Stop Wasting Traffic: Why Dynamic Allocation is Your Secret Weapon During Spikes
When digital agencies and eCommerce teams face traffic spikes, think Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas campaigns, every click and conversion matters. That’s where Dynamic Traffic Allocation, aka Multi-Armed Bandit testing, comes in. AB Split Test’s latest Teams plan feature empowers advanced marketers to maximize conversions during short-lived bursts of attention, without the risk or cost of enterprise SaaS tools.
What Is Dynamic Traffic Allocation (Multi-Armed Bandit)?
Dynamic Traffic Allocation is an advanced A/B testing technique that shifts website traffic toward the highest-converting option while the test runs. Traditionally, split tests divide traffic evenly and wait for statistical significance. The benefit? Speed to clarity. The drawback? You keep sending valuable traffic to losing variants, especially during high-pressure sale periods.
Instead, Multi-Armed Bandit mode monitors conversions in real time and begins sending more visitors to the winning variation as soon as early data emerges. The result: more revenue, less wasted opportunity—right when you need it most.
When Should You Use Multi-Armed Bandit Mode?
Multi-Armed Bandit is ideal for:
-
Short-term, high-impact events (flash sales, holiday promos)
-
News-driven spikes (viral headlines, influencer campaigns)
-
Rapid tests on secondary site elements (footer CTAs, download buttons)
If you’re just starting with split testing, build experience first using traditional Bayesian methods. For most routine site elements (headlines, hero graphics), classic A/B testing is preferred for long-term optimization. But when you need results fast, Bandit mode delivers maximum uplift during fleeting traffic windows.
How Does Traffic Allocation Work?
Dynamic allocation means traffic begins split evenly, but as test data accumulates, the algorithm “weights” traffic. Sometimes pushing up to 70–90% of visitors toward the better-performing variant. A small percentage always explores alternative options to keep learning. This means the test never technically ends. Instead, it keeps steering traffic towards what’s working, in real time.original.pdf
Key Advantages for Agencies & Marketers
-
Real-time conversion optimization: Respond instantly to traffic surges, without manual intervention.
-
No complex setup: AB Split Test automates statistics and allocation, no technical skills needed.
-
Enterprise-grade optimization at WordPress prices: Compete with $10,000 platforms (VWO, Convert) for just $399/year on the Teams plan.
-
Ideal for high-stakes promotions: Adapt dynamically during Cyber November, Black Friday, or any campaign driven by urgent spikes.original.pdf
How to Activate Multi-Armed Bandit in AB Split Test
-
Enable the feature from your AB Split Test’s Teams plan dashboard.
-
Define your primary goal.
-
Start your test during a traffic event (sales, headline, etc.).
-
Monitor real-time reports, including conversion rates, uplift, and new “weight” columns showing traffic allocation.
-
Let the algorithm work. Traffic will increasingly flow to what converts best until the campaign ends.
Should Every Test Use Bandit Mode?
No. Bandit mode is best for short-term, high-volume tests. For ongoing, evergreen site elements, use classic Bayesian tests to find the best long-term performer. Agency teams should know when speed and agility matter more than perfect significance. Bandit mode is perfect for those lightning strike moments in your optimization strategy.
Ready to start?
Unlock Multi-Armed Bandit optimization with our Teams plan. Outperform expensive enterprise SaaS tools and maximize conversions and ROI during your biggest sales windows, all from inside WordPress.