> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.shoplift.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.shoplift.ai/test/url-testing/create-a-url-redirect-test.md).

# Create a URL Redirect Test

A URL redirect test sends a portion of your visitors to a completely different page on your store. Instead of changing how a page looks, you're testing which page visitors should see.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create a new test

Open Shoplift and click **Create a test** in the top-right corner.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Select your test type

Choose **Test content.**

<figure><img src="/files/i24KHSivns5UaN74nYVD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then select **Test a URL**.

<figure><img src="/files/iW5kUFhEDTKksVnXfuj2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose your original page (A)

The URL drawer opens with a search bar where you can search for or paste the URL of the page you want to test. This is your **A (Original)** — the page your visitors currently land on.

Search by page title or paste a full URL (like `https://your-store.myshopify.com/collections/summer-sale`) to find the page.

<figure><img src="/files/xDQQnOBJVUrWRTPa5cHX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose your variant page (B)

Next, use the same search or paste bar to find the page you want to redirect visitors to. This is your **B (Variant)** — the alternative page you're testing against the original.

<figure><img src="/files/rG6ZVDfhc0cwMhiVMCdi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure your test settings

Set the following options before launching:

**Traffic allocation**

Choose what percentage of visitors see each version. Shoplift defaults to a 50/50 split, which is recommended for most tests. An even split reaches statistical significance fastest and gives you the clearest results.

**Goal**

Select the primary metric Shoplift uses to determine a winner. **Revenue per visitor (RPV)** is recommended for most tests because it captures both conversion rate and average order value in a single metric. Other options include conversion rate and add-to-cart rate.

**Hypothesis**

Write a short statement explaining what you expect to happen and why. A strong hypothesis follows this framework:

> **If** \[specific change you're making], **then** \[expected outcome], **because** \[reason you believe this].

For example: "If we add customer reviews above the fold on product pages, then RPV will increase, because social proof reduces purchase hesitation and builds trust."

A clear hypothesis helps you interpret results later. Even if your test doesn't win, a good hypothesis tells you *what you learned*.

**Device targeting**

Choose which devices your test runs on: **All devices** (recommended for most tests), **Mobile only**, or **Desktop only**. Use device targeting when your change only applies to one device type — for example, a mobile-specific sticky add-to-cart button.

**Visitor targeting**

Narrow your test to specific visitor segments:

* **All visitors**: recommended for most tests
* **New visitors only**: useful for testing first-impression elements like homepage layout
* **Returning visitors only**: useful for testing loyalty-focused features or repeat-purchase flows

{% hint style="info" %}
Visitor targeting is available on Advanced plans and above.
{% endhint %}

**Audience targeting**

For even more precise targeting, set rules based on:

* **UTM parameters**: target visitors from specific campaigns or traffic sources (for example, only test your homepage layout for visitors arriving from your Instagram ads)
* **Geographic location**: target visitors from specific countries or regions
* **Custom rules**: combine multiple conditions to target exactly the audience you want

{% hint style="info" %}
Audience targeting is available on Advanced plans and above.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Tips for a successful URL redirect test

* **Make sure the variant page is published and accessible.** If the variant page returns a 404, visitors in the test will see an error page. Always verify the URL works in your browser before launching.
* **Don't change either page mid-test.** Changing the content of your original or variant page while the test is running can skew your results. If you need to make changes, pause the test first.