Multi - Variate Testing - Pitfalls That Can Affect Your Testing Results (Part 2)
Everything has its own limitations and it is those shortcomings that hamper the effective utilization of an entity, product or services in the long run. Much has been “said, heard and told” about multi- variate testing but this web testing technique is still more a “mystery that remains to be unfolded”. Yes, we are not exaggerating things but certainly there is a hidden aura and mystery about this multi- variate testing that is compelling people to give it a try. If you are still in a dilemma whether to try your hand towards this advanced web testing approach, we would advise you to halt your decision a bit. This is because “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing” and multi- variate testing no doubt may be a useful and tempting experiment to begin with. However, everything could fall out of line if you are not having adequate information about the thing which is to be implemented by you in the near future. So, get prepared to take a dive in this unexplored world of multi- variate testing by taking a quick look at these drawbacks that can prove costly for your online business. It requires the availability of adequate site traffic- In comparison to A/B testing, the amount of traffic required in a multi- variate testing needs to be somewhat higher. This is because the site traffic during the multi- variate testing is equally divided into number of tests that are being run. Due to this division of site traffic into “n” number of tests in a multi- variate testing, a low traffic site can be a big disappointment for you and can affect the performance of your testing approach. Multi- variate testing needs multiple variable combinations- Unlike A/B testing, this advanced web testing approach requires more than 2 variations for implementing a given test. The web testers need to test multiple variable combinations at a time for getting the right idea about the most profitable variable combinations in case of a multi- variate testing. Thus, there is a need to find multiple variable combinations first and then implement them simultaneously to get the “winning variable combination” for your site.
It can affect the cross browser and platform compatibility of your site- In case of A/B testing, the number of site variations that needs to be tested on multiple platforms or cross browsers are only 2 which could be easily implemented. However, the number of site variations in a multi- variate testing could be more and this creates significant problem in the cross browser and platform implementation. Thus, in this way, site owners can lose the cross browser compatibility of their site during the implementation of this advanced web testing. Website redesigning needs A/B testing after multi- variate testing- One of the disadvantages of this web testing approach is that you get only hints or pointers and no concrete results to carry out your website redesign. You could implement the site variation with highest number of conversion rates in a multi- variate testing, however in order to draw the right conclusion, you need to still test the new site variation design with your old website design through A/B testing tool for taking the right decision in website designing process. This not only adds to the cost but also increases the time that is required in the website redesigning process. However, you can save your pocket by utilizing the services of this Mocking Fish tool that offers both A/B testing as well as multi variate testing. Don't jump into the bandwagon without weighing down the pros and cons of this advanced web testing approach. Remember “Haste makes waste�, so don't be impatient to try out the multi- variate testing approach as it would only bring disappointment in terms of money, time and efforts. Make a little introspection over these points and you can be sure of a rewarding results.