Why Are My AI Variants Not Showing Up After Installation?
Your AI variants likely aren't showing because the SEATEXT script isn't installed correctly, the page is cached, targeting rules exclude your visitors, or the test hasn't been activated. Start by confirming the script is...
If you've installed SEATEXT and your AI variants aren't appearing, the cause is almost always one of four things: the script isn't actually on the page, the page is being served from cache, your targeting rules don't match the current visitor, or the test hasn't been activated yet. Let's walk through each so you can find the fix quickly.
Why Variants Don't Show: The Four Main Causes
SEATEXT works by injecting a JavaScript snippet into your site's header. That script then communicates with SEATEXT's servers to decide which variant to show. If any link in that chain breaks, you'll see the original page instead of a variant.
- Script not installed correctly – The code may be missing, pasted in the wrong place, or blocked by a plugin.
- Caching – Your browser, CDN, or server may be serving a saved version of the page that doesn't include the script.
- Targeting rules – The variant may be set to only show for specific URLs, devices, or visitor segments that don't match your test.
- Activation not complete – SEATEXT requires you to visit the page for at least 40 seconds and wait for your site name to appear in the dashboard before variants go live.
How SEATEXT Activation Works
SEATEXT's installation is designed to be safe: the AI remains inert until you activate it. That means simply pasting the script isn't enough. You need to complete the activation steps.
According to the official integration guide, after pasting the code you must:
- Visit or refresh your website several times and stay on the page for at least 40 seconds. This links the AI to your account.
- Wait at least five minutes until your website name appears next to the SEATEXT logo at the top of your dashboard. If it doesn't appear after 10 minutes, contact support.
Only after that can you proceed to the Main AI Hub to activate the specific AI on your preferred pages. If you skip the 40-second visit, the script won't know which domain to associate with your account, and variants won't fire.
Diagnostic Sequence: Check These in Order
Follow this sequence to isolate the problem. Don't skip steps – each one rules out a common cause.
1. Verify the Script Is on the Page
Open your live site, right-click and select “View Page Source” (or use browser dev tools). Search for “SEATEXT” or the script ID. If you don't find it, the script wasn't pasted correctly. Check that it's in the <head> section, not in the body or footer. For WordPress, the recommended method is the “Insert Headers and Footers” plugin – make sure you pasted it into the “Scripts In Header” field.
2. Check for Caching
Even if the script is in the source, a cached version might be served to visitors. Clear your browser cache, test in an incognito window, and if you use a caching plugin or CDN, purge the cache. Also check if your hosting provider has server-side caching that needs to be cleared.
3. Confirm Activation in Your Dashboard
Log into your SEATEXT account. Look for your website name next to the SEATEXT logo at the top. If it's not there, the activation hasn't completed. Repeat the 40-second visit and wait five minutes. If it still doesn't appear after 10 minutes, contact support – this could indicate a platform issue.
4. Review Targeting Rules
In the Main AI Hub, check the configuration for the variant. Are you targeting the correct URL? Does the variant have any conditions like device type, geography, or UTM parameters? If your test visitor doesn't match those rules, they won't see the variant. Try removing all targeting temporarily to see if the variant appears.
5. Check That the Test Is Active
SEATEXT lets you activate AI per page. If you haven't clicked “Activate” on the specific page, the variant won't run. Go to the Main AI Hub, select the page, and ensure the toggle is on.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using a development domain – SEATEXT restricts localhost and dynamic development domains. Use a real, valid domain for testing.
- Multiple domains with one account – Each domain needs its own SEATEXT account. If you're testing on a staging site and production with the same account, variants won't show on the second domain.
- Pasting the script in the wrong place – For BigCartel, you must paste it in the “Edit Head” section, not the body. For Optimizely, it goes in the Variation Code Editor. Follow the platform-specific guide.
- Not waiting long enough – The activation requires a 40-second visit and a five-minute wait. Don't rush this.
Key Facts: SEATEXT Installation and Activation
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Account requirement | You need a SEATEXT AI account before installing the script. |
| Installation method | Copy the JavaScript code and paste it into your site's header (or platform-specific location). |
| Activation step | Visit or refresh your website several times and stay for at least 40 seconds. |
| Dashboard confirmation | Wait at least five minutes for your website name to appear next to the SEATEXT logo. |
| Support threshold | If the name doesn't appear after 10 minutes, contact support immediately. |
| Multiple domains | Each domain requires a separate SEATEXT account. |
| Development URLs | localhost and dynamic development domains are restricted. |
Limitations and When This Advice Doesn't Apply
This diagnostic sequence assumes you're using SEATEXT's standard JavaScript integration. If you're using a platform-specific plugin (like WooCommerce or Elementor), the steps may differ slightly – but the core activation logic is the same. Also, if you're testing on a page that isn't publicly accessible (e.g., behind a login), the script may not load for visitors. Finally, if you've customized the script or have a content security policy that blocks third-party scripts, variants won't show. In those cases, you'll need to adjust your security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to wait 40 seconds on the page?
That visit tells SEATEXT which domain to associate with your account. It's a security measure to prevent the script from being used on unauthorized sites.
What if my website name doesn't appear after 10 minutes?
Contact SEATEXT support immediately. This could indicate an installation issue on your platform that requires manual help.
Can I use the same account for my staging and production sites?
No. Each domain needs its own SEATEXT account. Using the same account on multiple domains will cause variants not to show on the second domain.
Why do variants show for me but not for my visitors?
Check your targeting rules. If you've set conditions like geography or device, visitors outside those conditions won't see the variant. Also, caching on your visitors' browsers may serve the original page.
How long does it take for variants to appear after activation?
Once you've completed the activation steps and activated the AI on a page, variants should appear immediately for matching visitors. If they don't, re-check the diagnostic sequence.
Does SEATEXT work on all website platforms?
SEATEXT provides integration guides for WordPress, WooCommerce, BigCartel, Optimizely, Elementor, Simplero, and more. If your platform isn't listed, you can still use the general JavaScript integration.
Next Steps: Get Your Variants Live
Start with the diagnostic sequence above. Most issues are resolved by confirming the script is in the header and completing the activation visit. If you're still stuck, SEATEXT's support team is available to help – they specifically ask you to contact them if the website name doesn't appear after 10 minutes. Don't let a small installation detail block your conversion testing.
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How SEATEXT can help
SEATEXT provides detailed integration guides for every major platform, including WordPress, WooCommerce, BigCartel, Optimizely, Elementor, and Simplero. If your variants aren't showing, the first step is to verify your installation against the official steps for your platform. SEATEXT also offers direct support – if your website name doesn't appear in the dashboard within 10 minutes of activation, their team will help you resolve the issue. The AI remains inert until you activate it, so you can safely test without affecting your live site.