Small Business Jargon Decoder
What is A/B Testing ?
Small Business Jargon Decoder
The Technical Definition
A/B testing (or split testing) is a method of comparing two versions of a webpage, ad, or email to see which performs better. It involves changing one element (like a headline or button color) and measuring which version performs better. By analyzing which version achieves a better outcome, such as higher sales, clicks, or engagement, businesses can make data-driven decisions to optimize their marketing or product strategies.
In English, Please
A/B testing is like running a taste test for your marketing. Imagine you’re deciding between two flavors of coffee to sell in your shop. You give one flavor to half of your customers and the other flavor to the rest, then see which one people like more. A/B testing works the same way but with things like emails, ads, or website layouts. You show two versions to different people, track which one gets more clicks or sales, and then use that information to make smarter choices about your business.
Do Small Businesses Really Need A/B Testing ?
A/B testing can be a game-changer, but only if you’re making enough sales or getting enough website traffic for the results to be meaningful. If you’re just starting out, you’re better off focusing on getting customers in the door rather than testing small variations in your marketing. However, if you’re running regular email campaigns, PPC ads, or have a busy website, A/B testing can help you make small tweaks that lead to big improvements in conversions and revenue. It’s especially useful for businesses spending money on digital marketing—if you’re paying for ads, you might as well find out which ones work best.
Common Mistakes
- Testing too many things at once. Changing multiple elements makes it hard to know what worked.
- Stopping too soon. Let tests run long enough to get reliable results.
- Ignoring small changes. Even tiny adjustments can make a big difference in engagement and sales.