This information is correct as of March 2023. Growth Method has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided.

Since the shutdown of Google Optimise, many of our clients have been searching for a low-cost Google Optimise alternative, particularly after the sunset announcement was revised making it clear that A/B testing functionality would not be added to GA4. Rather than building native functionality in Google Analytics, Google's focus is now on integrating third-party A/B testing solutions.

We work with mid-size and enterprise B2B clients, companies that don't have to deal with e-commerce-like transaction volumes but nevertheless need a reliable A/B testing tool to run experiments and accelerate growth.

The two most popular Google Optimise alternatives that have emerged since the Optimize sunset announcement are Visual Website Optimizer (VWO) and Convert. In this article, we look at Convert.com in particular.

Introducing Convert.com

Unlike VWO, choosing which Convert product is right for you is simple, as there is only one. The core Convert A/B testing tool includes all functionality, and pricing is clear and transparent. Here are some of the core features and functionality:

• A/B testing

• Split testing

• Multivariate testing

• Multipage experiments

• Visual editor

• Code editor

• Advanced audience targeting and segments

• Collision prevention

• Privacy compliance

• 3rd party integrations

• 10-step onboarding plan

• Zero flickering

The lowest Convert.com plan is $99/mo for up to 50,000 tested users per month. This lower-cost plan was made available largely as a result of the Google Optimise sunset announcement. For more information, see their pricing page.

AB testing functionality review

The core features in VWO, Convert, and others are very similar, and for any team that is newer to growth marketing, agile marketing, or experimentation, either will be more than sufficient to get started.

Here are some questions to consider:

1. How many tested visitors do you need? Over 100k with VWO shoots up in price massively. At 50k and below, both are very similar.

2. What test types does the product offer? AB tests, Split tests (split-url tests), multi-variant tests (MVT), multi-page tests.

3. How many tests can you run? Are there limits?

4. How do you edit tests? Most products come with both a visual editor and a code editor.

5. How do you get support? Typically a mix of live chat, email, and phone support, depending on your plan level.

6. Is there zero flicker? Unlike Google Optimise, all commercial offerings should provide zero-flicker as standard.

7. What statistical model is used in reporting? Bayesian, Frequentist, or both.

Convert.com AB testing functionality

We have reviewed Convert.com functionality in-depth below and provided a comparison with VWO Testing (its most common competitor) for easy reference. Despite the similarities, there are also a number of differences between the two products, outlined below.

• Launched: Convert.com (2008), VWO Testing (2010)

• Based in: Convert.com (California, US), VWO Testing (New Delhi, India)

• Statistics model: Convert.com (Frequentist and Bayesian), VWO Testing (Bayesian-powered + A/B test duration estimator tool)

• Concurrent tests: Convert.com (Unlimited Tests), VWO Testing (Unlimited Campaigns)

• Test types: Convert.com (AB, Split URL, and Multi-page testing; Multivariant only in higher plans), VWO Testing (AB and Split URL testing; Multivariant only in higher plans)

• Targeting options: Convert.com (Language, cookie, traffic source, time of day, geo/demo, custom, and advanced options; no IP targeting on any plan), VWO Testing (URL & Device only; OS, User type, traffic source, geo, cookie, UTM, and IP on higher plans)

• Goals: Convert.com (Up to 5), VWO Testing (Up to 5)

• Segmentation: Convert.com (Post-test segmentation for reporting + personalize segments for experiences), VWO Testing (No segmenting functionality in the starter plan)

• Pricing: Convert.com ($99/mo for 50k tested users per month), VWO Testing (Free for up to 50k users)

• Editor: Both (Visual editor and code editor)

• Integrations: Convert.com (Over 90 including Google Tag Manager, HubSpot, Google Data Studio, HotJar, Clarity, Salesforce, WordPress, Zuko, and more), VWO Testing (Google Analytics and Google Ads)

• Support: Convert.com (Email and forum), VWO Testing (Email support)

• GDPR compliance: Convert.com (No 3rd party cookies, 1st party only. PCI-DSS, SOC 2, EU servers.), VWO Testing (GDPR, HIPPA, CCPA, ISO 27001:2013, ISO 27001:2019, PCI DSS Compliant)

Statistical Significance in Convert

Convert has a free calculator to help determine which tests will run and whether you have enough traffic to support them. Use the calculator for free at https://www.convert.com/calculator/.

Final thoughts

Convert is an excellent entry AB testing solution and a perfect replacement for Google Optimise. The bigger advantages of VWO at the entry level are:

1. Much more advanced targeting and segmentation (over 40+ filters) including language, cookie, traffic source, time of day, geo/demo, custom, and advanced options.

2. Convert.com reporting is excellent.

3. Unlimited experiences, projects, tests, variations, and sub-domains (within your plan's traffic volume).

4. A more gentle and incremental price increase as you move up the pricing tiers.

5. Import goals from Google Analytics or use drag-and-drop filters in the advanced goal builder to specify conditions of the action to track.

As always, we recommend any AB testing is informed by good conversion research. Growth marketers should aim to understand users' needs, issues, doubts, and fears and use these to generate high-quality growth ideas that have a higher likelihood of success.

Thinking of starting a Convert trial? Use this affiliate link for a 30-day trial rather than the standard 15 days.

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