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Entry Pop-ups: Do They Work ... or are They Just Rude? Help!

by The Niche Man
18 replies
I know we’ve had a ton of “what don’t you want to see in 2015” threads in the last few weeks. But one thing I wish would go away are those irritating entry pop-ups.

I just don’t get why they’re still so popular. Do they work that much better than exit pop-ups?

As a consumer or web visitor I click on your website because something piques my interest. When I’m anxious to see if what interest me is validated, a pop-up jumps in my way, like a hand waving in front of me (very irritating). So my priority goes from reading to getting rid of this obstacle or "trance interrupter".

My first knee-jerk reaction is scrambling to click the x or close icon, so I can continue reading or in some cases trying to buy (why interrupt me?). It seems less intrusive (rude) to offer an exit pop-up rather than an entry pop-up?

I know the usual answer is it depends or test it, etc. But I’ve yet to see a test where entry pop-ups are that much more effective than exit pop ups . If any exist please point them to me.

The Reality? I don’t know ... if I want to subscribe to your mailing list yet, I don’t know what you offer or even know you! It makes more sense to me, to use an exit pop-up after the person is finished reviewing your "killer" site? Plus, it seems less "pushy".

Of course I’m open to any disagreements, or different opinions. Anyone agree or disagree?

When you're researching, shopping or ready to buy - do you like them?
#entry #popups #rude #work
  • Profile picture of the author Big Results Online
    I agree with you, I think entry pops suck. I wouldn't use them ever. They annoy the crap out of me.

    I do use exit pops, and timed pops on my most popular pages. I think that is the benefit of popups, find your most popular posts, then craft a target offer, and implement in a popup.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
    Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

    I know we’ve had a ton of “what don’t you want to see in 2015” threads in the last few weeks. But one thing I wish would go away are those irritating entry pop-ups.

    I just don’t get why they’re still so popular. Do they work that much better than exit pop-ups?
    I can think of one nifty reason to use an entry pop though its an idea that popped into my head reading your post rather than something I tested, or know works.

    Build a page for a product with a price tag, just like any sales page, but have an entry pop that says because (its your birthday or any other solid reason like Christmas)

    you are giving the product away if they register for an ecourse or email series, puts a new spin on the use of a bribe to build a list.

    Like I said I haven't tested or even seen it used before but it sounds a good enough idea to test at least.

    Hmmm. may have talked myself into trying that

    Or you could tell them your in the process of updating the main product and your giving away the original until the update is ready, and anyone on the list would get first crack at the updated version at a discount.
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    • Profile picture of the author SunnyDelight
      Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

      I can think of one nifty reason to use an entry pop though its an idea that popped into my head reading your post rather than something I tested, or know works.

      Build a page for a product with a price tag, just like any sales page, but have an entry pop that says because (its your birthday or any other solid reason like Christmas)

      you are giving the product away if they register for an ecourse or email series, puts a new spin on the use of a bribe to build a list.

      Like I said I haven't tested or even seen it used before but it sounds a good enough idea to test at least.

      Hmmm. may have talked myself into trying that

      Or you could tell them your in the process of updating the main product and your giving away the original until the update is ready, and anyone on the list would get first crack at the updated version at a discount.
      Hey thats a cool thought. I certainly wouldnt use entry pops on a regular basis but here and there can serve a purpose
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    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

      I can think of one nifty reason to use an entry pop though its an idea that popped into my head reading your post rather than something I tested, or know works.

      Build a page for a product with a price tag, just like any sales page, but have an entry pop that says because (its your birthday or any other solid reason like Christmas)

      you are giving the product away if they register for an ecourse or email series, puts a new spin on the use of a bribe to build a list.

      Like I said I haven't tested or even seen it used before but it sounds a good enough idea to test at least.

      Hmmm. may have talked myself into trying that

      Or you could tell them your in the process of updating the main product and your giving away the original until the update is ready, and anyone on the list would get first crack at the updated version at a discount.
      I may try that specific technique too, but with caution. It may still irritate or interrupt the sales flow. "If" I would ever try it I'll make sure it's targeted as hell, benefit dripping and over-delivers ... or forget it.

      But come on Robert, tell me what you really think, you've been around the game for awhile. What's the deal with entry pop-ups from your storied career until now? Has entry pop-ups served it's purpose.

      In my opinion, there's a new Sheriff in town.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    Build a page for a product with a price tag, just like any sales page, but have an entry pop that says because (its your birthday or any other solid reason like Christmas)

    you are giving the product away if they register for an ecourse or email series, puts a new spin on the use of a bribe to build a list.
    You don't think it would be a better idea to give them a chance to buy first? If they buy they will be on your list, so all you are talking about accomplishes is giving up the chance of a sale.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      IMO, yes entry pops work (sometimes) and yes, they are rude (most of the time). It's all about how, when, and where they're implemented. If they are inserted at logical "break" or "pause" points they are not as intrusive as when they block the natural flow of a reader's interest.

      Here's the thing . . .

      Entry pops are just another marketing "trick," strategy, or attempt (call it what you will) to push the viewer to take some action that you want. Sometimes it works, often it doesn't. Sometimes is frustrates the viewer, sometimes not.

      But what if you had a super targeted audience and you gave them nothing but super targeted and super quality information? That is what you should be striving for. That is what will have your viewers clicking on your call to action links. That is a much superior solution to being successful than trying to employ "all the tricks in the book" to get your viewers to take the prescribed actions.

