# What is Personalization?

What is Personalization? Tailoring the experience to each visitor. A name in the subject line raises open rate by 26%.

## How it works in practice

Personalization doesn't have to mean AI. 'Name in subject line' + 'products viewed' + 'favorite category' form a strong foundation.

## Related metrics

- Segmentation — the foundation
- Recommendation Engine — automated personalization
- CDP — a data platform
- LTV — personalization increases LTV

## Common misconception

'Personalization means expensive AI.' Most effective personalization is simple. All of it is available in basic Klaviyo.

## How to fix it

Not working? (1) is data flowing correctly? (2) are merge tags configured? (3) do product recommendations avoid showing already-purchased items?

## Real-world example

A bookstore: a generic newsletter got 0.8% CR. 'Books similar to what you bought' got 3.1%.

## Where to start

3 immediate personalizations: name in subject, product recommendations in abandoned cart emails, favorite category in the welcome series.

---

Category: Marketing · From the [Jimmy OS KPI Glossary](https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi.md) · Source page: https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi/personalization