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eCommerce

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Dec 29, 2024

How to add a custom Popup in Shopify in 4 different ways

person working on laptop -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify
person working on laptop -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify
person working on laptop -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

Instant Team

How to add a custom Popup in Shopify in 4 different ways

You're browsing an online store, and a perfectly timed popup offers a discount on the exact item you've been eyeing. These little windows are the unsung heroes of e-commerce, nudging customers to take that extra step. But how do you get them just right? If you're wondering how to add a pop up on Shopify and make it your own you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know so you can easily learn how to add custom popup in Shopify, enhancing your store’s user experience and boosting conversions.

If you're looking for a straightforward way to achieve this, Instant's Shopify product page builder is your new best friend. This tool simplifies the process, ensuring you can create eye-catching, effective popups without a hitch.

Table of Content

Why add custom popups to your Shopify store?

person working -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

Shopify pop-ups are promotional overlays used on storefronts to engage visitors and prompt specific actions. These dynamic elements can showcase new products, offer discounts, or present crucial information. Pop-ups significantly boost customer engagement, sales, and performance when implemented strategically.

Why pop-ups matter for Shopify owners

Shopify pop-ups are essential for store owners looking to improve website experience and conversion rates. These overlays capture:

  • Visitor attention

  • Build email lists

  • Drive conversions

They create a more engaging, informative shopping experience by highlighting special offers and providing key information.

The average pop-up conversion rate is 11.09%. But you can get even more if you know how to implement this tool correctly.

By strategically leveraging these pop-ups, store owners can create a more engaging, informative, and conversion-oriented shopping experience, solidifying their brand presence and competitiveness in the highly competitive eCommerce landscape.

What popups are popular on Shopify websites?

person typing on laptop -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

Exit intent popups are your last chance to keep potential customers on your site before they leave. They're triggered when someone moves the cursor towards the browser's exit button. 

You might persuade them to stay longer by offering a discount or free shipping. These popups reduce cart abandonment and boost engagement. It’s all about catching them before they’re gone.

Making a grand entrance with welcome mat popups

Welcome mat popups greet your visitors with an irresistible offer or important message right when they arrive on your site. These full-screen takeovers are designed to captivate attention Instantly. They can highlight a new collection or offer a special discount for first-time visitors. It’s the perfect way to make a killer first impression.

Building a community with email sign-up popups

Email sign-up popups are golden for building your mailing list. Visitors are encouraged to share their email addresses in exchange for something of value, like a discount or exclusive content. This strategy is a no-brainer for fostering community and boosting customer loyalty. Plus, if someone gives you their email, they're interested in what you offer.

Creating urgency with countdown popups

Countdown popups are all about urgency. A ticking clock in the corner of your screen creates immediate pressure. These are great for promoting limited-time offers or sales. If you’ve got a flash sale or a special event, a countdown timer can give shoppers that little push they need to act fast.

Increasing sales with upsell popups

Upsell popups can significantly increase your Average Order Value (AOV). When a customer adds an item to their cart, this popup suggests a related or higher-value product. It’s a gentle nudge to spend more. By offering something relevant and valuable, you enhance the shopping experience while boosting your bottom line.

Building trust with social proof popups

Social proof popups showcase customer reviews and testimonials. This builds trust by showing potential buyers that others love your products. 

Authenticity is key here. User-generated photos or videos can be particularly powerful. They show real people using your products, making it easier for others to imagine doing the same.

Getting feedback with popups

Feedback popups are a direct line of communication with your customers. They can help you understand what people like, what they don’t like, and what they want more of. This information is invaluable for improving user experience and refining your offerings. Plus, customers appreciate knowing their opinions matter.

Recovering lost sales with cart abandonment popups

Cart abandonment popups remind shoppers of the items they left behind. These often include an incentive, like a discount, to encourage them to complete their purchase. They’re a vital tool for recovering lost sales and improving conversion rates.

Boost conversions with Instant's drag-and-drop interface

With Instant, you can create stunning, customized pages without any coding knowledge. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface lets you design high-converting pages quickly and easily. Instant also integrates seamlessly with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing your online store's performance and increasing conversions.

Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today! 

How to add a custom popup in Shopify in 4 different ways

person working -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

1. Built-in Shopify Form Builder: A Free and Flexible Option

Shopify’s built-in form builder lets you create simple popups in your store’s code. 

Here’s how to do it:

  • Navigate to your Shopify admin, go to Online Store, select Themes, and click on Edit code.

  • Find the index.liquid file and insert your popup code within the `<body>` tag.

  • Customize your popup with HTML elements and style it using CSS.

  • Create a JavaScript file to control when and how your popup appears.


