Content & Advanced A/B Testing

Ready to go beyond simple URL testing?
Performance Now! lets you test headlines, images, on-page elements, CSS, or even automate experiments across dozens of pages or outcomes.

What You Can Test

• Text: Change headlines, product descriptions, or any visible text.
• Images: Swap or test different product images or banners.
• Elements: Show/hide buttons, move call-to-actions, or reorder features.
• CSS: Test new styles, highlight elements, or tweak layouts.
• Bulk/advanced: Run large-scale, automated experiments or import your Google Shopping Catalog with bulk uploads.

Before You Start

• This method modifies content on your real site—requires the Performance Now! tag with modification support.
• Not compatible with tag managers or analytics-only installations.
• For Shopify, ensure you are using the correct tag in the right location (see Shopify Setup).

1. Simple Content Testing (Text, Images, Elements)

Example: Change a Product Description

1. Go to the Optimizer section in your dashboard.
2. Set up an experiment targeting the right CSS selector.
   (e.g., #product-info div.product__description)
3. Enter your outcomes—the different versions of the text or HTML you want to test.
4. Assign the experiment to the right optimizer (landing page).

Pro tip:
Below-the-fold elements update seamlessly. For above-the-fold content, you may see a brief flicker as the change applies.

Example: Add New Elements (Shopify or Custom Sites)

For more advanced changes, like adding a dynamic banner or callout:

• Edit your page or Shopify theme to include a template placeholder, e.g.:

  <template class='pnow'><dynamic>{{product_description}}<fallback>&nbsp;</fallback></template>

• In Performance Now!, create an experiment for product_description and set multiple outcomes.

Fallbacks are shown when no outcome is active, ensuring your site never displays blank space.

2. CSS Testing

Test new styles without changing your site code.

• Set experiment type to CSS.

• Choose a selector (e.g., #product-info div.product__description)

• Add a CSS rule:

  {
      font-weight: bold;
  }

• Assign and activate the experiment.

Works only with direct tag installation—not via tag manager or analytics-only setups.

3. Parameter & Template Testing

For pages with dynamic parameters (e.g., /collections/all?sort_by=best-selling), you can test any outcome by:

• Creating an experiment with the parameter as key (sort_by)
• Setting outcomes for each value
• Linking to optimizer landing pages as templates.

4. Bulk & Advanced Experiments

For testing across dozens or hundreds of variants (e.g., multiple products or headlines):

• Use the Bulk Upload/Download feature).
• Download the current configuration, edit outcomes in bulk, and re-upload.
• Perfect for mass edits, large product catalogs, or quick enable/disable of variants.

Tip: If you have questions about using bulk uploads, contact support.

Compatibility & Caveats

• Tag Managers: Content and CSS testing will not work if your site only uses an analytics/tag manager snippet.
• Shopify: Double-check that your tag is installed correctly and not mixed with standard tags. See Shopify Setup for detailed steps.

Troubleshooting

• Not seeing changes? Double-check the selector, tag installation, and experiment activation.
• Glitches or flicker? Test with below-the-fold elements or consider redesigning for more seamless updates.

For persistent issues or for step-by-step help, contact support.