Why Are Email Pop-Ups Important?
Email pop-ups are an effective form of lead generation. By encouraging site visitors to share their contact details, you can nurture them into loyal customers with targeted email campaigns. Here’s why they matter:
Boost Conversions
Offering incentives like discounts or free shipping in exchange for an email address can convert casual browsers into paying customers.
Build Customer Relationships
Through email marketing, you can keep customers informed, offer exclusive content, and create a direct communication channel.
Increase Return Traffic
Emails reminding customers of special offers or new products encourage repeat visits, which can lead to higher sales over time.
Lower Abandonment Rates
Exit-intent pop-ups can capture emails from visitors about to leave your store, offering them a discount or incentive to complete their purchase later.
Pop-ups, when used strategically, can be powerful. However, overusing them or implementing them poorly can irritate users. Below we've listed a number of different ways to implement these pop-ups.
Methods for Adding Email Pop-Ups on Shopify
Option 1: Using Shopify’s Built-In Features (Theme-Dependent)
If your theme supports it, Shopify offers a simple way to add pop-ups without the need for additional apps or coding. However, this option is limited and depends on the capabilities of the specific theme you are using.
Follow these steps:
Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
Navigate to “Online Store” and select “Themes”.
Click “Customise” on your active theme.
In the customisation panel, look for “Theme Settings”. Find the section labelled “Pop-Up” or “Newsletter”.
Enable the pop-up, customise the design and text, and set triggers (e.g., display after a certain time or on specific pages).
Save your changes and preview the pop-up.
Pros
- This option is simple and easy to set up.
- There is no need for external apps or coding.
- It's free with your Shopify plan.
Cons
- Limited to theme-specific options, which might not be available for all themes.
- Customisation options may be basic.
- Limited control over advanced features like exit intent, mobile optimisation, or specific targeting.
Option 2: Using Shopify Apps for Email Pop-Ups
For more control and functionality, Shopify’s App Store offers a wide range of email pop-up tools. Popular apps include Privy, OptiMonk, and 1Click. These apps provide advanced features like A/B testing, exit intent, and integration with your email marketing platforms.
Steps:
Visit the Shopify App Store.
Search for "email pop ups" and you will be shown a list of relevant apps.
Install your chosen app and follow the setup instructions.
Customise the design of the pop-up, set up email capture forms, and define when the pop-up should appear (e.g., after 10 seconds, on exit intent).
Test the pop-up on both desktop and mobile to ensure it functions correctly.
Pros
- Access to advanced features, including exit intent, targeting, and A/B testing.
- Most apps offer templates and drag-and-drop design functionality.
- Integration with email marketing tools allows seamless follow-up campaigns.
Cons
- May come with monthly fees, depending on the app’s pricing plan.
- Some apps may slow down your site if they’re not optimised for performance.
- The learning curve can be steep with more complex apps.
Option 3: Custom Pop-Up with HTML/CSS
For maximum control over the design and functionality of your pop-up, creating a custom one with HTML and CSS is an option. This method is ideal for developers or those comfortable with code, offering a fully tailored experience.
Steps:
Design your pop-up in HTML and CSS.
Log in to Shopify Admin, then go to “Online Store” > “Themes”.
Click the 3 dots and choose “Edit Code”.
Insert your custom HTML and CSS in the appropriate files (usually theme.liquid or template.liquid).
Save your changes and preview the pop-up on your store.
Pros
- Full control over the look and feel of the pop-up.
- No need for third-party apps or subscriptions.
- Ideal for developers who want to integrate custom functionality.
Cons
- Requires coding knowledge.
- Time-consuming to implement and maintain.
- Potential risk of site errors if the code is not properly managed.
Option 4: Using Third-Party Email Marketing Tools
Third-party email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Klaviyo offer robust solutions for creating email pop-ups. These tools often provide more advanced features for segmentation, automation, and analytics, allowing for better integration of your email marketing efforts.
Steps:
Sign up for an account with a tool like Mailchimp or Klaviyo.
Integrate the tool with Shopify via an app or API (most platforms offer direct Shopify integrations).
Use the platform’s built-in pop-up builder to create and customise your pop-up.
Set up specific triggers, design preferences, and conditions for when the pop-up should appear.
Monitor the performance of your pop-up using the platform’s dashboard, which often includes analytics for conversion rates, open rates, and click-through rates.
Pros
- Access to advanced email marketing tools, including segmentation, automation, and detailed analytics.
- Seamless integration with your email campaigns.
- A single platform for both email marketing and pop-ups.
Cons
- May require subscription fees for premium features.
- Can be complex for beginners who are new to email marketing platforms.
- Requires extra setup compared to Shopify’s built-in options or basic apps.
Best Practices for Effective Email Pop-Ups
Here are a few best practice points to ensure that your pop-ups are effective and user-friendly.
Timing and Triggers
The effectiveness of a pop-up largely depends on when it appears. Common triggers include:
Time on page - Trigger a pop-up after a visitor has spent 10–30 seconds on a page.
Scroll percentage - Show the pop-up when a visitor has scrolled 50% or more of the page.
Exit intent - When the user moves their cursor toward the back button or the tab close icon, trigger a last-minute offer to retain them.
Offer Value
Give visitors a good reason to provide their email address. Whether it’s a discount code, free shipping, access to exclusive content, or first dibs on new products, the offer should be clear and enticing.
Non-Intrusive Design
Make sure the design complements your site without overwhelming the visitor. Avoid aggressive pop-ups that cover the entire page immediately upon landing, as these can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates.
Mobile Responsiveness
A significant portion of eCommerce traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your pop-ups are mobile-friendly and don’t interfere with the user experience on smaller screens. Most Shopify apps will have mobile responsiveness built in, but it's always worth double-checking.
Compliance with Privacy Laws
Be sure to comply with regulations such as GDPR or CAN-SPAM. Include a clear privacy statement and ensure visitors can opt out easily.
Additional Considerations for E-mail Pop-Ups
A/B Testing
If you're using apps that support A/B testing (such as OptiMonk or Privy), it's a good idea to test different pop-up designs, triggers, and offers. A/B testing allows you to identify what resonates best with your audience, ensuring you maximise conversions.
Analytics and Optimisation
Tracking your pop-up performance is key to making data-driven decisions. Ensure you monitor:
Conversion rates: How many visitors who saw the pop-up signed up?
Bounce rates: Are visitors leaving after encountering the pop-up?
Page performance: Is your pop-up slowing down your website?
Email Segmentation
Once you've captured emails, consider segmenting your list based on behaviour, location, or purchase history. This allows you to send more targeted and relevant email campaigns, increasing your chances of converting leads into customers.
Adding an email pop-up to your Shopify store is an essential step in growing your email list and driving conversions. Whether you opt for Shopify’s built-in features, a third-party app, custom HTML/CSS, or an email marketing tool like Mailchimp, there are options to suit every store owner’s needs and technical capabilities.
Shopify’s built-in features are ideal for quick and simple pop-ups but may lack flexibility. Shopify apps offer a balance between ease of use and advanced functionality, though they may come at a cost. Custom HTML/CSS gives you full control but requires coding skills. Third-party email tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo provide powerful features for those looking to scale their email marketing efforts.
Each method comes with its pros and cons, so consider your technical abilities, budget, and business needs when deciding the best approach for your store.
