Server-Side Redirects for Full Page Tests

Illustration of a web browser window under text reading "Server-Side Rendering," with a subtitle about split test variation and ad tracking, on a blue gradient background.

If you run ads on platforms like Facebook, Google, or TikTok, you’ve probably run into issues with split test redirects being flagged or blocked. Now with AB Split Test's brand new server-side redirects mode, your split tests run in a way that keeps URLs stable. No more client-side redirects or flickers.

How Traditional Split Testing Works

Most split testing tools, use client-side redirects. This means when a visitor lands on your test page, JavaScript quickly runs and sends them to a variation page. For example, you might start at absplittest.com but get redirected to absplittest.com/nextgen depending on the variation.

This method is fast and lets your site leverage caching, but it causes URL changes that some ad platforms don’t like they consider them tracking redirects and may block your ads.

With the server-side redirects mode, the entire split test runs on your server. The visitor lands on the original URL, say absplittest.com?ssr=1, and the server instantly decides which variation to show without changing the URL or redirecting the user.

No flicker, no redirect, just instant delivery of the test variation. This keeps your ad tracking clean and prevents your ads from being flagged or blocked.

How to Use It

  1. Set up your Full Page Split Test in AB Split Test from your WordPress dashboard: select “New AB Split Test,” give it a name, and choose “Full Page” as the test type.

  2. Enter your default (control) page. Add the alternative variation page URLs.

  3. Publish the test.

  4. For ads (Facebook, Google, TikTok, QR codes) or promo links, append ?ssr=1 to the default page URL (e.g., https://site.com/landing-page/?ssr=1).

  5. Enter that full URL into the "Destination" field of your ad platform (e.g., Facebook Ads Manager), under website URL, and use the preview to check that the correct variation loads instantly.

  6. The server now determines which test variation to show before the visitor even sees the page so the destination remains static and fully trackable.

Why It Matters

Server-side redirects mean:
Clean URLs — ad scanners see stable, final pages.
✅ Faster load times — no browser redirect or flicker.
✅ Better tracking accuracy — all analytics and pixels see the correct destination.
✅ SEO-safe — no duplicate content or redirect confusion.
✅ GDPR-friendly — zero user tracking or cookies required.

Perfect for:

  • Facebook / Google / TikTok Ads

  • Email Campaigns

  • QR Code Promotions

  • Any traffic source that validates landing pages

If you run paid ads or any campaigns that require clean, stable URLs, give it a try!

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