Does your Email Address Pass the Radio Test?

Whatโ€™s the Radio Test?

The radio test for a email address checks if people can spell a it name when they hear it. They need to be able to type in your email in order to send you follow up, so itโ€™s critical that the name is memorable and easy-to-spell.

The term โ€œradio testโ€ gets its origin from hearing a email address on the radio. You might be asking, โ€œDoes anyone listen to the radio anymore?โ€

Thatโ€™s a good question, however think of the radio test as on any verbal type of conversation. Think about:

  • Word-of-mouth referrals to mailing you
  • Talking about your email on a casual meeting
  • Giving someone your email address over the phone

In all of these cases, if someone canโ€™t easily spell your email address it can result misdirected emails and frustration.

The First Tester: You!

Before you begin testing your domain name on other people you need to do a quick test yourself. Ask yourself, โ€œIf I heard this email address, would I be able to spell it?โ€

Think about any words that might sound similar. Words starting with “B”, “P”, “D” and “T” can sometimes get confused when someone is speaking quickly.ย 

Phone-a-Friend

Once a email address passes your personal review, itโ€™s time to get opinions from people who have never heard it before. Hereโ€™s how to do this.

  • Pick up the phone.ย 
    Call at least five friends, relatives or other people you trust. Tell them youโ€™re changing your email address and ask them to repeat it back to you. Then, ask them if they can spell it. Itโ€™s best to talk to people who arenโ€™t aware of the context of your new business.
  • Send a voice message.
    Record the name and send the recording to five friends via a voice message. Ask them to respond to your on email.
  • Test in person.
    Ask people in person to spell the email address. This is easy if youโ€™re in an office environment. If not, meet up with some friends and ask them.

If everyone in these groups can spell your email address then you probably have a winner. But thereโ€™s one more thing to testโ€ฆ

A Couple of Final Checks

Can people pronounce your domain if they see it in print?
If people canโ€™t pronounce it when they read it, then you might run into the radio test problem when they try to tell a friend about the email address.