# Create popups

> Build a website popup with the drag-and-drop builder to capture signups at the right moment.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/contacts-audiences/create-popups
Updated: 2026-06-10

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:::info
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](/knowledgebase/getting-started/how-to-create-a-support-ticket-in-mykualo) 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

1. Go to **Audience Building**, then **Popups**.
2. Click the **+** in the top right to start from a template.
3. Click **Edit page** to open the designer.
4. Turn on **Smart branding** (top right) to apply your brand colours - visible in preview, not the editor.
5. Drag content blocks onto the popup and remove what you don't need.
6. Edit each block in the properties panel.

:::tip
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](/knowledgebase/getting-started/how-to-create-a-support-ticket-in-mykualo).

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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/contacts-audiences/create-popups · © Kualo Ltd._