Why Testing in Your Business is the Key to More Sales, Clients, and Freedom
- Alicia Carroll
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
If there’s one thing that can take your business from “just getting by” to thriving, it’s testing. But let’s be real—many service-based entrepreneurs, especially Black women, are out here grinding, throwing strategies at the wall, and hoping something sticks. And when it doesn’t? Frustration. Burnout. Second-guessing if this whole entrepreneurship thing is even worth it.
Sis, I’m here to tell you—there’s a better way.

Testing is the secret sauce that helps you make smart, data-driven decisions so you’re not just working harder, but actually working smarter. Instead of guessing what works, you’ll know what works. And when you know what works, scaling your business, booking more clients, and increasing your income becomes way easier.
So, let’s break down exactly how you can start testing in your business, the benefits of testing, and what areas you should focus on first.
Why Testing in Your Business is a Game-Changer
Think about it: Would you ever bake a cake without checking if the ingredients and the oven temperature are right? Probably not. Running your business without testing is the same thing—it’s a recipe for wasted time, money, and energy.
When you commit to testing, you:
Stop wasting money on things that don’t work – No more dumping money into ads, offers, or platforms that aren’t giving results.
Make more sales with less effort – When you know what messaging, pricing, and strategies convert best, you can focus on those and let go of what doesn’t.
Create an amazing client experience – Testing helps you refine your services so your clients are happier, stay longer, and refer more people.
Feel more confident in your business – Instead of second-guessing every move, you’ll be making decisions based on real data.
Now, let’s talk about how to actually test and make the most out of it.
How to Test in Your Service-Based Business (The Right Way!)
1. Change ONE Thing at a Time
If you try to change everything at once, you won’t know what actually caused the shift. So, when testing, adjust only one variable at a time.
🔹 Example: If you’re testing a new pricing structure, don’t also change your messaging and your offer at the same time. Test pricing first, see the results, then tweak the next thing.
2. Use A/B Testing for Your Marketing & Messaging
A/B testing means testing two versions of something to see which one performs better. This is especially powerful for marketing and content strategies.
🔹 Example: If you send emails to your list, test two different subject lines to see which gets more opens. If you post on social media, test two captions with the same image and see which gets more engagement.
3. Track Your Data (Because Numbers Don’t Lie!)
You don’t have to be a data expert, but you do need to pay attention to what’s working. Track things like:
• Website traffic
• Social media engagement
• Email open rates & click rates
• Sales conversion rates
• Client retention rates
If something isn’t performing well, that’s a sign you need to tweak and test again.
🔹 Example: If you notice that your Instagram posts with storytelling get more engagement than posts with straight facts, that’s a clue to create more storytelling content!
4. Ask Your Clients for Feedback
Your clients will tell you exactly what’s working (or not working) in your business—if you ask. Regularly check in with them through surveys, reviews, and direct conversations.
🔹 Example: If your clients say they love your service but wish they had more ongoing support, that might be a sign to introduce a membership or retainer package.
5. Pilot New Offers Before a Full Launch
Before going all in on a new service, test it with a small group first. This helps you work out any kinks, refine your process, and make sure it’s something people actually want.
🔹 Example: If you’re thinking about launching a group coaching program, test it with a small beta group at a lower price first. Gather feedback, tweak, and then launch it at full price later.
What You Should Be Testing in Your Business
Now that you know how to test, let’s talk about what you should be testing in your service-based business.
1. Your Pricing Strategy
One of the biggest things holding service-based entrepreneurs back is underpricing. If you’re not sure whether your pricing is right, test different structures.
Offer tiered pricing (e.g., basic, premium, VIP)
Try value-based pricing instead of hourly rates
Test an installment plan option
🔹 Example: If clients hesitate at your price, try breaking it into payment plans to see if that increases sales.
2. Your Marketing Messaging
If your audience isn’t engaging with your content, your messaging might not be hitting home.
Test different content styles (educational, storytelling, behind-the-scenes)
Try different call-to-actions (DM me vs. book a call vs. comment below)
Experiment with different platforms (Instagram vs. LinkedIn vs. email)
🔹 Example: If you usually post “Book a discovery call,” try switching to “DM me ‘READY’ if you’re interested” and see if that gets more responses.
3. Your Sales Strategy
If sales feel like a struggle, test different ways to close clients.
Try video testimonials instead of written reviews
Test offering a limited-time bonus instead of discounts
Experiment with sales calls vs. DM conversations
🔹 Example: If you’re only closing 20% of potential clients on sales calls, test sending a video overview of your offer before the call and see if your close rate improves.
4. Your Client Experience & Retention
Keeping clients happy means more referrals and repeat business.
Test different onboarding processes (automated vs. personal touch)
Try adding a VIP upgrade option for premium clients
Experiment with client appreciation gifts or surprise bonuses
🔹 Example: If you notice clients drop off after one month in your program, test adding a personalized check-in call at the 3-week mark to keep them engaged.
Final Thoughts
Testing is how you stop wasting time on what doesn’t work and double down on what does. It’s how you create a business that runs smoothly and brings in consistent clients and revenue—without burning yourself out.
So here’s your challenge: Pick ONE thing to test in your business this week. Just one. And track the results.
The more you test, the more you learn. The more you learn, the faster you grow. And that’s how you scale your business the smart way.
Need help figuring out what to test first? Drop a comment below or shoot me a DM—I got you! Let’s make data-driven decisions and build these thriving businesses together.
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