Heatmap <> Shoplift Integration Guide
We're excited to announce that heatmap now fully integrates with Shoplift, a powerful A/B testing and conversion optimization platform. This powerful combination allows you to analyze heatmap data for each of your test variants, helping you understand not just which variant performs better, but why it performs better through visual behavior analysis.
Getting Started with heatmap + Shoplift
What does this integration do?
When you run A/B tests using Shoplift, heatmap automatically detects and tracks which variant each visitor sees. This enables you to:
View separate heatmaps for each variant
See exactly how users interact with different designs
Make data-driven decisions based on actual user behavior
Understand the "why" behind your test results
Do I need to add any code?
No additional code is required! If you already have both heatmap and Shoplift installed on your website, the integration works automatically. We detect your Shoplift experiments and start tracking variant data immediately.
How to View Your Shoplift Test Data
Step-by-Step Guide:
Log into your Heatmap.com account.
Navigate to your heatmap view.
Click the "Filter" button.
Select "A/B Tests" from the filter options.
Choose "Shoplift" from the platform dropdown.
Select your Shoplift experiment from the list.
Choose the specific variant you want to analyze.
Click "Apply" to view the filtered heatmap data.
What you'll see:
A screenshot of your selected variant
A heatmap of the click data from visitors who saw that variant
Scroll and movement data specific to that variant
The variant name as configured in Shoplift
Total visitor count for that variant (by device type)
Comparing Your Shoplift Variants
Want to see how user behavior differs between your control and variant? Use our Compare feature:
Select your first variant (following steps above).
Instead of clicking "Apply", click "Compare".
Select your second variant.
View side-by-side behavioral differences.
This is perfect for understanding which design elements drive engagement and why certain variants outperform others.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
→ "I don't see Shoplift in my filter options."
First, verify:
Your Shoplift experiment is actively running.
You have traffic flowing to your variants.
Both heatmap and Shoplift scripts are properly installed.
Then:
Wait 1-2 hours after starting your experiment.
Ensure you have sufficient traffic (at least 50+ visitors per variant).
Check that your Shoplift experiment status is "Active."
→ "My variant preview doesn't look right."
This can happen with dynamic content or personalized elements.
Solutions:
Verify the variant displays correctly on your live site.
Clear your browser cache and refresh.
Check if you're using any dynamic elements that might not render in previews.
Contact our support team with your experiment details.
→ "I see variant IDs instead of friendly names."
We pull variant names directly from Shoplift.
To fix this:
Ensure your variants have descriptive names in Shoplift.
Allow 1-2 hours for name updates to sync.
Refresh your heatmap.com dashboard.
→ "No data available for my variant."
This typically means insufficient traffic to that variant.
Check:
Your traffic split in Shoplift (ie: 50/50, 80/20).
The variant is actively receiving visitors.
Your experiment has been running long enough to collect data.
The date range in heatmap matches your experiment timeline.
Best Practices for Shoplift Users
Maximize your insights
Run experiments for an adequate duration
We recommend at least 1,000 visitors per variant for meaningful heatmaps.
Allow tests to run for complete business cycles (include weekends).
Use descriptive variant names in Shoplift
Instead of "Variant A," use "Blue CTA Button."
This makes analysis much easier in Heatmap.com.
Focus on one major change per test
This makes it easier to identify what drives behavioral changes.
Multiple changes can muddy your heatmap insights.
Document your hypotheses
Know what behavior changes you expect to see.
Use heatmaps to validate or challenge these assumptions.
When to use heatmap data
During tests: Monitor for unexpected user behavior.
After tests: Understand why winners won and losers lost.
For iteration: Identify new test opportunities based on user behavior.
Understanding the Data
What we track for each Shoplift variant:
All standard heatmap interactions (clicks, moves, scrolls)
Time spent on page
Rage clicks and dead clicks
Scroll depth
Hover patterns
Data timing:
Collection begins immediately when the experiment starts.
Variant data appears in filters within 1-2 hours.
Meaningful patterns emerge after 500+ visitors per variant.
Important notes:
Historical data before integration cannot be filtered by variant.
Each visitor is tracked with their assigned variant for their entire session.
Data is real-time (no delay once initial setup is complete).
Advanced Tips
Analyzing test results:
Look for unexpected click patterns between variants.
Compare scroll depth to understand content engagement.
Identify "dead zones" where no interaction occurs.
Watch for rage clicks indicating user frustration.
Presenting findings:
Use Compare mode for stakeholder presentations.
Export heatmap images for reports.
Combine with Shoplift's conversion data for a complete picture.
Getting Help
Need assistance? For integration issues:
Verify both platforms are properly installed.
Check your Shoplift experiment is active.
Ensure adequate traffic to variants.
When contacting support:
Email: support@heatmap.com
Subject: "Shoplift Integration Support"
Please include:
Your website URL
Shoplift experiment name and ID
Variant names
When you started the experiment
Screenshots of the variants
Approximate traffic levels
We're here to help! Our support team is familiar with Shoplift and can help troubleshoot any integration issues. Most issues are resolved within 24 hours.
What's Next?
Coming soon:
Compare filtered variants to overall traffic.
Enhanced preview capabilities.
Additional filtering options.
Export capabilities for variant comparisons.
The heatmap and Shoplift integration represents a powerful combination for understanding not just what works, but why it works. We're excited to be part of your optimization journey!
Questions? Reach out to support@heatmap.com - we're here to help you succeed.