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Create popups
Build a website popup with the drag-and-drop builder to capture signups at the right moment.
Popups are available on selected plans. If you don't see the Popups option, it may not be included on your current plan - get in touch and we'll let you know your options.
A popup appears on your website at a chosen moment to capture a visitor's attention - a newsletter signup, an offer, an exit-intent message. Used thoughtfully, they're one of the most effective ways to grow your list. This guide covers building one with the drag-and-drop builder.
Create a popup
- Go to Audience Building, then Popups.
- Click the + in the top right to start from a template.
- Click Edit page to open the designer.
- Turn on Smart branding (top right) to apply your brand colours - visible in preview, not the editor.
- Drag content blocks onto the popup and remove what you don't need.
- Edit each block in the properties panel.
Keep it focused on a single action. A popup with one clear call to action converts far better than a busy one.
Design it
Build with text, images, buttons, forms, social blocks and dividers, and style the background, size, position, border, shadow and close button to suit. Switch to mobile design mode with the mobile icon in the toolbar to adjust how it looks on phones - many visitors will see it there.
Add a form
Click the form to configure its fields. Keep them minimal - Email is essential; add a Permission checkbox for consent, and on selected plans offer interests or apply tags. Each field can be required or optional, with placeholder text, default values and validation.
Popup settings
- Position - where it appears.
- Trigger - this is the important one: set the frequency and the conditions under which it shows, so you catch interest without nagging.
- Background - whether to dim the page behind it.
- Embed snippet - the code to add it to your site (a static HTML option exists for developers).
And for the form itself: which Audience (list) the data goes to, double opt-in (recommended), redirections, and reCAPTCHA.
Test before you publish
Subscribe through it yourself and confirm the whole flow works.
Best practices
- Offer value - a discount, a resource, exclusive content - in exchange for the email.
- Don't show it instantly - give visitors a moment, and cap how often repeat visitors see it.
- Use exit-intent to catch people as they leave.
- Always provide an easy close, and test different headlines and offers.
Troubleshooting
It doesn't display - check the embed code is in place and JavaScript is enabled, look for script conflicts, and test in an incognito window with the display conditions in mind.
Design issues - confirm images load and the background is set, and check for CSS conflicts with your theme.
The form won't submit - make sure it's linked to an active list, required fields are marked, and validation is right.
Mobile rendering problems - test on real devices, not just a resized browser, and check the mobile design settings.
If a popup misbehaves once live, open a support ticket.