Matomo Simple A/B Testing - Two options of tags

Matomo Simple A/B Testing - Two Options of Tags

Are you looking for an easy yet powerful way to conduct A/B testing on your WordPress or other site? Look no further! At No Frills Plugins, we've developed a straightforward, no-nonsense guide on implementing Matomo Simple A/B Testing with two different tagging approaches for your WordPress or other site. This blog post will guide you through the two options: one that requires PHP and another that doesn't but comes with specific restrictions. Let's dive in!

Option 1: Using PHP for Tag Insertion

If you're comfortable with writing a bit of PHP code, this option will be the most reliable. The drawback? You'll need to make slight modifications to your WordPress theme files. But don't worry, we'll guide you step-by-step.

Advantages of Using PHP:

• Reliability: PHP-based tag insertion is reliable and works seamlessly regardless of internet speed.
• Performance: Since the server processes the PHP code, it doesn't affect your page loading times.
• Flexibility: You have complete control over where and how the tag is inserted.

How to Insert Tags Using PHP:

This PHP script checks if a user is logged in and inserts the appropriate tag based on the condition.

Option 2: Using JavaScript and document.write()

If you prefer a method that doesn't require modifying theme files, you can use JavaScript and the document.write() method. However, be aware of its limitations.

Advantages of Using JavaScript:

• Simplicity: No need to edit PHP files; you can add the script directly in a widget or post.
• Quick Deployment: Great for quick A/B tests without diving into theme files.

Disadvantages:

• Slow Connections: According to Chrome's documentation, document.write() doesn't work on slower connections (2G), which can significantly hinder performance.
• Cross-Origin Issues: Be mindful of including cross-origin scripts, as they may not load correctly under specific conditions.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we've explored two methods for implementing Matomo Simple A/B Testing tags on your WordPress or other site. The PHP method offers robust and reliable tag insertion but requires you to change theme files. In contrast, the JavaScript method is easier to deploy but comes with limitations, especially concerning connection speeds and cross-origin scripts.

Choose the method that best fits your needs and technical comfort level. Stay tuned to No Frills Plugins for more straightforward, practical guides on making the most of your WordPress site.