A/B Tests and Growth Hacking

A/B Test

A/B testing (sometimes called split testing) is comparing two versions of a web page to see which one performs better. 

The comparison is with 2 webpages by showing the two variants (A and B) to similar visitors at the same time. 

The one that gives a better conversion rate is the winner.

Growth Hacking

Growth hacking is a marketing technique developed by technology startups which uses creativity, analytical thinking, and social metrics to sell products and gain exposure.

It can be seen as part of the online marketing ecosystem, as in many cases growth hackers are simply good at using techniques such as search engine optimization, website analytics, content marketing and A/B testing which are already mainstream. 

Growth hackers focus on low-cost and innovative alternatives to traditional marketing, e.g. utilizing social media and viral marketing instead of buying advertising through more traditional media such as radio, newspaper, and television.

Growth hacking is particularly important for startups, as it allows for a "lean" launch that focuses on "growth first, budgets second.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, AirBnB and Dropbox are all companies that use growth hacking techniques.

Retention

You've acquired new leads, what is your strategy to retain these leads?  With social media, prompt response is critical.

Experimental and Data-Drive Mindset

• Develop a deeper understanding of your website traffic

  • https://analyticsacademy.withgoogle.com/

• Make decisions that are informed by data

• Develop a plan that defines experiment time periods that are measured

• Iterate on plan

Tools

• Evan Miller - AB testing / sample size calculator - How many subjects are needed for an A/B test?

• Petit Hacks: Acquisition, retention, & revenue hacks used by companies.

• Optimizely: One optimization platform for websites and mobile apps

• Hello Bar: Tool for A/B testing different CTAs & power words

• GrowthHackers: Unlocking growth. Together

• VWO - A/B testing for marketers

Articles

• 3 Growth Hacking Tips and Tricks for Your Content Marketing Strategy

• Hacker News

• 42 mobile AB testing terms you need to know

• Split testing: how to improve your site conversions

Also See

• Call to Action

• Content Marketing

• SEO - Search Engine Optimization

• Social Media Follow Strategy

• Web Personalization