Dont Fall Into the Website Split Testing Black Hole

If you believe the hype, then website split testing is the long lost “holy grail” of Internet Marketing and the key to transforming your online dreams into reality. Unfortunately, the hype is wrong because split testing is just a tool and like any tool: Its only as powerful as the person wielding it. In fact, one of the first things people tend to split test is their headlines. Well this is a complete waste of time because headlines dont drive conversions, they merely pull visitors farther into your copy where your other sales tools, like the offer, actually convert prospects.

So in other words: You could use website split testing to try 50 different headlines but if all the other components were held the same, then the net difference in conversion rate between versions would average less than 5%. Headlines dont drive conversions, period. So testing different headlines is a complete waste of time if thats your objective.

Now before you think Im against website split testing, make no mistake: I am not and in fact I believe it to be vital to any successful conversion rate optimisation project. However, a much wiser investment of your time would be to concentrate on setting up split tests on the following sales tools: Your pricing; Your offer details; Post Script or Call-to-Action

Pricing remains one of the biggest drivers of conversions so using website split testing to try out different price points is vital to dialing in the right balance between Price Point and Conversion Rate. After all, you might be able to sell Product X for $50 at a 1% conversion rate but get 1.5% at $39. Your job is to crunch the numbers and figure out the best balance for highest profits and thats where split tests become vital.

Now although pricing is certainly one component of your offer, here are the other components that you should consider website split testing to improve conversion rate: Your features and/or product description; Any bonus products or services; Your Buy Now button.

All of these components of your offer will significantly affect conversion rate so youll want to run separate split tests for each of them. I would not advise multivariate testing unless you have significant experience and have successfully done so in the past. Otherwise, stick to separate split tests for each offer component.

Lastly and believe it or not: Post-scripts or a final CTA really work to the tune of generating upwards of 20% more clicks to the shopping cart when done properly. Now on most Ecommerce sites, this final CTA will typically take the form of “People who liked this product also liked:” and then a row of pictures of related products that link to formal product descriptions.

On other sites, the final CTA may be a prompt to sign up for a free consult, lead gen product, or simply a traditional post-script linking to the shopping cart. Whatever format youre using, be sure to conduct website split-testing on your post-script or closing call-to-action because it can literally boost click-thru-rate to your shopping cart or database by 20% or more.

Make no mistake, split tests are a vital tool for any successful website optimisation project and can help you dial-in your price point, maximise offer effectiveness, and boost click-thru rates to your shopping cart. Just be sure to avoid split-testing “non-converting” sales tools and use them effectively to significantly boost online conversions.

Dropship Resources, 25 Ecommerce Terms All Resellers Should Know

Why is it so Important to be a Knowledgable Reseller? **

More than anything else, a reseller needs to remain knowledgeable about the industry he/she is working in. The reason for this is that the more knowledgeable the reseller possesses, the more organized, adaptable, flexible, and successful the reseller will be. And, of course, this will boost the success potential of the business enormously.

** The 25 Most Important Ecommerce Terms **

Product Feed: A file maintaining all the requisite information about a product list associated with an ecommerce site.

Such feeds provide product information to search engines which aid in reseller inexpensively finding customers.

Data Feed: This is a process in which user can receive updated from a data source.

For resellers, the ability to stay in the loop with their affiliate service and to keep their customers informed becomes possible.

XML: XML stands for Extensible Markup Language and it is means of encoding documents electronically.

Resellers will employ it to exchange data over the internet in a safe and secure manner.

RMA: RMA stands for Return Material Authorization which is the process of returning goods or services for replacement or repair.

Resellers need a RMA system in place so they are not forced to accept losses on defective products.

Import Duties: These are taxes the recipient of a package from a foreign company will need to pay on the receipt of certain items.

Dropshippers need to know how much customers will pay on import duties so they can adjust their pricing and shipping accordingly.

This can help the company still remains cost effective for customers.

VAT: VAT stands for Value Added Tax and it is a fee charged on all levels of consumption and sale. Mostly used in Europe, a VAT tax can add upwards of 20% to the cost of an order.

Billing Address: This is the address associated with the credit card used in the purchase.

Proving a billing address to the reseller allows the reseller to charge the credit card. It also aids in preventing the use of stolen credit card.

Shipping Address: This is the specific address the customer would like the order shipped to. It may or may not be the same address as the billing address.

Ecommerce Portal: This is an online hub where sellers, suppliers, and consumers can interact.

For the reseller, such a portal can greatly expand social media marketing potential.

Merchant: A merchant is someone that sells a product directly to a customer.

Merchants should not be confused with suppliers which are, in essence, wholesalers that provide products for merchants or retailers to sell.

CMS: A Content Management System allows for the proper maintenance and management of workflow.

Dropshippers will find it enormously helpful to maintain organization.