How to Get More Email Newsletter Subscribers Without Disturbing Online Shoppers with Popups

Are website popups annoying? Most people say yes.I personally love popups...only when they're done right.What do I mean by done right?A popup that targets the right audience, at the right time with the right offer, is a popup that is done right.  It will deliver positive results.Even if you hate them, opt-in popups do work and you should consider using them for your online store so you can acquire new subscribers.In case you're one of those people who still believes popups are annoying or you actually hate them, you're in luck.  I decided to share with you an alternative solution to help build your email newsletter list.Instead of using these so-called "annoying" popups to acquire subscribers, start using what I call an "Opt-in Floating Bar".

Ditch the Popup and Start Using an Opt-in Floating Bar

Keep in mind that some people might refer to it as:

• Floating Bar
• Opt-in Bar
• Smart Bar
• Bottom Bar
• HelloBar

What's good about an Opt-in Floating Bar is that it does not interfere or disturb the online shopper's browsing experience since it's not blocking them from doing what they came to do on your website.  The bar attaches itself to the top or bottom of the browser and scrolls along with them.In this article, I want to share some tips on how you can make the most out of this type of opt-in tactic without affecting sales in negatively.

1. Display Opt-in Floating Bars On Specific Pages

Don't make the mistake of overwhelming website visitors with floating bars.  The last thing you want is create distractions that will affect overall conversions.  Instead, target specific pages where you would want to trigger the opt-in bars.

For example, let's say you sell sunglasses for men.  When a visitor browses multiple pages within a specific sunglasses category such as sports sunglasses, you may want to display an opt-in floating bar promoting a buying guide to help them find the perfect pair.

2. Display Opt-in Floating Bars Targeting Traffic Sources

Another tactic I recommend you implement is to target visitors that come from specific digital channels.  Those sources can be: Organic from search engines such as Google, Google Adwords campaigns, Facebook, email etc.

For example, you may want to promote a coupon offer on product pages targeting website visitors that come from Google Shopping campaigns.

3. Display Opt-in Floating Bars Targeting Shopper Behaviors

Let's say someone added items to their cart and continue shopping.  You may want to target them with an opt-in offer so that in case they decide to abandon their cart, you have an email address.  You can then send them a shopping cart abandonment email reminder.

4. Display Opt-in Floating Bars on Top or Bottom

Every online store is different.  You will need to test having a floating bar being displayed within the top or bottom of your website.  Observe the way they interact with them and keep tweaking.

5. Display Opt-in Floating Bars Targeting Devices (Desktop, Tablets, Smartphones)

Shoppers behave differently from one device to another.  Consider triggering floating bars targeting specific devices.  For example, people using smartphones might react differently to a coupon offer vs desktop shoppers.  Some devices have smaller screens.  It would make sense to disable floating from being display on those devices.

6. Display Opt-in Floating Bars Targeting Specific Types of Users

Finally, the last tip is to target different types of users.  For example, you may target shoppers by location (i.e. Country) or New vs Return shoppers.

Remember to target the right audience, at the right time with the right offer.  That is key.

Disadvantages of Opt-in Floating Bars

Keep in mind that if you choose to display a floating bar on your website, carefully evaluate how it might impact other website features and functionalities.For example, if you offer a live chat option that is displayed in the bottom of the browser, you might need to disable it on pages where you plan on displaying a floating so that they do not overlap.Remember to test floating bars on mobile devices including tablets.

Software to Help Launch a Opt-in Floating Bar for Your Online Store

Here's a list of tools to help you get started with your own Opt-in Floating Bar.  All of them are easy to implement.  If you use Shopify for your online store, I've added links to their apps within the Shopify App Store.

• Floating Bar by OptinMonster
• Smart Bar by Sumo.com (Sumo Shopify)
• Bottom Bar by GetSiteControl
• HelloBar by HelloBar.com

Happy selling!