Pros: This free method offers full control over your popup’s design and behavior. Cons: You’ll need some coding skills, and it might lack the advanced features found in dedicated apps.

2. Coding a Custom Popup: Tailor-Made for Advanced Users

If you’re comfortable with code, you can create a custom popup by editing your theme’s files. 

Here’s a brief outline:

  • In the Shopify admin, go to Sales Channels, select Online Store, and click on Themes.

  • Choose Edit code from the options menu.

  • Name a new snippet, and paste your popup code into it. Save your changes.


This method is best if you want a highly customized popup, but it may require help from a Shopify Expert or developer.

3. Third-party Popup Apps: A Seamless Integration

Third-party apps are the simplest way to add a popup to your Shopify store. 

Here’s how to get started:

  • Head to the Shopify App Store and find a popup app that fits your needs.

  • Review the privacy and permission details, then install the app.

  • Set up your popup by choosing its design, display rules, and content.

  • Preview and publish your changes.


This method requires minimal effort and offers many templates and features.

4. Instant Shopify Page Builder: A Versatile Solution

Instant is a top-rated Shopify product page builder that allows you to add and customize popups on your store easily. 

Here’s how to use it:

  • Install Instant from the Shopify App Store.

  • Access the dashboard and click “Create new page” to open the editor.

  • Drag and drop the “Popup” element onto your page.

  • Customize your popup’s settings and style to your liking.


Instant’s intuitive editor makes creating and managing popups easy without any coding experience.

8 Pop up design best practices to boost its effectiveness

person typing -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

1. Prioritize user experience from start to finish

In popup design, the user experience is paramount. As you craft your strategy, think about the user’s journey on your site from arrival to exit. 

How can you engage them without annoying or driving them away? 

Tailor your messages to the user’s behavior, presenting offers they’ll find intriguing. Timing is essential to avoid overwhelming visitors and segment users by awareness, location, or traffic source to customize popups more effectively.

2. Master the timing and frequency balance

No one likes to be bombarded with popups when they land on a page. It’s a sure way to lose visitors. That’s why timing and frequency are crucial. Aim for a popup to appear between three and 30 seconds after visitors arrive. 

Use site metrics to fine-tune this. Target the average time spent on a page experiment with behavioral triggers, like showing messages when users click a link or prepare to exit. The goal is to enhance the visitor’s journey, not disrupt it.

3. Craft compelling copy and clear CTAs

Timing is critical, but your popup needs engaging copy, a clear call to action (CTA), and captivating images. Keep the messaging concise and direct, using language that resonates with your ideal customer. 

A strong CTA should be clear and actionable. Use powerful verbs like “Buy” or “Learn” to make the offer irresistible. Don’t neglect imagery; choose photos that are eye-catching and consistent with the brand.

4. Keep design consistent and minimal

Design is key in popup effectiveness. Avoid loud, gimmicky visuals that may deter users. Popups should blend seamlessly with the rest of the website to offer a cohesive experience. 

Minimalism is often best, with calming colors and clean layouts that foster trust. The best popup builders offer extensive customization to integrate your branding effectively.

5. Prioritize mobile responsiveness

Don’t ignore mobile design. Popups should be just as clear on mobile devices as on desktops. Recognize that mobile browsing differs vastly from desktop, necessitating different formats. 

Make popups taller and narrower, with easy-to-navigate form fields and buttons. Simplify the copy to suit mobile screens.

6. Personalize your popups for better engagement

Personalization is crucial; 65% of customers expect tailored offers. Use personalization to improve relationships by addressing users by name or offering personalized recommendations. A warm greeting to returning visitors like “Happy to see you again” can enhance their experience and boost conversions.

7. Keep popups concise and direct

Visitors don’t have time for lengthy, confusing messages. Your popup’s purpose should be clear within seconds. Avoid long paragraphs or excessive information. Stick to the essentials, using visuals to convey the popup’s intent better.

8. Optimize with A/B testing

A/B testing isn’t a waste of time; it’s essential to determine what resonates with your audience. Launch two versions of your popup and track conversion rates. Sometimes, a minor tweak to timing, text, or visuals makes a big difference.

7 best apps for creating custom Shopify pop up

woman working -  How to Add Custom Popup in Shopify

1. Instant: The game-changer for Shopify pages

Instant is a game-changer that allows you to create Shopify pop-ups without coding skills. With Instant, you can create stunning, customized pages without any coding knowledge. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface lets you design high-converting pages quickly and easily. Instant also integrates seamlessly with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing your online store's performance and increasing conversions.

Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today! 