      If marketers would only learn to give their prospects exactly what they want . . . employing pop-ups and other similar strategies would probably never be needed. Just my opinion.

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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
        I suspect, but don't know for sure, that entry pop-ups are a solution looking for a problem. Neil Patel is sure making a boatload of money from selling his popup service. He owns Unbounce Exchange.

        The service which offers two choices in buttons on the bottom of the popup image. The choices are always wordings like in OTO's. Stuff like, "Yes, I want to be awesome and will sign up right now" AND "No, I prefer to live in dweeb world and remain clueless."

        OK, I made those up, but some are just as strongly worded.
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    • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      You don't think it would be a better idea to give them a chance to buy first? If they buy they will be on your list, so all you are talking about accomplishes is giving up the chance of a sale.
      I'm talking about using as a specific list building strategy, maybe on a product your willing to give away for the email address.

      We all have plenty of products we could repurpose, for that end
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      • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
        I guess my main question is ...

        Does entry pop-ups justify being used instead of exit pop-ups, using the discipline (evidence) of research. Or because entry popups came first, most people just use them by habit. Plus, people copy others (or blind leading blind, so to speak) they've seen.

        Guess, hunches, speculation, even taking stabs at it makes for good conversation, anyone done or know of any test? With so many people still using entry pop-ups you would think there'd be tons.

        With something that offends or irritates our prospects this much, I'd make damn sure it's the best option - by at least testing it.
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          There are popups, and then there are popups.

          I would never use one on a sales page, for exactly the reason you mentioned.

          On a content page?

          While I haven't tested for myself, I have read reputable research that people generally don't mind a single entry pop with a subscription offer, as long as it's "polite", i.e. has a prominent close option and no chained pops, etc. Response was measured by whether people stayed on the site after closing the pop.

          The study also found that using lightbox pops, where the user could see that the original page was still there, registered fewer bounces than more traditional pops.

          I've been on sites that used both entry and exit pops without being annoying. In all cases, the pops were the "polite" kind I mentioned above. The exit pop was usually along the lines of "don't forget to grab your freebie before you leave."

          As the car people like to say, your mileage may vary.
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        • Profile picture of the author quadagon
          Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

          I guess my main question is ...

          Does entry pop-ups justify being used instead of exit pop-ups, using the discipline (evidence) of research. Or because entry popups came first, most people just use them by habit. Plus, people copy others (or blind leading blind, so to speak) they've seen.

          Guess, hunches, speculation, even taking stabs at it makes for good conversation, anyone done or know of any test? With so many people still using entry pop-ups you would think there'd be tons.

          With something that offends or irritates our prospects this much, I'd make damn sure it's the best option - by at least testing it.
          I suppose from a psychological point an entry pop may be more favourable depending on the traffic method. If its come from say ppc then you've already got a 'yes' from the visitor so while they are buying into you present the offer. If I was to do this I'd want the pop headline to mirror the ppc as.

          On the flip side an exit pop is really an objection handle as they are presenting you with a 'no' (assuming you are using a good exit pop and they are not just moving the mouse up).

          I've honestly not tested any as I run a different funnel.
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  • Profile picture of the author M3C
    I'm still yet to be annoyed by an entry popup that was:

    a) Sized appropriately.
    b) Had a congruentbenefit to the content I'm viewing.
    c) Had an very easy visible "close and don't show again" option.
    d) Didn't in anyway obstruct my ability to close it down on desktop or mobile.

    We build a list , a significant one this way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marie88
    Entry pop ups work for me. More sign ups to my list this way.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
      Originally Posted by Marie88 View Post

      Entry pop ups work for me. More sign ups to my list this way.
      More sign-ups than exit pop-ups?

      Originally Posted by VideosByIvy View Post

      I did a split testing with aweber, and pop ups (lightbox) pulled in almost double the optins.
      Interesting. Did you use entry or exit pop-ups? And did you test entry against exit by any chance?
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  • Profile picture of the author VideosByIvy
    I did a split testing with aweber, and pop ups (lightbox) pulled in almost double the optins.
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  • Profile picture of the author smoor2012
    The Niche Man, I agree completely. I have never liked pop ups.

    The information that is in a pop up should be in a static banner on the side of the page. I like to keep reading the content I am focused on, and I can still see the sign up form or whatever other information on the side of the page.

    Pop ups are a silly distraction to me. I want to keep getting my head wrapped around the content I am reading.

    I agree with you completely.
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  • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
    Old school popups and popunders work(ed), but those are difficult to implement today because of built-in popup blockers turned on by default and of course they don't work on mobile at all. But back in the day those may have accounted for 10-20% or more of your income. Especially if you did multiple pops. Remember visiting sites 15 years ago and your entire toolbar filled with popups? lol

    The new popups that just overlay something don't have the same effect because they serve no function other than being an ad barrier. But anytime you put a big ad in front of someone that is relevant to them, it'll make some extra money. Whether it's appropriate to do that depends on the site. If the ad really deviates away from the expected behavior of the site, that better be a really good ad. If it's a retail style site and they expect ads, there's not much harm in doing it.

    I show more restraint on mobile than I do desktop. Closing those overlay popups on mobile can be difficult. You've got to position your finger just a certain way to hit the X and it's just annoying.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I think the hover ad "pop-ups" for an email subscribe works great for blogs. Especially the ones that cover almost the whole screen. .A great one i've seen is from Wordstream. These entry pop-ups exist for a reason... they work. In some cases it doesn't make sense to use them, but in others, it makes all the difference in response.
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