To Pop Up or Not to Pop Up

To pop up or not to pop up, that is the question. Will we rise with clever pop-ups with strategic purposes, or will we succumb to the realm of annoying pop-up ads? Can we strike a balance between timing and the appropriate types of pop-ups, or will our voracious usage drive visitors away?

Funny or not, it’s true. The Nielsen Norman Group’s most popular study describes pop-ups as the “most hated advertisement technique on desktop.

For most visitors, pop ups on websites are annoying, and they really hate them. And they are correct, most of the time. The result of people hating pop ups is based on bad experiences, poor strategies, and pop ups showing up to disturb and distract visitor’s journey. But this could change if you use your pop ups on websites to engage instead of selling.

Pop ups on websites can be our best allies or worst enemies; the difference is all about timing, frequency, goals, and types of pop ups.

Let’s unwrap this and learn all about pop ups on websites and how to take advantage of this great tool to engage and interact with our visitors.

Types of Pop Ups on Websites

Pop ups types differ mainly in their functionality and what triggers them.

Here is a list of the most used types of pop ups based on their triggers.

• Time delayed Pop Up.

These pop ups on websites are triggered by timing. You can set them to appear after a specific time range, inactivity, or time spent on site. Depending on the trigger action, you can add a relevant message with a tropic-related call to action.

• Click-Based Pop Up

While working with click-based pop ups on websites, the goal for these is to appear after the visitor clicks on a designated area.

• Slide in pop up

Of all types of pop ups, this is the most common one. You’ll find it constantly, almost everywhere.

• Scroll-based Pop Up

This action is based on your visitor’s activity while moving up and down your page or website. This could be used as an engagement tool if the message is strategically placed.

• Exit-Intent Pop Up

When your visitor shows the intent of leaving, this pop up will appear to offer something to keep them on the site or finish their purchase. Same as the slide-in pop up, this is one of the most common types of pop ups on websites.

How to use Pop ups on websites

How to use different types of pop ups on websites is one of the most critical activities while keeping our visitors engaged. To do so, first think about your visitors and what they need, what they need. Analyze how your pop up and proposal can improve their experience while visiting your website.

Use engaging copy and design, respect your users’ journey, and respect their data privacy. Select which page or pages you would like to add your pop up and what’s the trigger.

Benefits of pop ups on websites

Well-designed (be visual) and strategically placed pop-ups on websites can significantly increase conversion rates by catching your visitors’ attention and leading to list growth. When used appropriately, pop-ups can enhance user engagement, remind them of important information that will grow interaction, and deliver relevant content or offers, ultimately improving the overall user experience.

Disadvantages of pop ups on websites– What to avoid to all cost

One of the main reasons why people dislike pop ups on websites is that “they are everywhere”. In a recent survey conducted by G2, the second reason to hate them is that they appear as soon as visitors land on a website. (take notes on what not to do)

Avoid using many pop ups on websites that distract and confuse your visitors. Intrusive pop ups lead to negative user experiences and increased bounce rates and will contribute to negative brand perception.

Pop ups summary

In summary, pop ups are an excellent choice to engage your visitors. The secret is to know your user’s journey to enhance their experience by being one step ahead of their needs.

While pop ups on websites can be a great tool to engage your users, they also can generate a profound rejection if they are intrusive and annoying. The key here is to know your user’s journey in such detail that you know precisely when that pop up will be helpful and welcome.

Pop-ups can be a powerful tool for engagement and conversions on websites.

By understanding types of pop ups and clinging to best practices, businesses can engage audiences, drive interactions, and achieve their marketing objectives. Data-driven insights reveal the two sides of pop-ups: they can enhance user experience if executed well but pose SEO risks, like poor user experience, if done incorrectly. Pop ups, when used skillfully, can enhance digital marketing and boost brand success in the online landscape.

So, now you know. If you’ll opt to pop up, pop up wisely.