1. Run split tests

Test a boosting strategy

The goal of a Sitecore Search search results widget aims to yield high conversion rates. Using a boosting strategy, expected items can be pushed to the top of result.

The following procedure tests two variations of a search results widget:

  • The default variation which has no rules.
  • A variation with a rule that boosts certain items to the top.

This walkthrough describes how to:

  • Add a widget variation and rule to a widget.
  • Create a rule to boost items.
  • Create and schedule a split test.

Add a widget variation and rule to a widget

To add a widget variation and rule to a widget:

  1. On the menu bar, click Widgets.
  2. On the Widgets tab, click the name of the widget you want to open.
  3. On the Widget Variations tab, click Add variation.
  4. Enter a name for this new variation then click Save.
  5. On the Rules tab, click Add Rule.

Create a rule to boost items

To create a rule to boost items when the keyphrase matches a regular expression:

  1. On the menu bar, click Context_icon.png Context then click the Site context tab.
  2. Click Add context rule, select Keywords from the list and in the operator drop-down menu, click Match regular expression.
  3. In the text box, enter a regular expression that would yield true or false when evaluated for a particular keyword.
  4. On the menu bar, click Strategy.
  5. In the left pane of the Strategies page, click the Boost Rules tab.
  6. Click Add attribute, select an attribute from the list, and in the operator drop-down menu, click Is.
  7. To set the attribute value, in the text box, enter an appropriate value and click Save.
  8. Click Publish.

Create and schedule a split test

To split widget recipes:

  1. On the menu bar, click Widgets.
  2. On the Widgets tab, to open the widget, click its name.
  3. On the Split Testing tab, click Add Split Test.
  4. In the Name field, enter a name for your split test and click Next.
  5. From the Variations list, to add to the test to the indicated area, drag the default variation with no rules and the new variation with the boosting rule.
  6. Assign the percentage of traffic you want to drive to each variation and then click Next.
  7. Select values for the Start Date, End Date, and Time Zone fields, and then click Next.
  8. Review the details of your split test and then click Save.
  9. Click Publish.
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