Hey there, colleague!

If you’re just starting your journey in affiliate marketing, you’ve probably come across the term “split test”. This is one of those buzzwords that pops up frequently in conversations among marketers, and understanding its meaning can significantly impact your results.

What is a split test?

A split test (or A/B test) is the process of comparing two or more variations of ads, landing pages, creatives, or any other campaign elements to determine which one performs better. For example, you could create two different creatives and divide traffic between them to see which generates more leads or conversions.

Example:

Why is it important?

Even if you believe your ad is perfect, you can’t be 100% sure without testing. Split tests help you find the “golden mean” that works best for your audience. They allow you to understand what drives a campaign’s success: ad copy, visuals, colors, calls-to-action, or even the time of day.

How to conduct split tests

1.Define What to Test

Most often, offers are tested against each other to identify where the best ROI can be achieved.

2.How to Test Different Offers

To conduct a proper test, you need to use the same creatives, landing pages, and traffic sources, all at the same time. The only variable should be the product on the landing page, with no other changes.

3.Gather Data

Allow your test enough time to gather relevant data. This could take a few days or weeks, depending on your traffic volume.

4.Analyze Results

Focus on key metrics like EPC (Earnings Per Click) and ROI (Return on Investment).

    •    Be aware of how advertisers handle spam leads or whether they send repeat orders as postbacks to your tracker.

    •    For instance, a lower overall approval rate might still result in higher ROI and EPC if the advertiser flags repeat orders as spam but includes them in the results.

Split testing process:

Flowchart:

Goal → Choose Variants → Allocate Traffic → Collect Data → Analyze

Tips for Beginners

    1. Don’t rush

Split tests take time, so avoid making conclusions too quickly. Wait until you have sufficient data.

    2. Test one element at a time

If you test too many things simultaneously, it’ll be hard to pinpoint what caused the result.

    3. Be open to surprises

Sometimes, what looks less appealing might turn out to be more effective.

Final thoughts

Split tests are one of the most powerful tools in an affiliate marketer’s arsenal. They help you discover the best-performing strategies for your campaigns and boost profitability. So don’t be afraid to experiment and continuously refine your approach.

Good luck with your campaigns!