How to Create Popups in WordPress: Using OptinMonster and Elementor Popups
Popups are a powerful tool to capture your visitors’ attention and grow your email list, promote offers, or drive engagement. WordPress makes it easy to create popups with tools like OptinMonster and Elementor Popups. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up popups using these tools.
1. Creating Popups with OptinMonster
OptinMonster is one of the most popular lead generation tools for creating effective popups. It offers advanced targeting options, A/B testing, and a drag-and-drop builder to customize your popups.
Step 1: Sign Up for OptinMonster
- Visit OptinMonster and sign up for an account. You can start with a free trial or choose a paid plan depending on your needs.
- After signing up, you’ll be able to integrate OptinMonster with your WordPress site.
Step 2: Install the OptinMonster Plugin on WordPress
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for OptinMonster and click Install Now. After installation, click Activate.
Step 3: Connect OptinMonster to WordPress
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to OptinMonster and click on Connect Your Account.
- Log in to your OptinMonster account, and your website will be connected.
Step 4: Create a New Popup
- Once connected, go to the OptinMonster dashboard in WordPress and click Create New Campaign.
- Choose Popup as the campaign type. You’ll be taken to the OptinMonster builder.
- Select a template for your popup. OptinMonster offers various templates like exit-intent popups, slide-ins, full-screen popups, and more.
Step 5: Customize Your Popup
- Use the drag-and-drop builder to add text, images, buttons, forms, and more to your popup.
- Customize the design, colors, and fonts to match your website’s branding.
- In the Display Rules section, you can set conditions for when and where the popup should appear (e.g., when a visitor is about to leave the page, after a set time, etc.).
Step 6: Publish and Display the Popup
- Once your popup is ready, click Publish.
- Your popup will be live on your WordPress site based on the settings you’ve configured.
Step 7: Monitor Performance
- OptinMonster provides analytics to track the performance of your popups. You can monitor conversions, views, and engagement to optimize your popups for better results.
2. Creating Popups with Elementor
Elementor is a popular page builder plugin for WordPress that includes a powerful popup builder. It’s ideal for users who want more control over the design and layout of their popups while using the familiar Elementor interface.
Step 1: Install Elementor Pro
- While the free version of Elementor is powerful, you need Elementor Pro to access the popup builder.
- Visit Elementor’s website to purchase and download Elementor Pro.
- Install and activate Elementor Pro on your WordPress site.
Step 2: Create a New Popup
- After activating Elementor Pro, go to Templates > Popups from your WordPress dashboard.
- Click Add New to create a new popup.
- Choose a Popup template from the library, or start from scratch by selecting a blank template.
Step 3: Customize Your Popup
- Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to add any element you want to your popup (e.g., text, images, videos, buttons, forms).
- You can also add dynamic content like product recommendations (if using WooCommerce) or personalized offers.
- Style your popup by adjusting typography, colors, borders, and spacing to match your website’s design.
Step 4: Set Display Conditions
- Click on the Publish button to configure when and where you want your popup to appear.
- Under Conditions, select where you want the popup to appear (e.g., on all pages, specific pages, posts, or categories).
- Under Triggers, choose when the popup should show up. Options include:
- On Page Load (e.g., after a few seconds)
- On Scroll (e.g., after a certain scroll percentage)
- On Click (when a user clicks a specific element)
- Exit Intent (when a user is about to leave the page)
Step 5: Add Advanced Rules
- Elementor also allows you to set Advanced Rules for more specific targeting, such as showing the popup only once to a user or displaying it on certain devices (mobile or desktop).
Step 6: Publish the Popup
- Once you’re satisfied with your design and settings, click Publish to activate your popup.
- The popup will now appear based on the display conditions you’ve set.
Step 7: Monitor and Optimize
- Elementor doesn’t provide built-in analytics for popups. However, you can integrate it with Google Analytics or use third-party plugins to track the performance of your popups.
Best Practices for Popups
Regardless of the tool you use, here are some best practices to maximize the effectiveness of your popups:
- Don’t Overwhelm Users: Avoid showing popups too frequently. Use targeting options like exit intent or time delays to prevent annoying your visitors.
- Offer Value: Provide something valuable, like a discount, ebook, or exclusive content, to encourage users to take action.
- Make It Easy to Close: Ensure your popups have a clear “close” button, and they’re not intrusive.
- Test and Optimize: Use A/B testing to compare different popup designs, copy, and targeting strategies.
Conclusion
Both OptinMonster and Elementor Popups are excellent tools for creating effective popups in WordPress. OptinMonster offers advanced targeting and analytics, making it ideal for lead generation campaigns, while Elementor provides more design flexibility for users who are comfortable with its page builder. By choosing the right tool for your needs, you can easily boost conversions and engage your audience through well-crafted popups.
