendinblue Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus Blog emphasizes the importance of a consistent and recognizable 'from name' for building brand trust. Changing the 'from name' frequently can confuse subscribers and decrease engagement. Therefore A/B tests should be properly setup so your reputation is consistent.

November 2021 - Litmus Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailMarketingGuru shares that different 'from' addresses can influence perception. E.g. using a personal name (john@) feels more intimate than a generic company address (info@). This perception can affect open and reply rates. This Reddit user recommends testing a few options.

August 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow user User456 shares that the main reasons for A/B testing the 'from' address are to improve open rates and build a stronger connection with subscribers. Some marketers also A/B test to see if they can get better inbox placement rates by changing it.

May 2023 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that filters may associate an email address with some reputation, and Machine Learning filters can work on all sorts of commonalities.

November 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from HubSpot Blog shares that A/B testing 'from names' can help identify which sender resonates best with your audience, ultimately improving open rates and engagement. Test things like real name vs brand name.

May 2022 - HubSpot Blog

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

A/B testing the 'from' email address carries significant deliverability implications. Without proper sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) setup, A/B testing different from addresses can negatively impact sender reputation, leading to deliverability problems. Also, a sudden change in sending behavior, like A/B testing a new 'from' address on a large scale without warming it up, can be flagged by anti-spam systems and cause deliverability issues. Warming up the from address is recommended before making large scale changes.

Key opinions

  • Authentication is Crucial: Sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability when A/B testing from addresses.
  • Reputation Impact: Improperly configured A/B tests of from addresses can negatively impact sender reputation.
  • List Bombing Concerns: Testing new from addresses on a large scale without warming can trigger anti-spam systems.

Key considerations

  • Verify Authentication: Verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are properly configured for all from addresses used in A/B testing.
  • Warm-Up Strategy: Implement a warm-up strategy for new from addresses before sending large volumes of email.
  • Monitor Deliverability: Monitor deliverability metrics closely during and after A/B tests of from addresses.
  • Gradual Rollout: Gradually rollout any new 'from' addresses, instead of making large scale changes immediately.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) responds to concerns about "list bombing", explaining that a sudden influx of email activity or a change in sending behavior, such as testing a new 'from' address on a large scale without warming it up, could be flagged by anti-spam systems and negatively impact deliverability. It may also cause recipients to mark as spam.

August 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that sender authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability. A/B testing from addresses without proper authentication setup can negatively impact your sender reputation and lead to deliverability problems. Changing your from address should be accompanied by proper configuration.

June 2024 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

The 'From:' field is essential for identifying the sender of an email and facilitating replies. Major email providers like Google and Microsoft track the reputation of sending domains and IP addresses, meaning A/B testing with a new or unestablished 'from' domain can negatively impact deliverability, especially without proper authentication. Sender reputation, as tracked by services like Validity ReturnPath, is a key determinant of whether an email is accepted, rejected, or filtered.

Key findings

  • From Field Importance: The 'From:' field is crucial for identifying the sender and enabling replies.
  • Reputation Tracking: Google and Microsoft track the reputation of sending domains and IP addresses.
  • Deliverability Impact: A/B testing with new 'from' domains lacking established reputation can harm deliverability.
  • Authentication Necessity: Proper authentication is essential when using new 'from' domains to maintain deliverability.
  • Sender Reputation Matters: Sender reputation significantly influences whether emails are accepted or filtered.

Key considerations

  • Domain Reputation: Consider the existing reputation of the 'from' domain before A/B testing.
  • Authentication Setup: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly configured for the 'from' domain.
  • Gradual Introduction: Introduce new 'from' domains gradually to build a positive reputation.
  • Monitoring Performance: Continuously monitor deliverability metrics when A/B testing with different 'from' domains.
Technical article

Documentation from Validity ReturnPath details that sender reputation is a key factor in email deliverability. Email providers use sender reputation to determine whether to accept, reject, or filter incoming mail. Testing new 'from' addresses can impact reputation, especially if authentication is not properly configured.

December 2024 - Validity
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft SNDS explains that Microsoft tracks the reputation of sending IP addresses and domains. A sudden shift in sending patterns or the use of a new 'from' domain with no established reputation can negatively impact deliverability to Outlook and Hotmail users.

August 2021 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools explains that Google assesses the reputation of sending domains and IP addresses. Sending from a new or unestablished 'from' domain can impact deliverability to Gmail users, especially if the domain has a poor reputation. Need to ensure proper authentication is setup.

May 2022 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from RFC2822 explains that the 'From:' field contains the email address(es) of the author(s) of the message. It's primarily for identifying the sender and is crucial for replies.

September 2022 - RFC2822