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A/B Split Testing: Why & How You Can Use it to Achieve Results

A/B split testing is not a new concept in digital communication however, it is not as commonly used as SEO, web analytics and usability for the simple reason that not many businesses know what it is. Many companies wanting to test their online promotional and marketing strategies use the method to gain insight into audience behaviour and website performance and find it one of their most valuable assets.

A/B split testing can be used to test any digital form of communication from full websites to emails and even search ads. Efficient A/B testing can make a huge difference in the way you market your business to online users as it narrows down the most effective elements of your efforts and displays the results to you.

What is A/B split testing?

A/B split testing (also known as split testing) is simply a method used to compare two versions of a webpage or app interface to determine which one performs better. It tests two similar elements (A and B) to see which one visitors better interact with and which leads to a greater conversion rate. Once you have measured and concluded which version was more successful, this is named the “champion page” which you are now able to set up as the final version.  You may also choose to take the best elements from each version and set up an entirely new one.

Why should you A/B Test?

A/B split testing allows you to make the most out of your existing traffic. As A/B split testing is controlled, you can easily figure out which marketing strategies work the best for your business and its services. Understanding your consumer better and knowing what they prefer enables you to improve the overall interaction they have with your business and the conversion rate of anything they see from your business.

A/B split testing that is done consistently helps you keep track of their behaviour and know when changes occur in the way they interact with your business. While the cost of obtaining paid traffic can be huge, the cost of improving your conversion is much less.

What can you test?

Almost anything that affects visitor behaviour can be A/B tested. This includes: 

  1. Layout and style
  2. Colours
  3. Headlines
  4. Sub-headlines
  5. Paragraph copy
  6. Amount of text on the page
  7. Sales copy and product descriptions
  8. Offers and promotions
  9. Testimonials
  10. Call to action text
  11. Call to action buttons
  12. Forms and types of fields
  13. Links
  14. Images and videos

While you can test every little thing on your website, email or ad, you should focus on the things that are most likely to have the biggest impact.

How do you A/B test?

Before you A/B test you should brainstorm what you want to test and why. This will set the basis of your experiment and help you understand what you want from your results. From here create two alternatives and release them to be tested. Once you have a healthy number of results, determine the champion version.

For example, to set up A/B test for a website you will need to create and upload a new page with the varied layout, colours, text or links you want it to include. Say your homepage is http://www.example.com/index, you will need to create a second variation located at http://www.example.com/index1. When you run the test, visitors will be directed to one of the two alternatives. Once you have a sufficient number of responses, study the results to see which page performed better. That’s it!

We recommend using one of the following resources to help you easily A/B test:

MailChimp: MailChimp has built-in analytics and A/B split testing to test which email campaigns perform better based on subject lines, clicks, and more.

Facebook Ad Manager: Split testing on Facebook can be done directly through the Ads Manager with different ad sets.

Google Analytics Content Research: A helpful and free A/B testing tool from Google. An ideal starting point for businesses and individuals that have not A/B test before.
Price: Free

Optimizely: Let’s you perform simple and advanced A/B tests via a point and click WYSIWYG editor.
Price: 3 options $17 – $359/month

What are your thoughts on A/B testing? Have you used it before? What were the best results you found from testing? Share your comments below.

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Contents

I’ve always been fascinated by symbolism 🌀

By how a single mark, image, word or gesture can represent something far bigger than itself. Across cultures and civilisations, we’ve used symbols to communicate identity, beliefs, stories, belonging and ideas that sometimes go far beyond what words can explain.

And somewhere along the way, I realised that’s also how I’d started to see brands.

A logo can become a symbol of what a business stands for. A colour can carry years of recognition. A phrase can represent an entire belief. A story can become shorthand for where a business came from and why it exists. Iconography can represent services, philosophies, products or ideas.

What we see on the surface carries meaning because of everything sitting behind it.

Over nearly two decades of working in branding, I also began noticing the same themes appearing again and again in the businesses people really remembered.

Their past, beliefs, future, people, identity, expression, impact and longevity.

Eventually, I gave each of those ideas a symbolic form.

They became Oraco’s Eight Brand Marks, and today they give us a way to look at a business from eight different perspectives and uncover the stories, ideas and meaning that make it distinctly its own.

The strongest brands aren’t built by adding meaning that was never there. More often, the clues already exist.

You just need to know where to look.

