Lesson 5: Best practices to create popups that convert

Why Best Practices Matter

Many websites use popups, but not all achieve the results they want. A poorly timed or unclear popup can be more annoying than useful.

To build popups that actually convert, you need to focus on:

1. Clear and benefit-driven messaging

2. Smart timing and user experience

3. Design that stands out but stays on-brand

Let’s break each one down with practical advice.

1. Craft a Direct and Benefit-Oriented Message

The message is what sells your offer. And in a popup, space is limited — so every word counts.

What to Do:

• Be brief and go straight to the point.

• Use a title that focuses on what the user will gain.

• Avoid vague or generic phrases like “Join our newsletter.”

Better Example:

✅ “Get 10% Off Your First Order”
❌ “Subscribe to Our Newsletter”

This approach tells users exactly what they’ll receive, making the offer much more appealing.

Keep It Actionable:

Use verbs that inspire action, like:

• Get

• Claim

• Unlock

• Start

• Enjoy

2. Choose the Right Timing

Timing is crucial. Displaying a popup the second someone lands on your site can feel intrusive and lead to instant dismissals.

Best Timing Strategies:

• Wait a few seconds before showing your popup.

• Use scroll-based triggers, like showing the popup when the user reaches 30% or 50% of the page.

• Combine conditions: For example, show the popup after 5 seconds and after 40% scroll.

These methods let users settle into the content before presenting your offer, increasing the chance of interaction.

3. Design with Purpose

You don’t need to be a graphic designer, but your popup should still look polished and be easy to read.

Design Tips That Work:

• Use contrasting colors to make the popup noticeable.

• Highlight the CTA button: It should stand out visually.

• Match your brand: Stay consistent with your website’s color palette and typography.

• Prioritize legibility: Use clean fonts, proper spacing, and avoid clutter.

Example Layout:

Element	Recommendation
Background	Light or dark with contrast
Text	Clear, large, no decorative fonts
Button	Bold color, readable CTA text
Borders	Rounded or sharp — keep it clean

 

Consistency builds trust, and a well-structured popup enhances credibility.

Bonus Tip: Use A/B Testing

If you're unsure between two options — for example, different messages or button styles — run an A/B test.

This lets you:

• Compare results with real users

• Optimize based on actual data

• Make confident decisions without guesswork

With tools like I Love PopUps, setting up a test is quick and requires no coding.

Putting It All Together

When building your next popup, ask yourself:

• Does the message clearly state the benefit?

• Is it timed to avoid interrupting too soon?

• Does the design guide the user to take action?

If you follow these three pillars — message, timing, and design — your popups will convert better, without needing professional help.

Stay tuned for our next tutorial, where we’ll explore a real-world example of using popups to recover abandoned carts in an online store.