Mobile A/B Testing Revisited with These New Approaches

When launching an app, how can you ensure delivering your users what they want? Well, while there are several metrics to measure them but initially to start with the battle ahead of you what comes as most effective is the A/B testing.

What is mobile A/B testing?

Just as it sounds, it offers two different options referred as A and B. For every app features, design attributes and marketing aspects two different versions can be put to the test for measuring effectiveness. This test is widely called as A/B testing. Thanks to this method of choosing between two versions of app attributes, developers can have a clear idea of what is going to be more effective.

Why Is It Important To Run A/B Testing?

A/B testing is widely used by marketers to determine what are the aspects that can lead to more download numbers or user retention rate. Many apps achieved higher user acquisition, engagement, and retention after conducting A/B testing.
 
While the importance of A/B testing in mobile application development is well accepted, it is crucial to know the best practices and the most important elements that deserve priority for this.

Mobile A/B Testing best practices

There is a few time-tested principles and guidelines concerning mobile A/B testing that proved effective for numerous apps. Let us introduce here 5 best practices for mobile A/B testing.

Think from the user's perspective

First of all, you need to put yourself into the shoes of the users and accordingly consider every aspect of the app. Take note of every single detail and the differences between both versions.

Interact with the users

How can you know what the users want without communicating them? Without interacting with your users you cannot know what are the elements you need to test or what you should prioritize.

Plan your A/B testing

You need to start A/B testing with a specific plan. How you are going to address each and every customer expectations and how to prioritize them you need to plan beforehand.  Moreover, having a plan is important to evaluate the results as per your expectations in the end.

Decide what you will test

There are two aspects to it.  Either you can test app contents including features, design elements and consumable contents like texts, images, video, etc. On the other hand, you can test the reaction of your users and target audience in respect to your app store presence. If you are concerned about monetization model you should follow, you can put various price models to the test.

Give the time it needs

Lastly, while A/B testing you need to test at least 3 elements at a time to get a solid and clearly defined direction and you should allow the test running for at least a month or so.

Most important mobile A/B tests you should focus upon now 

App Icon

What users get introduced with before even knowing about your app? Well, it is app icon and that is why it makes the most important part of your app store presence.  As app marketplace is the prime area to address your target audience and gain acquisition, the app icon needs to be optimized for easily remembering. Do you know bad app icon is one of the top three reasons for being rejected by the Apples App Store? If you know not, take note that Apple considers good icon design is as important as the app itself.

Let us offer here a few of the effective tips for app icon design.
 

• Think whether you can deliver a unique app shape?
• Only use a maximum of two colors in the design and avoid color overload at any cost.
• Do not use photography
• Do not use text in app icon
• Only use graphics that are highly relevant and useful to your app.
• Make the design intuitive and intelligent to let users instantly understand the purpose of your app.