Explore the Eight Brand Marks via the link in bio.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17981505972081585
I’ve always been fascinated by symbolism 🌀 By how a single mark, image, word or gesture can represent something far bigger than itself. Across cultures and civilisations, we’ve used symbols to communicate identity, beliefs, stories, belonging and ideas that sometimes go far beyond what words can explain. And somewhere along the way, I realised that’s also how I’d started to see brands. A logo can become a symbol of what a business stands for. A colour can carry years of recognition. A phrase can represent an entire belief. A story can become shorthand for where a business came from and why it exists. Iconography can represent services, philosophies, products or ideas. What we see on the surface carries meaning because of everything sitting behind it. Over nearly two decades of working in branding, I also began noticing the same themes appearing again and again in the businesses people really remembered. Their past, beliefs, future, people, identity, expression, impact and longevity. Eventually, I gave each of those ideas a symbolic form. They became Oraco’s Eight Brand Marks, and today they give us a way to look at a business from eight different perspectives and uncover the stories, ideas and meaning that make it distinctly its own. The strongest brands aren’t built by adding meaning that was never there. More often, the clues already exist. You just need to know where to look. Explore the Eight Brand Marks via the link in bio.

One of the hardest things about running a business is knowing what actually deserves your attention.

When you`re inside it every day, everything can feel important. The website needs updating, content needs creating, marketing isn`t quite working, the messaging feels off. Someone suggests a new platform, another campaign or a complete change in direction. But more activity isn`t always the answer.

A big part of Jessica`s work, both through Oraco and the business owners she mentors, is helping people step back far enough to see what`s really going on.

– What are you actually trying to achieve?
– Who are you trying to reach?
– What`s already working?
– Where is the real disconnect?
– And what can probably wait?

Sometimes the most valuable strategy isn`t adding another thing to the list. It`s creating enough clarity to know what matters now, what comes next and what doesn`t need your attention at all.

If you`re looking for strategic advice, a fresh perspective and someone to keep you accountable to actually doing the things you said you were going to do, Jessica offers one-on-one business strategy and mentoring sessions. Shoot us a DM to find out more.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17986629341863106
One of the hardest things about running a business is knowing what actually deserves your attention. When you're inside it every day, everything can feel important. The website needs updating, content needs creating, marketing isn't quite working, the messaging feels off. Someone suggests a new platform, another campaign or a complete change in direction. But more activity isn't always the answer. A big part of Jessica's work, both through Oraco and the business owners she mentors, is helping people step back far enough to see what's really going on. – What are you actually trying to achieve? – Who are you trying to reach? – What's already working? – Where is the real disconnect? – And what can probably wait? Sometimes the most valuable strategy isn't adding another thing to the list. It's creating enough clarity to know what matters now, what comes next and what doesn't need your attention at all. If you're looking for strategic advice, a fresh perspective and someone to keep you accountable to actually doing the things you said you were going to do, Jessica offers one-on-one business strategy and mentoring sessions. Shoot us a DM to find out more.

Last week, we lost someone very special.

Sean was a former Principal of Mannix College, a longstanding client of Oraco`s, and someone I was lucky to get to know over many years.

I first met Sean in 2012 through my work with Mannix, and I remember instantly clicking with him. He was incredibly kind, funny, super organised and genuinely caring. He made working together easy, but he was also someone who took the time to get to know you beyond the work itself.

Every year, without fail, Sean would send me a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year message, always accompanied by a quirky little Bitmoji of himself. Even after he finished as Principal and we were no longer working together regularly, those messages continued. It`s such a small thing, but I think it says a lot about the kind of person he was.

I`ve worked with Mannix since 2009, a relationship that now spans close to two decades, and Sean sits right in the middle of so many of those memories. He was there through an important chapter in my career and Oraco`s growth, trusting us with Mannix for many years, and still making the effort to stay in touch long after our working relationship changed.

Looking back, it means a lot that such a longstanding professional relationship also brought someone like Sean into my life.

As the Mannix community gathers today to celebrate Sean`s life, I`ll be joining the service from home and thinking of his family, friends and everyone at Mannix. I had hoped to be there in person, but I`m glad I`ll still be able to join everyone in remembering him.

Thank you, Sean, for your kindness, your humour and for always finding a way to put a smile on people`s faces. You made a difference to so many people, myself included, and I`m very grateful our paths crossed.

Leanne x

Photo courtesy of Mannix College.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18016270139941947
Last week, we lost someone very special. Sean was a former Principal of Mannix College, a longstanding client of Oraco's, and someone I was lucky to get to know over many years. I first met Sean in 2012 through my work with Mannix, and I remember instantly clicking with him. He was incredibly kind, funny, super organised and genuinely caring. He made working together easy, but he was also someone who took the time to get to know you beyond the work itself. Every year, without fail, Sean would send me a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year message, always accompanied by a quirky little Bitmoji of himself. Even after he finished as Principal and we were no longer working together regularly, those messages continued. It's such a small thing, but I think it says a lot about the kind of person he was. I've worked with Mannix since 2009, a relationship that now spans close to two decades, and Sean sits right in the middle of so many of those memories. He was there through an important chapter in my career and Oraco's growth, trusting us with Mannix for many years, and still making the effort to stay in touch long after our working relationship changed. Looking back, it means a lot that such a longstanding professional relationship also brought someone like Sean into my life. As the Mannix community gathers today to celebrate Sean's life, I'll be joining the service from home and thinking of his family, friends and everyone at Mannix. I had hoped to be there in person, but I'm glad I'll still be able to join everyone in remembering him. Thank you, Sean, for your kindness, your humour and for always finding a way to put a smile on people's faces. You made a difference to so many people, myself included, and I'm very grateful our paths crossed. Leanne x Photo courtesy of Mannix College.

