Definition
An evolutionary algorithm is a type of machine learning algorithm used for artificial intelligence which uses mechanisms inspired by biological evolution, such as reproduction, mutation, recombination and also selection. It is a type of metaheuristic algorithm which means it employs a high level procedure or heuristic to find, generate or choose a heuristic that provides an approximate solution to an optimization problem.
Evolutionary algorithms find good approximate solutions that cannot be easily solved by other techniques. Optimization problems often don’t have an exact solution. It may be too time consuming and computationally intensive to find an optimal solution. However, evolutionary algorithms are ideal in such situations. They can find a near-optimal solution which is often sufficient.
One advantage of evolutionary algorithms is that they develop solutions free of any human misconceptions or biases. They can also produce surprising ideas which we might never generate ourselves. For example NASA used an evolutionary algorithm to produce antennas for use on satellites. The designs have irregular shapes with no obvious symmetry (see image below) and it is unlikely that a human designer would have proposed such an idea.
Image source: NASA antenna
Evolutionary algorithms are used for rapid multivariate testing of single pages and multi-page funnels. It claims to be able to speed up the testing process from 10 to 100 times that of traditional A/B and multivariate testing.
Conclusion:
Finally, conversion rate optimisation is likely to employ state of the art machine learning techniques, such as evolutionary algorithms. In response to demands from marketing for greater agility and complex testing. A/B and MVT testing solutions will have to integrate advanced machine learning algorithms if they wish to remain relevant for digital optimisation.
Resources:
Conversion marketing – Glossary of Conversion Marketing.
Over 300 tools reviewed – Digital Marketing Toolbox.
A/B testing software – Which A/B testing tools should you choose?
Types of A/B tests – How to optimise your website’s performance using A/B testing.
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Featured image: Safaricenter
