What is a Pop-up?
Also known as a popup window, it is a web format created using CSS or JavaScript that appears suddenly in the browser while visiting a website. This type of format is widely used in digital advertising. Its use can yield significant results for lead generation. The most common pop-ups include newsletter sign-ups, subscription forms, limited-time discounts… basically any information that may be useful to the user.
Pop-up Example
When this popup window appears on the website, the entire page becomes the background, highlighting the popup itself to catch the visitor’s attention, even if only for a few seconds.
Pop-ups do not appear randomly on a website. During creation, specific triggers are set so that the pop-up appears when the user interacts with the website. The most common trigger is when the user scrolls 10% of the page, or when they navigate to a specific URL (home, cart…). All pop-ups are programmed to deliver a message to the visitor when one of the defined actions occurs.
The purpose of creating a popup window is to attract attention and direct the user, even for a few seconds, to specific content you want them to see.
However, although pop-ups are very useful, they should not be overused. When users encounter multiple pop-ups on a site, their experience tends to be negative, and many leave the website. Therefore, a limit should always be set so users can navigate the site comfortably and achieve their goals.
What is a Pop-up Used For?
Pop-ups are used to grab the user’s attention and make them view a specific message during their website visit. The goal of a popup is to impact the user with relevant and useful messages to achieve conversions.
Pop-ups can help collect valuable information from users (email, location, phone number) or encourage them to make a purchase by presenting new products or discounts.
It is essential that pop-ups benefit the user. If a pop-up contains uninteresting or repetitive information, it will frustrate users and drive them away. However, offering content that benefits the user, like discount coupons or special offers, ensures the popup is not annoying and can even increase user engagement and generate potential leads.
To be effective, the timing and placement of the pop-up on the website must be considered. If pop-ups appear immediately and repeatedly, users may feel frustrated. Allowing users to browse freely before showing a popup ensures the content is relevant and well-received.
Main Types
The most common types used in web design include:
- Entry pop-up: appears instantly when a user visits a site. Often used to offer discounts or promotions to encourage further browsing.
- Exit pop-up: appears when a user is about to leave the site, attempting to retain them. Commonly used for subscriptions or other suggestions.
- Timed pop-up: appears after the user has spent a specific amount of time on the site. Usually triggered after 1 minute to target interested users.
- Scroll pop-up: appears when a user reaches a certain point on the page, e.g., after scrolling 50% of the content.
- Click pop-up: a small popup that opens when the user clicks, often requiring input in a form or login credentials.
The choice of pop-up depends on the website’s goals and testing which type works best.
Pop-up Example
To better understand its purpose and functionality, here’s a common scenario:
Example:
A user searching for social media content services finds our website through Google. While browsing the “Content Creation & Social Media” section, a pop-up appears offering “Sign up for our community manager service this month and get 30% off for the first three months.” Since the user is already interested in such a service, this popup increases the likelihood of conversion.
If you want to leverage pop-ups to boost your website’s leads and sales, our web design team can help maximize their effectiveness. For more information, you can contact us.
