At Hipcamp, we don’t make product changes based on gut feeling or guesswork. Every update to the site or app—big or small—goes through a process called A/B testing to make sure it truly improves performance and helps Hosts get more bookings.
What is A/B testing?
A/B testing (sometimes called “split testing”) is how we compare two versions of something—version A (the original) and version B (the new idea)—to see which one performs better.
For example, if we’re testing a new way to display your pricing, half of Hipcamp visitors might see the new version while the other half see the current version. We then measure the impact on real outcomes like:
- Bookings made
- Conversion rate (how often campers who view your listing go on to book)
- Click-through rate (how often people click on your listing in search results)
If the new version performs statistically better—meaning the difference isn’t just random—we roll it out for everyone. If not, we go back to the drawing board.
Why this matters
Because we have hundreds of thousands of searches every single day, our data quickly shows us what’s working. This allows us to make confident decisions that benefit both campers and Hosts.
Every change you see on Hipcamp—from how search results appear, to how photos load, to how pricing is displayed—has been tested to make sure it improves the experience and supports your business.
Real examples of A/B testing at Hipcamp
A/B testing happens across every part of Hipcamp, from how campers find listings to how Hosts manage their calendars. Here are a few examples that show this process in action:
Example 1: Listing page design
We experiment with how information appears on listing pages. For example, we might test whether highlighting certain amenities, adjusting the layout of reviews, or changing the photo order helps campers feel more confident about booking. These kinds of small design updates are carefully measured for impact before they’re rolled out to everyone.
Example 2: Booking flow and checkout
We run tests on how campers complete their bookings. For example, we might experiment with the order or clarity of steps in the checkout process to see what helps more people follow through with a booking. These insights have helped us streamline the experience and reduce drop-off—meaning more confirmed stays for Hosts.
Example 3: Pricing and availability display
Another frequent area of testing is how pricing and availability are shown to campers. We sometimes experiment with how prices, discounts, or availability dates appear to make sure information is clear and transparent. This helps campers feel confident when booking—and ensures that Hosts’ listings remain competitive in search results.
Constant iteration
Even after a test “wins,” our work doesn’t stop. We keep testing, measuring, and improving.
That’s how we make sure Hipcamp continues to grow bookings and serve Hosts better over time—with data, not guesswork.
In short:
Every improvement you see on Hipcamp is tested, measured, and proven to work before it’s rolled out. It’s one of the ways we ensure that the platform keeps evolving to bring you more bookings, happier campers, and a stronger business.