How to Run A/B Tests Using Nothing But Short Links
A/B testing is one of the most reliable ways to improve your marketing performance. But many businesses avoid it because they assume it requires expensive software, heavy analytics setups or complex integration. The truth is simpler: with a short-link tool like Tinyr, you can run basic but effective A/B tests using nothing more than two URLs.
What Is A/B Testing?
A/B testing compares two versions of something—an email, a landing page, an ad, a headline—to see which performs better. Version A goes to some users; version B goes to others. You compare the results and choose the winner.
With short links, you don’t need to modify your website or build tracking systems. You simply create two Tinyr links and monitor the clicks.
Why Short Links Work for Simple Tests
Tinyr automatically tracks key data:
- click counts
- time of activity
- device types
- countries
- referrers
This gives you enough insight to measure which version of your content is getting more engagement—without adding scripts or analytics tools.
How to Set Up a Basic A/B Test
- Create two destination URLs.
For example, two versions of a landing page with different headlines or layouts. - Create two Tinyr short links.
Example: tinyr.co/a and tinyr.co/b. - Split your audience.
Send link A to one group and link B to another. This can be as simple as alternating links in your email list or using link A on one social platform and link B on another. - Compare the analytics.
Higher clicks indicate higher interest. Combine click volume with timing, device and referrer data to understand patterns.
What You Can Test Using This Method
- Landing page variations
- Different lead magnet headlines
- Two social ad messages
- Email subject lines
- Two versions of a call-to-action
- Profile link destination experiments
As long as the goal is “which link gets more clicks?”, a short-link A/B test works perfectly.
When This Method Is Enough
Short-link testing is ideal when you want to measure interest rather than conversion rates. It shines in:
- Top-of-funnel marketing
- Testing messaging or creative variations
- Small experiments where you need quick insight
- Situations where setting up full analytics is overkill
When You Need More
If you want to measure form submissions, purchases or deeper behavioural metrics, you’ll eventually need on-page analytics. But for understanding what people click, Tinyr keeps the process incredibly simple.
Fast Insights Without Setup Overhead
A/B testing doesn't have to be complex. By using short links as your testing mechanism, you can gather real data quickly, compare performance and improve your content—without touching your website or adding tracking tools.
Sometimes the simplest method is the one you’ll actually use. And when it comes to testing what people respond to, Tinyr makes quick experiments effortless.
