Do you know if your Shopify store is performing at its highest potential? 

Many store owners focus on driving traffic but forget that the real money lies in optimizing conversions. 

That’s where testing strategies like A/B testing and split testing come in. But which one should you use, and when?

In this guide, we’ll break down A/B testing vs split testing on your Shopify website, show you when to use each, and help you make data-driven decisions that increase revenue.

What is A/B Testing?

A/B testing involves testing one single element at a time to see which version performs better.

Examples of A/B tests on Shopify include:

• Changing the color of a “Buy Now” button

• Tweaking a product title or description

• Testing different CTA text on a landing page

Benefits of A/B Testing:

• Gives you quick insights with smaller traffic

• Easy to implement with Shopify apps 

• Helps steadily improve conversions

What Is Split Testing?

Split testing is testing two completely different versions of a page or funnel to determine which overall design converts better.

Examples of split tests on Shopify include:

• Two entirely different product page layouts

• Different checkout flows

• Full landing page redesigns for a campaign

Benefits of Split Testing:

• Best for major design or layout decisions

• Reveals which full-page approach converts higher

• Requires more traffic than A/B tests for statistical significance

A/B Testing vs Split Testing: Key Differences

Scope: A/B testing focuses on one element, while split testing compares full pages or funnels.

Complexity: A/B testing is simpler, split testing requires more setup.

Best Use: A/B testing for small tweaks, split testing for major design changes.

Data Requirements: A/B testing works with less traffic, split testing needs more for reliable results.

Why Shopify Stores Should Use Both

Using both strategies ensures every aspect of your store is optimized:

• Small tweaks improve click-through rates and micro-conversions

• Full-page tests reveal which design or layout truly boosts revenue. 

Continuous combined testing guides smarter, data-driven decisions. 

Example: A Shopify store increased conversions by 12% after a series of A/B tests on product images, then ran a split test on checkout layout to further increase sales by 18%.

How to Run A/B and Split Tests on Shopify

Step 1: Choose what to test (element vs full page).

Step 2: Select a testing tool or Shopify app.

Step 3: Set up variations and define goals (clicks, add-to-cart, purchases).

Step 4: Run the test until results are statistically significant.

Step 5: Implement the winning variation and continue testing.

Top Tools for Shopify Testing and Their Functions 

Google Optimize: Free, integrates with Shopify, allows A/B and split testing with detailed analytics.

Optimizely: Advanced A/B and split testing with personalization and audience targeting.

VWO (Visual Website Optimizer): Visual editor for easy test setup, heatmaps, and analytics for conversions.

Neat A/B Testing App: Shopify-specific app for testing individual elements like buttons, product descriptions, or images.

ReConvert: Focused on upsells, post-purchase optimization, and increasing average order value.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

This includes:

• Running tests without clearly defined goals or KPIs
• Testing too many elements at once, which can make results inconclusive
• Ignoring mobile optimization
• Not analyzing results properly before implementing changes
• Overcomplicating the setup instead of starting small and iterating.

A/B testing vs split testing on your Shopify website isn’t about choosing one over the other; they complement each other. 

Use A/B testing for small tweaks and split testing for major design decisions. By continuously testing, analyzing, and iterating, you’ll improve conversions, increase revenue, and create a better shopping experience for your customers.

Start with one test, measure results, and gradually build a robust optimization strategy. Every small improvement compounds into real growth over time.

Maximize your testing strategy today. Run a full audit with Revvy and see which changes actually increase sales.