Experiment Library: 15 A/B Tests for Hooks, Formats, and CTAs
Guesses waste time; tests teach. This library gives you 15 clean A/B ideas, success metrics, guardrails, and a light sample‑size heuristic so you don’t chase randomness.
Key Takeaways
- Change one thing per test.
- Run tests for two comparable slots.
- Call winners on ER %, Saves %, and qualitative replies.
What Is A/B Testing for Content?
Definition: A/B testing content compares two versions that differ by a single variable.
When to use: You want to improve hooks, formats, or CTAs systematically.
Quick steps: pick variable → draft A/B → schedule same day/time next week → compare ER %, Saves %, replies.
Pros: Faster learning.
Cons: Small samples can mislead—be cautious.
15 Tests (organized)
Hooks
- Belief flip vs number shock
- Question vs statement
- Negative framing vs positive framing
- Myth/Reality vs Before/After
- With number in first line vs without
Formats
6) POV vs Lesson
7) Case micro vs Checklist
8) FAQ thread vs Narrative story
9) Single image vs no image
10) Post vs Article summary
CTAs
11) “Where would this break?” vs “What did we miss?”
12) “Comment for template” vs “DM for template”
13) Open question vs specific ask
14) Invite disagreement vs invite examples
15) Ask for one word answer vs one sentence
Guardrails & Heuristic
- One variable only; identical length where possible.
- Comparable slots (e.g., two Tuesdays 09:30).
- Heuristic: wait for ≥2,000 impressions or 48 hours before judging.
- Winner rule: higher ER % and Saves %; use replies as tiebreaker.
Test Log (spreadsheet headings)
Test ID, Date, Variable, A Title, B Title, Slot, Impressions A, ER % A, Saves % A, Impressions B, ER % B, Saves % B, Winner, Notes
Plan your tests in features and pick a plan in pricing.
Why Tests Beat Debates
Two comparable slots settle arguments faster than threads. By changing one variable and waiting for a minimum sample, you learn what your actual audience prefers—not the loudest opinion.
Label assets clearly (“A” and “B”) in your files so you don’t mix versions when you post.
Sample‑Size Shortcut (rough but practical)
If a typical post gets ~2,000 impressions in 48 hours, that’s enough to call a winner on ER % and Saves % for most accounts under 50k followers. Larger accounts should wait longer.
What to Do With Winners & Losers
- Winners → turn into a small playbook in your docs; reuse weekly.
- Losers → archive with a note (“negative framing under‑performed vs positive”).
- Neutral → rerun with a stronger contrast or a different slot.
Avoid “peeking” early and deleting the loser. Keep both; the lesson is more valuable than one extra like.
Examples of Clear Variables
- Hook swap: “belief flip” vs “number shock” with same body.
- Format swap: Case micro vs Checklist using the same story.
- CTA swap: Invite disagreement vs invite examples.
Interpreting Mixed Results
If ER % wins but Saves % drops, prefer the one that aligns with your goal (discussion vs utility). Rerun with a stronger contrast.
Share the Learnings
Post a short recap of your experiments each month. The thread becomes a reference for your team and a magnet for useful counter‑examples.
Plan 3 A/B Tests Add them to your calendar