One year of @twobayslaundry 🤎

A year ago, Two Bays Laundry opened its doors with a brand we’d had the pleasure of helping Liz and Kirill bring to life from the very beginning.

From strategy through to the visual identity, we wanted to create a brand that felt fresh, organic and full of personality, but most importantly, one that felt like it belonged here on the Mornington Peninsula.

That sense of place became part of the identity itself. The curves within the logo draw on the movement of water and our coastline, while the stylised ‘B’ represents the two bays that gave the business its name, Western Port and Port Phillip. The coastal palette, natural textures and broader identity carried that story through the space (shout out to @saint.design.interiors), signage, uniforms, vehicles and everything in between.

It’s always pretty special seeing a brand move from ideas on a page into a real business, but even more so watching it become part of the local community.

A huge congratulations to Liz, Kirill and the whole Two Bays Laundry team on your first birthday. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside you from those early ideas through to launch and everything that has followed.

Happy first birthday! Here’s to everything still to come 🥂

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 17879865243686265
One year of @twobayslaundry 🤎 A year ago, Two Bays Laundry opened its doors with a brand we’d had the pleasure of helping Liz and Kirill bring to life from the very beginning. From strategy through to the visual identity, we wanted to create a brand that felt fresh, organic and full of personality, but most importantly, one that felt like it belonged here on the Mornington Peninsula. That sense of place became part of the identity itself. The curves within the logo draw on the movement of water and our coastline, while the stylised ‘B’ represents the two bays that gave the business its name, Western Port and Port Phillip. The coastal palette, natural textures and broader identity carried that story through the space (shout out to @saint.design.interiors), signage, uniforms, vehicles and everything in between. It’s always pretty special seeing a brand move from ideas on a page into a real business, but even more so watching it become part of the local community. A huge congratulations to Liz, Kirill and the whole Two Bays Laundry team on your first birthday. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside you from those early ideas through to launch and everything that has followed. Happy first birthday! Here’s to everything still to come 🥂

We don’t believe the best brand stories are invented.

They’re found in the reasons a business began, the decisions made along the way and the people behind it. The things they care about, do differently, and perhaps don’t even realise are interesting anymore.

Often, you’re too close to your own business to see what someone else might find remarkable.

That’s why we ask questions, listen and look a little closer.

The story is already there. You just have to know where to look.

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18135355420630978
We don’t believe the best brand stories are invented. They’re found in the reasons a business began, the decisions made along the way and the people behind it. The things they care about, do differently, and perhaps don’t even realise are interesting anymore. Often, you’re too close to your own business to see what someone else might find remarkable. That’s why we ask questions, listen and look a little closer. The story is already there. You just have to know where to look.

At the heart of @joannaphotography.au’s new identity is a refined wordmark designed to balance timeless elegance with a sense of movement and connection.

A sophisticated serif typeface was chosen for its enduring quality, warmth and understated premium feel. The letterforms evoke a sense of craftsmanship and longevity, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating imagery that grows in meaning over time.


Connection between the A and N introduces a sense of movement and continuity, symbolising the relationships, stories and moments that unfold throughout life.

This is why we start with your story. It’s often where the most distinctive part of a brand identity is hiding.

•

Filed by: Oraco Agency
Reference: PF-4165
Photo source: @joannaphotography.au
Filed under: #ProjectFile #BrandStrategist #Branding #BrandDesign #LogoDesign

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Open post by oracoagency with ID 18120044761813156
At the heart of @joannaphotography.au’s new identity is a refined wordmark designed to balance timeless elegance with a sense of movement and connection. A sophisticated serif typeface was chosen for its enduring quality, warmth and understated premium feel. The letterforms evoke a sense of craftsmanship and longevity, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating imagery that grows in meaning over time. Connection between the A and N introduces a sense of movement and continuity, symbolising the relationships, stories and moments that unfold throughout life. This is why we start with your story. It’s often where the most distinctive part of a brand identity is hiding. • Filed by: Oraco Agency Reference: PF-4165 Photo source: @joannaphotography.au Filed under: #ProjectFile #BrandStrategist #Branding #BrandDesign #LogoDesign

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Picture of Oraco

Oraco

We are designers, strategists, storytellers, coders, animal lovers, travellers, adventurers, yogis, gig-goers and coffee, tea & wine enthusiasts. We are for culture that fuels progressive and imaginative thoughts. We value positive change and believe in equality. We expect accountability. We aspire to create a work-life balance. We enjoy teamwork and contribution.

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