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Book review – 2 essential conversion optimization books

Author's avatar By Dave Chaffey 14 Jan, 2009
Essential Essential topic

Website design optimisation and testing books

Since I wrote my first book on web marketing 10 years ago, success in online marketing has required an ever more detailed approach as the discpline matures.

Specialist books on search engine optimization have been established for many years, but in 2008 we saw several new books on landing page optimisation to improve web design and messaging of which these are the two "must-haves" IMO.

I recommend Bryan Eisenberg's book if you work for a small-medium business and are planning on using Google Analytics for testing your sites.

I recommend Tim Ash's book if you work for a larger business and want to audit your existing testing approach or are starting to plan a website testing programme.

Before we get to the two main reviews, I also recommend:
[amazon-product text="Brian Clifton's book on Google Analytics" type="text"]/0470253126[/amazon-product]
particularly if you are personally involved with configuration,  or want to know how to use some of the reports to improve results.

[amazon-product align="center"]0470253126[/amazon-product]

Book 1: Always be Testing: The Complete Guide to Google Website Optimizer

Authors: Bryan Eisenberg, John Quarto-vonTivadar, Brett Crosby (Foreword by) with Lisa T. Davis
[amazon-product align="center"]0470290633[/amazon-product]

A great philosophy and a great title for a book, this provides the background on all the issues to consider when planning a website optimization programme with Google Website Optimizer

  • Lot's of case studies and example improvements to site performance to inspire you
  • A great buyer behaviour framework to apply so that your site appeals to different types of behaviour
  • Describes different forms of test that can be applied with the Google Website Optimizer
  • Provides an outline plan of what to test with a short, 2-3 page guide on different topics like:

Tests you should check out are:

  • Do anything test (multiple conversion goals)
  • Linger tests
  • Multipath tests
  • Click tests

Ideas on what to test include:

  • Up-sell and cross-sell
  • User reviews
  • Presence or absence of navigation
  • Calls-to-action

On the downside, more details on implementation techniques for different tests such as Linger tests would be welcome although they are nicely explained in this free "website optimisation webinar":"

Book 2: Landing Page Optimization

Author: Tim Ash

[amazon-product align="center"]0470174625[/amazon-product]Compared to the Eisenberg book, this book has a more more strategic approach and style more suitable for larger businesses creating a test and measurement strategy rather than smaller businesses.

Best Features:

  • Strong on issues to consider when planning test test, e.g. how to guard against issues of SEO or decreased conversion.
  • Part III has clear approach to assembling a team, getting buy-in and developing a testing plan.
  • Also considers persona-based and behavioural issues of different segments with good critique on p62

On the downside, compared to the Eisenberg book:

  • Less accessible overall - harder work although as with any book this may be rewarded.
  • Fewer implementation details although there is a section on Google Website Optimizer
Author's avatar

By Dave Chaffey

Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.

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