How to Setup Pop-Ups & Banners

Launching a website is only step one — turning visitors into leads or buyers is where the real game begins. And when done right, pop-ups and banners are one of the highest-converting website tools in your arsenal.

But most startups get them wrong. They annoy users, get blocked by browsers, or simply don’t convert.

When they are done right, they’re strategic, targeted, and one of the fastest ways to turn traffic into leads.

A Melbourne skincare brand had great products, decent traffic, and zero email growth.

Why? No one was being asked to sign up.

They added a single, well-timed pop-up offering 10% off — and within 30 days, they grew their list by 1,200+ subscribers and doubled their launch sales.

They don’t need to be loud. They need to be strategic.

Let me show you how to setup pop-ups and banners that actually convert — step by step.

Done right, a banner can turn a leaky website into a high-converting sales engine.

What are Pop-Ups and Banners?

A pop-up is a temporary message that appears on a webpage, usually triggered by user behaviour. A banner is a persistent, embedded strip on the page (typically top or bottom) that loads with the content, stays visible without blocking interaction, and is used for ongoing notices or promos until dismissed or scrolled past.

They can:

• Collect email subscribers

• Promote sales or offers

• Guide users to new content or downloads

• Reduce cart abandonment

Here’s what this includes:

• Welcome banners

• Exit-intent pop-ups

• Scroll-triggered pop-ups

• Time-delayed newsletter offers

Each of these can be powerful — but only when timed, targeted, and designed with the user in mind.

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Why It Matters (And How It Impacts Growth)

Most founders underestimate the revenue impact of a simple banner. But the difference between no popup and the right popup can be thousands in lost conversions.

Builds Your Email List Fast

A well-timed popup can 3x your email opt-ins. We’ve helped startups grow from 50 to 500+ monthly subscribers using a single form connected to a lead magnet.

Saves Lost Revenue

Exit pop-ups reduce cart abandonment by offering discounts or support. They’ve saved thousands in would-be lost sales for ecommerce founders.

Moves Traffic Where You Want It

Have a webinar? New product? Free trial? Pop-ups can redirect attention — fast.

Increases Conversions on Existing Traffic

You don’t need more traffic — you need to convert more of what you have. Pop-ups help you make the most of every visitor.

Real-World Example

One Aussie subscription box brand added an exit-intent popup offering 10% off for email sign-up. In 60 days, conversions rose 28% and their list doubled.

We helped them:

• Design the copy + CTA

• Choose placement tools (ConvertBox)

• Set logic triggers based on behaviour

They implemented in 2 hours — results showed up within days.

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What You’ll Need Before You Setup Pop-ups and Banners

Before you dive in, gather these:

• Your lead magnet or offer (e.g. discount, guide, checklist)

  
  

• Email platform (MailerLite, ConvertKit, etc.)

  
  

• Clear audience segmentation (if available)

  
  

• Brand voice + tone guide

  
  

• Site access (for code or plugin install)

  
  

• Well planned customer journey

Having these ready upfront will save you hours later and reduce mistakes.

How to Set Up Pop-Up Banners:

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Pop-Up Type

Define the goal first.

• Want subscribers? Use a time-delayed or scroll popup

• Saving sales? Use exit intent

• Launching? Use a homepage banner

Mentor Tip: 

Don’t overwhelm. One popup per journey.

Step 2: Pick Your Pop-Up Tool

Use tools that let you customise, target, and integrate your pop-ups with your email platform.

These are beginner-friendly and powerful:

• ConvertBox – Advanced targeting + integrations (great for scaling)

• Sumo – Free and easy for basic banners

• MailerLite – Built-in pop-up forms (connects directly to email list)

• Wix App Marketplace – Add pop-up tools like Privy, POWR, or Lightbox Pop-Ups with simple drag-and-drop setup

These offer behaviour-based triggers, styling, mobile responsiveness, and A/B testing.

Mentor Tip: 

If you’re using Wix, start with a free app like POWR to test your first banner — then upgrade as you grow.

Test tools with free trials before committing.

Step 3: Design for Conversion

Use strong headlines and short copy. Make the CTA button the focus.

Include:

• A headline that solves a problem

• 1-sentence value explanation

• 1 action button (“Get the Guide”)

Warning: Avoid “X” overload — if users get bombarded, they bounce.

Step 4: Set Trigger Logic

Trigger based on:

• Time on page

• Scroll depth

• Exit intent

• Page URL

Only show when it adds value.

Mentor Tip: 

Delay popups 8–15 seconds. Let people engage first.

Step 5: Connect to Your Email Tool

Send every opt-in directly into your email platform so you can follow up, nurture, and convert subscribers into customers.

Most-used tools:

• ConvertKit – Trigger automated sequences instantly

• MailerLite – Add to groups or segments and start onboarding

• Mailchimp – Assign to specific audiences and launch welcome emails

• Wix Email Marketing – Built-in tool to collect, tag, and email subscribers directly — no integrations needed

Wix makes email setup simple. You can use built-in forms to collect contacts and trigger automations — or connect tools like Mailchimp and ConvertKit with a few clicks. It’s one of the reasons we recommend Wix to founders who want less tech, more traction.

Mentor Tip: 

Always send a welcome email within 5 minutes — it can boost engagement by 80% and sets the tone for future conversions.

Step 6: Test and Tweak

Use A/B testing to trial different:

• Headlines

• Button copy

• Offers

Optimise weekly for best performance.

Keep it simple to start. Test and record results over a week and make adjustments based on results.

Make sure you include a dismiss 'x' button so customers can close your pop-up.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

1) Doing It Yourself

• Time: 3–6 hours setup

• Cost: Free to $29/month (Sumo, ConvertBox basic)

2) Hiring a Specialist

Option	Cost Range
Freelancer	$300 – $1,500/project
Consultant	$150 – $350/hour

Benefits of Hiring:

• Faster setup

• Expert conversion copywriting

• Advanced analytics + segmentation

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Common Mistakes Founders Make

Pop-ups with no clear value

Users need a reason. “Join our list” isn’t enough.

Poor mobile experience

If it doesn’t scale to phone screens — you lose half your users.

Triggering too soon or too often

Let people breathe. Don’t be clingy.

Not connecting to email properly

You collect emails... and then what? Automate follow-up.

Ignoring performance data

What you don’t track, you can’t improve.

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What to Do Right Now

✅ Want expert help? Book with Noize — Get your banners planned, designed, and launched fast — with zero guesswork. [Noize.com.au]

✅ Build your full marketing strategy with the Startup Deck — Includes templates, strategies and funnel builders to plan for real growth. [StartupDeck.com]

COMING in 2026...

✅ Download: "Pop-Up & Banner Checklist" — Your quick-start guide to setting up your first high-converting popup in 60 minutes or less. [ProDesk.com]

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The Bottom Line

Pop-ups and banners done right can turn a leaky website into a high-converting sales engine.

They don’t need to be loud. They need to be strategic.

They don’t need to be loud. They need to be strategic.

FAQs

How many pop-ups is too many?

Stick to one per goal or journey. Avoid layering multiple in the same session.

Do pop-ups hurt SEO?

No, as long as they’re not intrusive or blocking key content (Google hates that).

Can I use pop-ups on mobile?

Yes — but use slide-ins or sticky bars. Full-screen mobile pop-ups get penalised.

What platform works best?

ConvertBox is the most versatile. But MailerLite and Sumo are great for early-stage.

Should I A/B test pop-ups?

Absolutely. Even small tweaks can 2x your opt-ins.