In recent years, AB testing online has become one of the most frequently used methods for gathering quality feedback.
Feedback can be defined as communicating reactions to a product or action. It is often given in an attempt to guide decision making – usually towards a positive or productive end. People are always giving and receiving feedback: from their friends, their families, their co-workers, and their peers. This feedback is often internalized all the same; but not all feedback is created equal.
Neutral 3rd parties – like anonymous online panelists – are regarded as the gold standard for generating quick feedback on AB tests. Digital survey platforms place thousands of panelists at your fingertips, for a price point far more affordable than traditional testing methods.
Here are 3 tips for getting the quality AB testing feedback you need – fast.
Tip #1: Have a Clear Goal in Mind for Your Test.
Testing without a goal is like putting together furniture with missing pieces and no directions – difficult, frustrating, and ultimately pointless. Every test must be conducted with a clear and focused goal in order for the resulting data points to be of any use to the researcher.
A goal doesn’t have to be grandiose for it to be purposeful; in fact, the smaller and more concrete your purpose, the more likely your test is to succeed. Identifying your goal is as easy as determining what you want to get out of your surveying, whether that be: design feedback, fashion insight, reactions to your latest novel draft, or even feedback on your latest tattoo.
When reviewing your testing goals, make sure it meets the following principles. These elements are paramount to creating an achievable goal:
- Clarity
- Each test should explore only one subject or theme.
- Challenge
- The results of the test should challenge your existing perception of the issue.
- Commitment
- You must be prepared to see your testing through to the end – including the data analysis that comes after.
- Feedback
- Your panelists must have the means to share their insights on your test.
Tip #2: Picking the Perfect Audience.
Feedback can come from many sources. Where people look for that feedback and how they receive it depends on their situation and circumstances. The authority and knowledge your audiences possess related to your test subject matter will play a major role in determining its success.
Today’s digital testing platforms give users access to thousands of panelists from all across the world. These people represent a diverse and true-to-life sampling of hundreds of unique niches and consumer groups; meaning nearly any kind of person can be reached with a targeted test.
When choosing your test audience, be sure to make the following considerations:
- Knowledge Level
- How familiar would a general (undifferentiated) audience be with the topic being tested?
- Relevancy
- How is the subject matter relevant to the panelists being asked to present feedback on it?
- Testing Budget
- The amount of money allocated to spend on testing limits the size and scope of both the test itself as well as the audience.
- Time
- The larger the audience, the longer it takes the test to complete.
Tip #3: Choose The Right Tools.
In the last several years, the amount of online survey platforms have surged dramatically. Dozens of platforms compete for the same limited market, and offer many of the same services; so how is anyone supposed to find out which AB testing tool is the best?
It comes down to evaluating the platforms that are most relevant to your needs, and determining which offers the best deal.
If you want to avoid waiting days or longer for your results, make note of how quickly the platform advertises the delivery of your data; not all platforms give users the ability to access their test results immediately. The best platforms for quick AB testing are those that offer real-time feedback or instant surveying.
Consider the following service features when comparing two or more testing platforms:
- Feedback delivery time
- How quickly can the tester view a response?
- Cost
- How does the platform charge? (Per test, per panelist, subscription fee, etc.)
- Software integration
- Does the platform work well with other data management software?
- Ease of use
- How accessible and user friendly is the platform?
- Demographics
- How effectively does the platform break up and target different audiences?
Key Takeaways
The best way for anyone to receive fast and easy feedback is through AB testing online. It’s cheap, easy, and extremely accessible – even for non-researchers.
Digital testing platforms enable thousands daily to make better decisions by receiving feedback from their peers online. While many of these testing platforms appear identical on a surface-level, the elements of their software and the scope of their services vary greatly.
To find the ideal platform, one must be prepared for introspection; determining the scope of a test and identifying the target audience for it must come before anything else. From there, picking the perfect tool simply involves matching the requirements of the test to the services offered by these platforms.
