A pop-up is a message or form box that appears over the main content of a website, or in a separate window, while you are visiting it. It can announce a campaign, collect an email address, ask for cookie consent or try to stop you leaving. Used well it helps; used badly it is one of the most disliked parts of the web.
What Is a Pop-Up?
A message or form box that appears on top of the main content or in a separate window. It is used for announcements, campaigns, email collection or cookie consent.
Pop-Up Types
- Action-requesting pop-ups: ask for an email address, a sign-up or a click.
- Informational pop-ups: announce a campaign, a notice or a change.
- Exit-intent pop-ups: appear when the visitor is about to leave.
- Survey or feedback pop-ups.
How Pop-Ups Are Used
Pop-ups collect email addresses, promote offers, remind visitors of items in their cart, gather feedback and show legal notices. See what is onsite marketing.
Advantages of Pop-Ups
- They capture attention.
- They can raise sign-ups and conversions.
- They are quick to implement.
- They let you communicate with segments.
Pop-Ups and SEO
Pop-ups that cover page content, fill the whole screen on mobile and annoy the user can hurt the experience and may go against Google’s guidelines. It is usually less intrusive to show a pop-up after the visitor has engaged with some content or shows exit intent, not as soon as the page opens. Test to find the right timing.
How to Block Pop-Ups
- Browser settings: modern browsers have a pop-up blocking option; add exceptions for trusted sites when needed.
- Extensions and add-ons. See the best Chrome extensions.
- Advanced security programs.
- Pop-up blocking settings.
- Stay updated: keep your browser and system current.
- Online accounts: don’t enter information in suspicious pop-ups, and don’t click links in them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pop-up?
A message or form box that appears over the main content, or in a separate window, while you visit a website. It can be used for announcements, campaigns, email collection or cookie consent.
Do pop-ups hurt SEO?
Pop-ups that cover page content, fill the whole screen on mobile and annoy the user can spoil the experience and may go against Google’s guidelines.
When is it most effective to show a pop-up?
Showing it after the visitor has engaged with some content, or when they show exit intent, is usually less disturbing than showing it on arrival. Test to find the right timing.
How do I block pop-ups in my browser?
Modern browsers have a pop-up blocking option in their settings. Add exceptions for trusted sites if needed. Don’t enter information in suspicious pop-ups or click their links.
