TrustRadius Insights for Google Optimize are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, third party data sources.
Pros
Easy Setup Process: Reviewers have praised the straightforward setup process in Google Optimize, mentioning the quick definition of audience split and seamless data connection with Google Analytics.
Intuitive Interface: Users appreciate the intuitive interface of Google Optimize, making it accessible for all users. They also highlight its seamless integration with Google Analytics, whether through Google Tag Manager or standalone setup.
Efficient Test Implementation: Reviewers find the quick implementation of tests in Google Optimize commendable, noting the ease of mapping goals and conversion points. They also appreciate the flexibility to customize goals and the seamless correlation with other metrics through integration with Google Analytics.
I use Google Optimize with clients that don't already have an A/B solution in place and need one quickly that will handle an array of basic testing scenarios. Several other clients already have it in place, making it an ideal platform to work off of. Google Optimize is a perfect solution to help clients new to the world of A/B testing see immediate value and benefit, all verified by their existing Google Analytics data.
Pros
Easy to follow set up procedures. Once I walk a client through the process, it's effortless for them to emulate on subsequent tests.
Lots of geo and user attribute customization features to be able to drill down into specific targeted audiences — all based on the power of Google's immense data system.
Google Optimize is the logical choice for many people to start with since most are already familiar with and using GA.
Cons
The user interface could use some updating. The UX is not as smooth as it could be and lacks some of the visual appeal found on paid alternatives.
Reporting interface is rather bland and lacks the colorful data output often seen on competing platforms.
Likelihood to Recommend
Great for users just getting started with A/B testing or on a budget. A wide array of native functionality, and then there is always the option of moving up to the paid version for more options. I recommend it for small to medium-sized businesses if they don't already have any test solutions installed. Since many already use Google Analytics, it's very easy to see the value in connecting one more natively integrated tool.
We currently use Google Optimize for A/B and multivariate testing on our eCommerce site. We've been using it for testing submit forms, sign-up pages, and other pages and designs like cart and checkout. It is used mainly by the marketing department (with a bit of communication with IT, but only for setup purposes).
Pros
The interface is very easy and intuitive. You can quickly create a test and get it running in a few minutes.
It connects very well with Google Analytics (in case you use it) so you can gather all the data quickly. You generally measure an A/B or MVT against a goal, so you quickly get all your GA goals, which makes it VERY easy to start a new test.
Reporting is nice and easy. You can see quickly whether the test is a winner, amount of users, conversions, etc.
We don't generally use the A/B test where you can edit your content directly on Optimize. We rather use the redirect (and we design the test), BUT it looks very easy to use, so for someone who really wants to make a very quick test (or doesn't have the support of IT), it's possible with that.
Cons
Integration is not good. You have to add a "flickering" code to avoid loading the actual page (in case you get the experiment and not the control). This is the main reason why I am giving them a low score. The flickering code doesn't show absolutely ANYTHING until the time you state. If you add a low time, it will show a page and then reload and show the new one, which confuses the user. So this is a very bad experience from the user's perspective.
Documentation regarding the "flickering" thing is not that accurate. It took a lot of time to actually get it to work. Debugging needs to improve.
Likelihood to Recommend
We are not experts in testing, so there are probably better and more equipped alternatives out there but for our small organization with limited testing resources, this works fine. If you are a small team and you need to manage a few tests at the same time, this is probably the right choice considering it's free. If you are a bigger team that needs to add way more data and complexity to your tests you shouldn't use Google Optimize as integration might be hard. Also, if you can't stand the "flickering," try something else.
