Website and Advertisement Testing

Testing Solutions

• Google Optimizer (http://www.google.com/websiteoptimizer ): A free tool that can be used in conjunction with AdWords and Google Analytics. The benefits are that it is very easy to set up, does not require a host, and is loaded with tutorial videos. And did we mention that it was free? The downside is that it is a fully factorial experiment and will take a very, very, very long time to do multi- variable testing. For example, if you wanted to test three different headlines and three different logos, and received 100 visitors a day, it would take 77.7 days to conclude the test!!!
  
  
• Kaizen Track (www.kaizentrack.com): A tool that we’ve used in the past with mixed success. It is installed on your server, and is a very bare bones application. If you are interested in Taguchi testing and are looking for a low-priced option, this certainly fits the bill.

• Split Test Accelerator (www.splittestaccelerator.com):  While we've never personally used this tool, we've heard nothing but good things about it. I've read quite a few articles by Dr. James Stone, the creator of the STA, and have found him both knowledgeable and entertaining. The Split Test Accelerator offers several Taguchi tests (though not as many as Kaizen Track) and also many other features such as the ability to test time on page and Pay-Per-Click advertising. Dr. Stone has certainly created a fine product, but at the $800 mark may be a bit pricey to invest in for many online businesses. Dr. Stone readily admits you should not purchase STA until you are making at least $2,000 in revenue each month.

• If you don’t want to do the work yourself, hosted solutions include Optimost (www.optimost.com) and Verster (www.verster.com).