By posting banners using the pop-up function, you can expect to prevent users from leaving your website and improve conversion rates (CVR).
This is an indispensable feature for modern website management as it allows you to maximize the effectiveness of your website.
However, many people may wonder, “I don’t know how to effectively use the pop-up function to display banners.”
In this article, we will explain the meaning of pop-ups, how to use them effectively, and precautions when installing them.
What is a pop-up?
First, let’s explain what a popup is.
We will also introduce the meanings of pop-up-related words, “pop-up window,” “pop-up store,” and “pop-up banner.”
pop-up
A pop-up is a function or mechanism in which another window is displayed on top of the window of the web page you are viewing. Used on web pages to display a save button for documents or display an inquiry form.
“Pop up” means “to suddenly appear” or “to pop out” in English.
pop-up window
A pop-up window is another window that opens automatically while you are viewing a web page.
If your site has pop-up windows set up, they will pop up when you click a link button or navigate through a web page.
Be careful as some pop-up windows may install adware that displays advertisements one after another or software called spyware that leaks information on your computer to outside parties.
pop-up store
A pop-up store is a store that is opened for a short period of time (from a few days to a few weeks) and can be found in countries such as Australia and Europe.
As the meaning of pop-up suggests, it is characterized by the sudden opening of a store and its immediate disappearance, and there are cases overseas where a store is built from scratch on a vacant lot and then demolished when the store’s term ends.
Additionally, since pop-up stores tend to be more event-oriented, it is easier to express the individuality of each project and company.
Although the names are similar, the meaning seems to be different from the pop-up explained in this article.
Pop-up banner (pop-up advertisement)
Pop-up banners, also known as pop-up advertisements, are banner advertisements that suddenly appear on the top, bottom, left, right, or front of the screen while viewing a web page. The timing and position of pop-up banners are determined by the website operator.
It not only conveys information, but also has the effect of improving the user experience and preventing users from leaving the site.
Additionally, in recent years, an increasing number of websites have announced to users their consent to use cookies. This is because the revised Personal Information Protection Act stipulates that cookies are treated as personal information, and website operators must obtain user consent. Pop-up banners are also useful when requesting consent to use cookies. By pinning it to the bottom of the screen, you can request consent to use cookies without interfering with website browsing.
Additionally, it is also possible to display chatbots as pop-ups. Display a chatbot on the screen when the user is about to close the web page. You can prevent users from leaving your website by using a chatbot to guide them to a chat with a person or by presenting them with information about great deals.
What is overlay advertising?
In addition to pop-up ads, anchor ads and interstitial ads are collectively referred to as “overlay ads.”
Let’s take a look at overlay ads.
overlay ads
Overlay ads are ads that are displayed over a web page. It has a large advertising space and is able to convey messages effectively. However, it is important to place them appropriately, as they may hinder the user’s actions.
anchor ad
Anchor ads are an ad format that appears fixed at the top or bottom of a web page. Generally, it is displayed in a size called mobile big banner (320 x 50). Since it remains displayed in that position even when scrolling on a web page, it is easy to see and is effective for promoting products and increasing brand awareness.
On the other hand, you need to be careful about the placement location and size so that it does not interfere with users’ ability to view the web page. If you take care to ensure that your ad and site design are in harmony with each other, your ad will be more easily accepted by users.
interstitial ads
Interstitial ads, also known as splash pages, are ads that are displayed full screen when switching between web pages. Ads are displayed for a certain period of time as users move around the site, giving them a strong impact. However, you must be careful about how often and for how long you display them, as they can temporarily interrupt user activity.
There are two main types of interstitial ads: contrast and form. Contrast is a display method that makes an ad stand out by displaying the background color as gray or black. In addition, a form refers to a field in which personal information such as name and email address can be entered, and by incorporating it into an advertisement, it can lead to inquiries and downloads of materials.
What is pop-up blocker?
Pop-up blocker is a setting that prevents pop-ups from being displayed when accessing websites. General web browsers are equipped with a pop-up blocker function as standard for security and convenience reasons. Pop-up blockers can be customized by enabling or disabling the feature or allowing pop-ups only from specific websites.
How to remove pop-up blocker
Next, we will explain how to disable pop-up blockers in each web browser.
If the pop-up you want is not displayed, set your web browser to allow pop-up blocking.
Google Chrome
How to disable pop-up blocker in Google Chrome is as follows.
1. Start Google Chrome and click “Settings” from the three-dot menu button on the top right.
2.Click “Privacy and Security” from the left menu of the settings screen.
3. Scroll down the screen and click “Popups and Redirects”.
4. You can turn pop-up blocker on or off and set individual websites to allow/block. To unblock pop-ups, turn off Block (recommended).
Microsoft Edge
Here’s how to disable pop-up blocker in Microsoft Edge.
1. Start Microsoft Edge and click “Settings” from the three-dot menu on the top right.
2.Click “Site Permissions” from the left menu of the settings screen.
