HTML vs PHP (non wordpress) - Need help!

by 10 replies
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Hey guys, here's the deal.


I plan on making a few landing pages (and split testing them).. I do not want to use wordpress, but am conflicted on whether to use html or php...


All I will have on the site is a video and buy now button... I will split test various versions of the page using google analytics..



The only conflict is coming when someone told me this:








If you look at the red text above, I think google analytics can handle this for me even if I use all html pages... (I just create different pages for the "variations")


What I'm concerned about is the blue text... I want the possibility to be able to track PPC ads to see which AD is converting better.. For this, I think variables will need to be passed on to my site.. like this:


AD1: xxtp://www.mylandingpage.com/?ad_id=1
AD2: xxtp://www.mylandingpage.com/?ad_id=2
AD3: xxtp://www.mylandingpage.com/?ad_id=3





Can I track parameters like this with HTML, or do I NEED Php?


The main reason I want to stick to HTML is because I think the pages will be easier for me to edit (can drag and drop photos, text and such using some editors)..


Help will be greatly appreciated!!
#programming #html #php #wordpress
  • Probably what you want to do is use a combination, it will give you a full range of options. You can write most of your page in HTML, then use PHP when you need a function that HTML can't do. These pages still have a php extension, but you just have a short inline script if and when necessary.
    • [1] reply
    • yes you should use a combination of both since it allow you more flexibility, as well you can mix include diferent html pages into one. so you can have you tracking code in one page and just include it in your page.

      what i mean is that if you will create a diferent pages. if you use php
      you can change a few parts in your code and you will have all posible combinations
      you can store the information into mysql so you can generate reports
      and find out wich page perfotm the better
      • [1] reply
  • You can use html if that's what you're comfortable with and then just use URL Builder - Analytics Help to build tracking urls that will enable you to know which banner was clicked.

    The benefit of php is that the pages are dynamic and you can change items 'on the fly'. If you're not intending on changing the content often then there's no need to use php.

    Ultimately the decision will be yours and depends on what you want to do and how comfortable you are with html/php.

    Good luck

    Steve
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply



    • Hey Steve.


      This was really really really helpful.


      I somehow was thinking I needed PHP just to do URL tagging, which apparently is not the case.


      In this case, I can simply use HTML (which is what I'm most comfortable with).


      One last question steve, and perhaps a silly question: using URL tagging will not affect my ability to split test in google analytics right?

      Split testing using say, 4 different landing pages.. with the main one being: mysite.com... and the varying sites: mysite.com/2 ... mysite.com/3 ... mysite.com/4


      Then the variables in my PPC campaign would be something like:


      mysite.com/?ad1
      mysite.com/?ad2


      etc etc




      I just wanted to make sure using URL tagging + split testing in analytics wouldn't somehow cross wires and mess something up.


      Thanks!
  • The URL builder is designed to be used for A/B split testing, when you are identifying the ad clicked include "A" or "B" or another identifier to distinguish the test.

    If you are using Chrome there is a plugin for the URL builder, it can make life much easier.
    https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...depnpk/details
    • [1] reply

    • Hey susan, I think you misunderstood me...



      I know the URL builder is used to split test ADS... meaning I can have ad A B C D with different pictures and ad text etc.. I understand that..



      The split testing I am referring to is split testing landing pages.


      URL builder = Used to split test ads

      Google Goals / events = Split test landing pages



      Can I used these 2 together with no issues (passing on parameters to google analytics by using URL builder, but having Analytics change the landing page each time a new visitor comes to mysite.com )



      If anyone has insight please let me know
  • The short answer is YES.

    Best thing to do is to set it up and give it a go for yourself.

    If you're site or page is already getting traffic then you'll
    get a feel for it in a day or two. If not you can just get
    some cheap traffic and test it out.

    Good luck

    Steve

    PS: I'm giving http://www.clicky.com a spin at the moment and so far I'm liking what I see. Their stats are very thorough and the split testing seems to work ok too. You'll need to feel confident editing code or know somebody who is, but once you've got it figured out I think you'll like it.
  • if it was for static page then use HTML only...

    if you want to make dynamic content then use PHP + HTML...
    • [1] reply
    • You can save any .html as a .php and it will display the same.

      So you can make your entire site with "html" but save it as a .php.

      Now, with a .php you can add in all sorts of neat codes to interact with databases, display different things, and such.

      I personally think you'd be better off learning a little php than spending $50+ a month on something like Visual Website Optimizer.

      With some simple IF statements, I think you'd be able to do exactly what you need.

      <?php if($_GET['id'] == 2){ ?>
      Pretty html for id of 2
      <?php } if($_GET['id'] == 3){ ?>
      Pretty html for id of 3
      <?php } ?>

      So you could send them to index.php?id=2 or index.php?id=3 etc

      My two cents.
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