How to Create an Experiment

October 13, 2011

Creating an experiment is easy. Measuring it is hard.

Every action that I take in the digital space, I consider an experiment.

If I'm not experimenting, I'm either assuming or not doing the work. Assuming is when I read something that someone tells me to do and take it as a fact. Not doing the work is avoiding doing an experiment, because I'm afraid it will fail (or will be too hard.)

Here are the 3 steps toward creating an experiment.

1. Write down your intention for the experiment, and a time frame.

Ex: "Write every day on my blog for 30 days."

2. Decide how you're measuring.

Ex: "In order to attract 20 more paying customers to my Letter."

3. Check results.

After 30 days, I check measurable sources to see if I've been successful. Mailchimp is a great way to measure. Income is another great way.

If success: repeat experiment with bigger criteria. If fail: It's time to untether.