3. Scroll down the screen and click “Popups and Redirects”.
4. You can unblock pop-ups by turning off “Block (recommended)”.
Firefox
Here’s how to disable pop-up blockers in Firefox.
1. Start Firefox and click “Options” from the three-line menu at the top right.
2.Click “Privacy and Security” from the left menu of the settings screen.
3. Scroll down the screen and uncheck “Block pop-up windows” from “Permission Settings”.
Safari
Here’s how to disable pop-up blocker in Safari.
1. Start Safari and click “Preferences” from “Safari” in the upper left.
2.Click “Website” from the menu on the environment screen.
3.Click “Popup Window” from the left menu.
4. Add the websites you want to unblock from pop-up windows from “Allow pop-up windows only on the following websites”. By setting “Default settings for other websites” to “Allow”, you can remove the pop-up blocker for all websites.
pop up banner
Let’s take a look at what pop-up banners mean.
What is a pop-up banner?
A pop-up banner is a feature that allows advertisements or messages to be suddenly displayed on a web page.
It is mainly used as a web marketing tool and has the effect of attracting user interest.
Users who visit a website tend to leave the website if the first information they see does not pique their interest.
It is said that the first view of a website is judged within the first 3 seconds. Pop-up banners are a way for site operators to visually convey the information they want to convey within a limited amount of time.
Does it bother some users?
Pop-up banners are an effective tool for encouraging or appealing to users who visit your website. However, depending on how the pop-up banner is displayed, it may have the opposite effect.
For example, if there are too many pop-up banners or if they are difficult to close, users may feel stressed or uncomfortable with your website.
Therefore, you need to be careful about the number and frequency of displays.
popup banner effect
Pop-up banners are effective for preventing site abandonment, improving CVR, and preventing abandoned carts on e-commerce sites.
Here we will introduce the effects of pop-up banners.
Preventing site withdrawal
By displaying useful information such as discount coupons and campaign information while browsing a website, you can prevent users from leaving the website.
When setting up a pop-up banner, it is more effective to display it to users who perform the back operation or close the tab operation.
Improving UX (user experience)
Improving the UX (user experience) is also one of the effects of pop-up banners.
UX refers to all the experiences a user feels through a product or service, such as the excitement and ease of use, and can also be translated as user experience.
By displaying appropriate pop-up banners, users will be able to get the information they want and will be able to use your site more efficiently.
As a result, the added value of your website will be higher, leading to improved UX.
Improved CVR
Pop-up banners can be expected to improve CVR (conversion rate). CVR is a metric that shows the percentage of clicks on advertising links that result in conversions. In Japanese, it is translated as “acquisition rate” or “conversion rate.”
By using pop-up banners and displaying content at the right time, you can encourage people to purchase your product.
Increase circulation rate
By using pop-up banners, you can increase the rate of visits and prevent people from leaving your website.
The circulation rate is an indicator of how many pages on a site are viewed by users who visit the site in a single visit.
For example, if you are an e-commerce site, you can prevent users from leaving by offering benefits such as limited-time sales and free shipping.
By preventing people from leaving your website, you can expect to improve not only your visitation rate but also your conversion rate.
In addition, increasing the circulation rate with pop-up banners is effective in preventing cart abandonment.
Cart abandonment refers to the act of leaving a website with items in the cart.
Examples of using pop-up banners
Next, let’s look at an example of how to use a popup banner.
Induction to email newsletter registration
Pop-up banners are useful for directing users to email newsletters that are viewed by many users. Email newsletter registration is an effective way to maintain stable sales and conversion rates.
For example, if you set up a pop banner so that people can get discount coupons or free shipping coupons for products by registering for your e-mail newsletter, it will be easier to direct people to your e-mail newsletter.
Providing discount coupons
You can use pop-up banners to offer discount coupons. When a user visits your website, you can help your website leave a lasting impression on the user by presenting information that can save you money when shopping, such as product discount coupons and coupon codes. As a result, you can expect improved conversion rates and click-through rates. Pop-up banners also increase the possibility of preventing cart abandonment.
Offering benefits such as discount coupons or gifts before browsing back to your website can help improve conversion rates.
Appeal to download materials
The more visually impactful and eye-catching your pop-up banner is, the more likely it will catch the user’s attention and the more likely they will see your content.
When promoting downloads of materials, you can gain high engagement from users by setting up memorable pop-ups, such as pop-up banners with animation.
Animated pop-ups are easy to create using templates.
It is also possible to add movement by placing images and characters that suit the image of your site or company.
Information on adding SNS accounts and friends
In addition to email newsletters, the use of SNS is one of the essential tools for attracting customers.
You can also use pop-up banners to remind you to add friends on SNS accounts such as Instagram and Facebook.
By pasting a URL to access the account for PC browsers, and installing a QR code that allows users to add friends for smartphones, you will be able to respond flexibly to users.
