#split url testing

A/B Testing for Shopify: Optimizing Your Store for Higher Conversions

A/B testing methods to improve Shopify store conversions and customer engagement.

Source: https://cro.media/insights/ab-tests/ab-testing-optimizing-shopify/

Running A/B tests on your Shopify store can significantly improve user engagement and increase conversions. In this guide, we’ll walk through various techniques to test product page variations and help optimize the user experience.

Why Run A/B Tests on Your Shopify Store?

A/B testing allows you to test different elements of your Shopify store, such as the product page layout or the presence of specific CTAs (Call To Action). For example, testing the placement of the "Buy it Now" button could influence whether customers quickly complete their purchase or add items to the cart.

Key Techniques for A/B Testing on Shopify

Split URL Testing

Split URL testing is a classic A/B/n testing method where users are redirected to different versions of a webpage. In Shopify, this is typically done using Shopify’s alternate template URL parameter.

Setup for Split URL Testing:

Create a new template in Shopify’s admin console under Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit Code.

Duplicate the product.liquid file, removing certain elements (like the “Add to Cart” button) to create Variation B.

Configure the alternate URL using the ?view=version-b parameter (e.g., https://yourstore.com/products/your-product?view=version-b).

In tools like Kameleoon, set up a Split URL experiment to allocate 50% of your traffic to Variation B.

For detailed information about Shopify CRO Audit services, which can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your A/B tests, check out this Shopify CRO Audit page.

Graphic Editor or Code Editor Variants

If you want to avoid managing different URLs, you can create variants directly on the page using a graphic or code editor. For example, using a visual editor like Kameleoon, you can hide or change elements such as the "Add to Cart" button without having to modify the page URL.

How to Create Variants:

In Kameleoon, use the intuitive editor to hide or modify elements on your product pages.

Alternatively, use the code editor to inject JavaScript or CSS for more advanced control over your variants.

You can then configure the experiment to test which version increases the conversion rate based on metrics like “Add to Cart” or completed orders.

Using JavaScript SDK for Advanced Feature Flags

For advanced users, using a JavaScript SDK to control feature flags in your Shopify store allows you to progressively roll out changes. This is especially useful for testing new features with a segment of your visitors before making them available to everyone.

Setting Up Feature Flags:

With Kameleoon’s JS SDK, add feature flag logic to your product page templates.

Depending on the user’s variation, you can activate or deactivate specific elements (e.g., the "Add to Cart" button).

If you're considering custom Shopify development for implementing advanced testing methods and optimizing your store’s features, you might find the Shopify Development service helpful.

Running Experiments with Kameleoon

For Shopify store owners who want to integrate A/B testing tools seamlessly, Kameleoon offers both a visual editor and a code editor. Here’s how to run an experiment:

Create Your Experiment:

Go to Kameleoon’s platform, choose the type of experiment (e.g., A/B or feature flag), and configure your variation.

Allocate Traffic:

Set the traffic allocation, typically 50% to each variation.

Targeting and Measurement:

Target specific pages (e.g., product pages) and choose the KPIs you want to measure, such as the number of orders or add-to-cart events.

For a more comprehensive approach to optimizing your Shopify store, including Shopify SEO Audit and CRO strategies, learn more about our Shopify Services.

Testing & Optimizing Your Shopify Store

Once your A/B test is live, it’s crucial to monitor its progress. Use tools like Amplitude or FullStory to track how users interact with your store. Be sure to allow enough time—2 to 3 weeks, depending on traffic—to gather statistically significant data.

Key Considerations:

Traffic Allocation: Ensure you allocate traffic evenly across variations to get reliable results.

Statistical Significance: Wait until you have enough data to determine the winning variation.

By following these steps and leveraging A/B testing tools, you can identify the best version of your product page, increasing both conversions and customer satisfaction.