What is A/B Testing?

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a way to compare two versions of something like two webpages, landing pages, two different links, or email titles to see which one performs better.

It's a common technique in digital marketing, but it can be used in other areas as well.

Here's how it typically works:

1. You make two versions of a landing page, an app element, an email title/copy, an advertisement, or whatever else you want to test. Version A is usually the original, while version B contains a change you want to test. The change could be anything, such as a new headline, button color, layout, or offer.

2. You split your traffic into two random groups. One group sees version A, while the other group sees version B.

3. You can see which version performs better based on your objectives. This could include conversion rate, traffic distribution rate (the percentage of people who complete a desired action), click-through rate, engagement time, or sales.

4. Once you have enough data, you can determine which version of your A/B test performed better and use that version indefinitely.

A/B testing allows you to make data-driven decisions about what best serves your audience. It is an excellent way to improve your website, app, marketing materials, or anything else that can be presented in two different formats.

Why is A/B testing used for a short link, or why do we use A/B testing in a URL shortener?

Now, we understand what A/B or split testing is, but do you know why some people or marketers usually use a link shortener for A/B testing?

As previously stated, A/B testing is used to differentiate between two versions of something, but how can we distribute the traffic between these two versions?

Here's what a URL shortener does: it allows us/you to create a short link for two different destinations and distribute traffic between them.

However, there are two types of A/B testing:

• Random A/B testing or link rotator
• A/B testing with a predetermined percentage.

Note: It is not a must for every URL shortener to have both A/B testing features, but at Linko, we have both options.

What is random A/B testing?

Random A/B testing is a technique that distributes traffic between your links at random rather than according to a predetermined traffic percentage.

For example, if you add destination links for A/B testing but do not want to specify the percentage of traffic going to each destination, you can distribute the traffic randomly among your links.

What is A/B testing with a predetermined percentage?

This type of A/B testing involves distributing traffic among your destination links based on a predetermined percentage.

For example, if you add destination links for A/B testing but specify the percentage of traffic going to each destination, you can distribute the traffic based on your predetermined percentage among your links.

In random split testing, you don't have any control over your traffic distribution, while in predetermined split testing, you have complete control over your traffic going to your link.

How to set A/B testing for a shortened link at Linko?

As we stated earlier, Linko has both options for A/B split testing; follow the guide below on how to run A/B testing for a short link.

1. Login to your account.
2. Paste your first/main destination link for shortening.
3. Click on the advanced icon.
4. Then, click on the advanced button
5. Paste your second or other destination links for A/B testing
6. Set/specify your traffic distribution percentage for each link.
7. Then, click on the shorten button.