It is also important to include text stating that you can obtain discount coupons and the latest information.
heads up
In some cases, pop-up banners are used to convey product precautions, usage instructions, and website usage rules. For example, a website that sells alcoholic beverages uses pop-ups to warn viewers under the age of 20 not to make purchases.
This prevents returns due to legal deviations or incorrect product shipments.
Temporary closures and event cancellations
Pop-up banners can also be used to announce important changes. When displaying important notices such as temporary closures or event cancellations, we recommend displaying a pop-up banner in full screen. You can also display event dates and closure periods, so it’s a good idea to include the site link and necessary information as well.
Types and characteristics of pop-up banners
There are four main types of pop-up banners used on websites.
Here we will introduce the types and characteristics of pop-up banners.
full screen
Full-screen banners are pop-up banners that take up the entire screen and are suitable for conveying important messages.
Since it will be displayed covering the entire screen of the website, it is important to use it for the appropriate purpose and timing.
For example, it is a good idea to use it when you have information that must be communicated, such as canceling an event or changing business hours.
Please note that unnecessary full-screen pop-up banners can interrupt website viewing, so it is recommended to keep them to a minimum.
slide in
Slide-in banners are pop-up banners that slide in from the edge of the screen. It is suitable for promoting e-mail newsletter registration and communicating the latest information to users.
When a pop-up banner is displayed full screen, it interrupts the user’s view of the website, but slide-ins allow information to be conveyed without interrupting the user’s view of the website.
floating bar
Floating bars are another way to display pop-up banners without interrupting users’ browsing of your website.
A floating bar is a pop-up banner that is fixed at the top or bottom of the screen.
Ads will continue to be displayed even if you scroll the screen, but you can display advertisements without interfering with website browsing.
For example, it can be used for marketing purposes by announcing a campaign or displaying a countdown to a limited-time sale.
Floating bars can be used when you want to present users with a continuous CTA.
light box
A lightbox banner is a pop-up banner that dims the entire website you are viewing and highlights only the pop-up as the active window. It can be used when you want to show information that you want to give priority to users or special offers of services.
Additionally, since it serves as a small window that requires user interaction, it is effective for displaying discount coupons or prompting users to enter information such as email address or membership registration when leaving a website.
Points to note about pop-up banners
Here, let’s take a look at the things to keep in mind when setting up pop-up banners.
number or frequency
The more frequently pop-up banners appear, the more likely users are to avoid using your website because they feel blocked from browsing.
Additionally, if the pop-up doesn’t close quickly or if the content of the pop-up is irrelevant, it can cause resentment among users.
Display pop-ups in a non-obtrusive number and frequency to provide users with the information they are looking for.
timing (trigger)
It is important to set the timing (trigger) for displaying pop-ups according to user behavior.
For example, displaying a discount offer 30 seconds after visiting a website or presenting a discount offer the moment the user attempts to leave a product page can have a positive impact on user engagement.
However, be careful not to place too many pop-up banners depending on the timing.
size
Pop-up banner size and font size must be designed to display appropriately depending on the device. For example, on a device with a small screen such as a smartphone, if the font is small, it will be difficult to see, and if the font is too large, information may be lost.
To ensure that the pop-up banner you display is properly read, make sure to adjust the size carefully.
Operability
It is also important to ensure the usability of pop-up banners. If tapping or clicking is required, make the design intuitive by displaying the close button large and clearly and providing a wide tap area.
design and copy
Pop-up banners need to attract users instantly after they are displayed, so it is important to have an easy-to-understand design. For example, using the same colors for your pop-up banner as your website, or using a specific brand image icon or logo will create consistency between your entire website and your pop-up banner.
We also recommend pop-up banners that support responsive design. Responsive design is a method of building web pages that does not depend on the screen size of the device, and has a mechanism that automatically switches to a design that is easy for users to view.
However, using complex animations or large images can have various negative effects, such as slow loading speeds and decreased usability. So take advantage of optimized techniques and content to improve loading speed.
popup tool
A pop-up tool is a tool that displays campaign information, coupons, etc. as pop-ups at appropriate times to each website viewer. For example, when a user is searching for a product, the message “5x points when you register as a member” is displayed, or when the user views the contact page, a chat screen is displayed asking “Do you have any questions?”
Some pop-up tools include tools that can collect user behavior in real time and display it in a graph, and others that can provide customized pop-ups that match user behavior patterns.
It is important to choose the right pop-up tool for your company so that you can use the information you collect for marketing purposes.
summary
In this article, we introduced the meaning of pop-ups, how to unblock pop-ups, and the effects and usage examples of pop-up banners.
By installing pop-up banners, you can expect to reduce your website abandonment rate and improve your conversion rate.
However, depending on how it is installed, it may obstruct the information that the user wants to see, so to avoid having the opposite effect, consider installing pop-up banners with usability in mind for the user.