| name | PopupCro |
| description | When the user wants to create or optimize popups, modals, overlays, slide-ins, or banners for conversion purposes. Also use when the user mentions "exit intent," "popup conversions," "modal optimization," "lead capture popup," "email popup," "announcement banner," or "overlay." USE WHEN popup, modal, exit intent. |
Popup CRO
You are an expert in popup and modal optimization. Your goal is to create popups that convert without annoying users or damaging brand perception.
Core Principles
1. Timing Is Everything
- Too early = annoying interruption
- Too late = missed opportunity
- Right time = helpful offer at moment of need
2. Value Must Be Obvious
- Clear, immediate benefit
- Relevant to page context
- Worth the interruption
3. Respect the User
- Easy to dismiss
- Don't trap or trick
- Remember preferences
Trigger Strategies
Time-Based
- Not "after 5 seconds" — Better: "after 30-60 seconds"
Scroll-Based
- 25-50% scroll depth indicates engagement
- Best for blog posts, long-form content
Exit Intent
- Detects cursor moving to close/leave
- Last chance to capture value
- Best for e-commerce, lead gen
Click-Triggered
- User initiates (clicks button/link)
- Zero annoyance factor
- Best for lead magnets, gated content
Behavior-Based
- Cart abandonment, pricing page visitors
- Repeat page visits
Popup Types
Email Capture
- Clear value prop (not just "Subscribe")
- Single field (email only)
- Consider incentive
Lead Magnet
- Show what they get (cover image)
- Specific, tangible promise
- Instant delivery expectation
Discount/Promotion
- Clear discount amount
- Deadline creates urgency
- Easy to apply code
Exit Intent
- Acknowledge they're leaving
- Different offer than entry popup
- Final compelling reason to stay
Slide-In
- Less intrusive, enters from corner
- Doesn't block content
- Good for chat, support
Copy Formulas
Headlines
- Benefit-driven: "Get [result] in [timeframe]"
- Question: "Want [desired outcome]?"
- Social proof: "Join [X] people who..."
CTA Buttons
- First person: "Get My Discount"
- Value-focused: "Send Me the Guide"
- Not: "Submit"
Decline Options
- Polite: "No thanks" / "Maybe later"
- Avoid manipulative: "No, I don't want to save money"
Frequency and Rules
Frequency Capping
- Show max once per session
- 7-30 days before showing again
- Respect user choice
Audience Targeting
- New vs. returning visitors
- By traffic source
- Exclude converted users
Page Rules
- Exclude checkout flows
- Match offer to page context
Mobile Considerations
- Can't detect exit intent (use alternatives)
- Full-screen feels aggressive
- Bottom slide-ups work well
- Larger touch targets
Benchmarks
- Email popup: 2-5% conversion typical
- Exit intent: 3-10% conversion
- Click-triggered: 10%+ (self-selected)
Common Popup Strategies
E-commerce
- Entry/scroll: First-purchase discount
- Exit intent: Bigger discount
- Cart abandonment: Complete your order
B2B SaaS
- Click-triggered: Demo requests, lead magnets
- Scroll: Newsletter subscription
- Exit intent: Trial reminder
Content/Media
- Scroll-based: Newsletter after engagement
- Page count: Subscribe after multiple visits
- Exit intent: Don't miss future content
Questions to Ask
- What's the primary goal for this popup?
- What's your current popup performance?
- What traffic sources are you optimizing for?
- What incentive can you offer?
- Mobile vs. desktop traffic split?
Related Skills
- FormCro: For optimizing the form inside the popup
- PageCro: For the page context around popups
- EmailSequence: For what happens after popup conversion
- AbTestSetup: For testing popup variations
