A/B Testing with Templates: How to Test Layouts, CTAs, and More

You've got a stunning website template fast, responsive and designed to impress. (If you’re using one of our templates, you're already ahead of the game.) But even the best-looking website can perform better with a little fine-tuning.

That's where A/B testing comes in.

While our templates don't come with built-in A/B testing tools, they're designed to be flexible and easy to modify, making them perfect for running your own A/B tests using external tools or manual methods.

Want to see if a different call-to-action works better? Wondering which layout drives more signups? You can test all that and more without needing to rebuild your site.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to A/B test layouts, buttons, content, and more using your existing template — and turn your beautiful website into a high-performing one.

Let’s dive in.

What is A/B Testing?

A/B testing (also called split testing) is a method where you compare two versions of a web page or element to see which one performs better.

It’s like saying:

• "Which button text gets more clicks - Buy Now or Get Started?"

• "Do people sign up more when the form is at the top or bottom of the page?"

You create version A and version B, show them to different users, and measure what gets better results.

Why A/B Test Your Website?

Even small tweaks can lead to big improvements. A few examples:

• Changing the position of a call-to-action (CTA) can increase clicks.

• Swapping a headline can reduce bounce rate.

• A new image can boost engagement or sales.

You're already using a well-designed template now it's about making data-driven improvements to squeeze more results from your existing traffic.

What Can You A/B Test in a Template?

You might think a pre-built template limits your options but it doesn’t! Templates give you a solid foundation. You just test and tweak the parts that matter most.

Here are the top things to test:

1. Headlines & Subheadings

Your headline is the first thing visitors see. Try testing:

• Short vs. detailed headlines

• Value-driven vs. question-based wording

• Emojis or no emojis 🙃

Example:

• A: “Build Your Dream Website Today”

• B: “Launch a Stunning Website in Minutes – No Coding Needed”

2. Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Test different:

• Texts: "Sign Up Free" vs. "Get Started" vs. "Try It Now"

• Colors: Blue vs. orange vs. green

• Placement: Above the fold vs. middle of the page

Sometimes, just changing a button color can increase clicks by 20%+.

3. Images & Visuals

Images can instantly change how users feel about your site.

Test:

• Real people vs. illustrations

• Product screenshots vs. lifestyle imagery

• Static images vs. subtle animations

4. Form Length & Placement

People drop off when forms are too long or too hidden.

Try:

• A: Short form (just email)

• B: Full form (name, email, phone)

Also test moving your form to the top, middle or bottom of the page.

5. Page Layouts & Sections

Many templates (like ours!) come with multiple layout options. Test:

• Layout A: Hero → Features → Testimonials → CTA

• Layout B: Hero → Testimonials → CTA → Features

Sometimes flipping the order changes how people engage.

6. Navigation Menus

A crowded nav can confuse users. Try:

• Simplifying the menu

• Changing the order

• Adding/removing dropdowns

7. Trust Signals (Social Proof)

Testimonials, reviews, logos of partners, star ratings test how and where you show them.

A/B idea: No testimonials vs. 3 featured testimonials near the CTA.

🧪 How to Run A/B Tests on Your Template

Now that you know what to test, here’s the how.

✨ Option 1: Use a No-Code A/B Testing Tool

Perfect if you're not a developer. Try:

• VWO
• Convert
• Splitbee
• Unbounce

These tools let you:

• Create A/B versions of your page

• Choose how much traffic sees each version

• Track clicks, conversions, bounce rates, etc.

Option 2: DIY Method (Manual Testing)

If you're using a static template or don’t want to add external tools, you can:

1. Duplicate your page (example: yourdomain.com/a and yourdomain.com/b)

2. Split traffic manually using a tool like:

   • Link in bio tools (rotate links)

   • Paid ads (A/B campaigns)

3. Compare the results (form submissions, clicks etc.)

It's a bit more work, but totally doable especially for landing pages or MVPs.

What Should You Measure?

It depends on your goal. Here are some ideas:

• Click-through rate (CTR) – Are more people clicking your CTA?

• Form submissions – Are signups increasing?

• Bounce rate – Are people staying longer?

• Time on page – Are they engaging more?

• Revenue – Is one version generating more sales?

Focus on one metric per test, so you know exactly what’s driving change.

Pro Tips for Smart Testing

• Only test one thing at a time. Otherwise, you won’t know what caused the difference.

• Let it run long enough. Don’t end the test too early wait for enough data.

• Use meaningful traffic. Testing with 10 visitors won't give real insight.

• Trust the data not your gut. What “looks better” doesn’t always perform better.

Final Thoughts: A/B Testing Turns Good into Great

Templates give you a huge head start. A/B testing helps you go from pretty site to high-performing machine — without needing to redesign anything.

Whether you're trying to get more clicks, sales, or subscribers, A/B testing gives you real answers instead of guesswork.

And the best part? You don’t need a big team or a fancy setup. Just a clear goal, a good template (hey, we’ve got you covered 😉), and a little curiosity.