How to Create Google A/B Testing
Google A/B testing via Google Optimize is a way of determining the effectiveness of one option over another before launching a product or website.
![[Featured Image] A business woman is on a zoom call presenting information gathered through google A/B testing.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/41YhDuWYeI0YGOR25Rgm51/fb929db278bf99c3d7f7eea90dad4e36/GettyImages-2177202712.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
A/B testing, otherwise known as split testing, is the process of conducting an experiment to determine whether a hypothesis is true or not. It involves running the same experiment twice but with different variables. An example of this might be two versions of the same website but with a small change, such as a call to action button versus an in-text link, to see which drives the most traffic.
By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to create a Google A/B test using Google Optimize, including creating a hypothesis and an experiment with variables.
professional certificate
Google IT Support
The launchpad to a career in IT. This program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in about three-to-six months.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Professional Development, Computer Hardware, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Technical Support, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Security, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Applicant Tracking Systems, Computer Networking, Computer Security, Interviewing Skills, Information Systems Security, File Systems, Application Security, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Network Architecture, Microsoft Windows, Cloud Services, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Servers, Active Directory, Virtualization, Disaster Recovery, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Computing, System Configuration, User Accounts, Network Administration, Prompt Engineering, Communication, Personal Attributes, Problem Solving, Generative AI, Linux Commands, System Monitoring, Operating Systems, Remote Access Systems, File Management, Software Installation, OS Process Management, Technical Support and Services, Authorization (Computing), Linux, Command-Line Interface, Identity and Access Management, Linux Administration, Firewall, Malware Protection, Encryption, Security Awareness, Security Management, Hardening, Cryptography, Information Technology, Data Security, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Security Strategy, Security Controls, Threat Management, Network Model, Network Protocols, Wireless Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), OSI Models, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Data Integrity, Network Routing, Network Infrastructure, Hardware Troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Technical Documentation, Customer Support, End User Training and Support, Computer Architecture
Steps for creating Google A/B testing with Google Optimize
You'll follow a series of steps to create a Google A/B test. Here is a summary:
Create a hypothesis.
Go to your Google Optimize account.
Create an experience.
Name your experience.
Enter the URL you’d like to test.
Click A/B Test > Create.
Let’s take a look at each step in more detail.
1. Create a hypothesis
Before beginning your A/B test, you need to develop a hypothesis you want to prove. To do this, you must first consider the problem you are trying to solve and how you will go about it by looking at different variables. An example is changing the social sharing button from Instagram to Facebook. The hypothesis might be, “Changing the social sharing button from Instagram to Facebook will generate more articles shared.”
2. Go to your Google Optimize account
When you have a hypothesis to work on, log into your Google Optimize account, click on Main menu > Accounts, and choose your container.
3. Create an experience.
Click Create experience. If this is your first experience, click the Let's Go button to get started.
4. Name your experience.
Give your experience a name so it is easy to find and refer back to. You can call it anything you like, up to 255 characters.
5. Enter the URL you’d like to test.
Enter the URL of the page you are looking to test.
6. Click A/B Test > Create.
Click A/B Test, and then if the details are correct, press Create. Following this, you can spend time analyzing your results.
How to analyze results
Once you have run your tests, you will want to analyze your results. You can do this using Google Analytics reports, which provide detailed data on your experiments, or Google Optimize reports, which detail all the tests, including dates and results.
Best practices for A/B testing
You’ll find some common mistakes that you can make sure you avoid by following some rules of best practice when it comes to A/B testing:
Make sure your target sample is a good size
Keep it simple. Test a small number of things at a time
Make sure you base your hypothesis on research and that it’s worth proving
If your test fails the first time. Try again
Don’t disregard results if they don’t match your predictions
Learn more with Coursera.
Consider taking the Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate on Coursera to learn more about additional e-commerce topics and optimize your online store. The course can help you prepare for a digital marketing position in six months or less and help you gain skills in topics like display advertising, email marketing, SEO, and more.
professional certificate
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Get on the fast track to a career in digital marketing. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Google Ads, Email Marketing, Order Fulfillment, Social Media Management, Loyalty Programs, Performance Measurement, Spreadsheet Software, Social Media Strategy, Data Storytelling, Campaign Management, Customer Retention, A/B Testing, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Applicant Tracking Systems, Media Planning, E-Commerce, Interviewing Skills, Social Media Marketing, Marketing, Market Research, Marketing Strategies, Web Design and Development, Process Optimization, Target Audience, Market Trend, Digital Advertising, Sales, Customer experience improvement, Pay Per Click Advertising, Keyword Research, Digital Marketing, Persona Development, Customer Acquisition Management, Web Analytics and SEO, Advertising Campaigns, Online Advertising, Google Analytics, Lead Generation, Customer Engagement, Marketing Analytics, Branding, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Content Performance Analysis, Business Metrics, Brand Awareness, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Customer experience strategy (CX), Content Creation, Content Strategy, Customer Insights, Customer Service, Web Analytics, Customer Relationship Management, Performance Analysis, Return On Investment, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Presentation, Pivot Tables And Charts, Stakeholder Communications, Marketing Budgets, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Prompt Engineering, Communication, Personal Attributes, Professional Development, Problem Solving, Generative AI, HubSpot CRM, Copywriting, Promotional Strategies, Data Ethics, Newsletters, Personally Identifiable Information, Marketing Automation
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
Advance in your career with recognized credentials across levels.
Subscribe to earn unlimited certificates and build job-ready skills from top organizations.