2. Rivo Popups: Perfect for beginners

If you’re starting with Shopify pop-up apps, Rivo Popups is your friend. It’s straightforward, focusing mainly on email capture popups, making it less overwhelming for newcomers. With a user-friendly editor, crafting campaigns is a breeze. The app supports automatic and manual discount codes to boost email collection efforts.

Key features

  • Exit-intent email popup

  • Auto-generated discount codes

  • Sticky coupon bars

  • Basic display rules

Best for: Shopify entrepreneurs aiming to build their email list.

Pricing: Free to install and use.

3. Poptin Popups: Small and midsize store solution

Crafting both basic and advanced campaigns is a breeze with Poptin. Its standout feature is the chat widget, which provides customer support to store visitors. This app is ideal for small to mid-sized Shopify stores looking for a bit more than just popups.

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop builder

  • SEO-friendly popups

  • Campaign reporting

  • Exit-intent targeting

  • A/B testing

Best for: Small and mid-sized Shopify stores.

Pricing: Free for 1,000 monthly visitors. Paid plans start at $25/month.

4. Privy: More than just popups

Privy isn’t just about popups; it’s a full-fledged marketing suite. It's perfect for those who want to collect email and SMS subscribers. The app comes with various popup types and numerous targeting features to help you reach the right audience.

Key features

  • Multiple popup types

  • Exit-intent tech

  • Email/SMS collection

  • Analytics dashboard

  • Advanced targeting

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses needing marketing add-ons.

Pricing: Free until 100 email subscribers. Plans start at $45/month.

5. Optimonk: Advanced Shopify popup builder

With over 300 premade templates, Optimonk caters to various campaign needs, from welcome emails to post-purchase surveys. It’s perfect for stores that need advanced popup functionalities.

Key features

  • 300+ templates

  • Auto-generated codes

  • Visitor targeting

  • Shopping quiz popup

  • Campaign analytics

Best for: Stores needing advanced popup capabilities.

Pricing: Free for 15,000 pageviews. Paid plans start at $39/month.

6. Seguno popups: Simplicity at its best

Seguno is designed for small businesses looking to make announcements, capture emails, and direct traffic. It’s simple yet effective, integrated right into the Shopify dashboard for ease of use.

Key features

  • Shopify dash integration

  • Common eCommerce templates

  • Display rules, campaign reporting

  • Email/SMS integration

Best for: New and small Shopify businesses.

Pricing: Free for one campaign. $10 for every 10,000 views.

7. Sales notification popup: Building social proof

This app uses notifications to create social proof, encouraging more sales. It’s different from traditional popups, using real-time notifications that appear discreetly at the bottom of the screen.

Key features

  • Real-time notifications

  • Custom positions

  • UTM tracking

  • Google Analytics integration

Best for: Small stores looking to boost sales with social trust.

Pricing: Free for sales popups. $6.99/month for additional notifications.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

Creating popups on Shopify can transform your online store into a conversion machine. Popups are delightful little boxes that grab your visitor's attention on-screen. They can deliver special offers, collect email addresses, or announce sales. Have you ever thought about adding a custom popup to Shopify? 

You can easily integrate apps like Instant to build them without breaking a sweat. No coding skills are needed. Instant’s drag-and-drop interface lets you design popups that look great and work even better. Imagine crafting a high-converting popup that seamlessly blends with your store's design. With Instant, that’s just a couple of clicks away.

Why Popups Matter for Your Shopify Store

Popups often get a bad rap, but they’re crucial in converting visitors into customers. A well-timed popup can nudge a hesitant shopper toward checkout or capture a lead before they bounce. 

Have you ever left a website because a popup was too intrusive? Of course, you have. But when done right, popups can be a gentle reminder of a discount you’d hate to miss. Instant’s seamless integration with Shopify ensures your popups complement rather than clash with your site. This enhances the user experience and keeps visitors’ eyes focused on what matters most: your products.

Instant: The Game-Changer for Shopify Teams

Instant is a game-changer for eCommerce teams and agencies. It’s a Shopify product page builder that empowers you to quickly create beautiful, high-performing pages. No more wrestling with code or relying on developers. Just drag, drop, and watch the magic happen. 

Whether you’re designing a landing page, blog post, or product page, Instant gives you full control over your store’s design. 

And the best part? 

Instant integrates seamlessly with Figma and other eCommerce tools. So you can keep your workflow smooth and efficient.

Boost Conversions with Instant’s Customizable Popups

Instant’s customizable popups can work wonders for your Shopify store. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can create popups that match your brand and engage your audience. 

  • Need to capture more leads? Instant popups can do that. 

  • Want to boost sales with a limited-time offer? Instant popups can do that, too. 

And because Instant integrates with other eCommerce tools, you can track and optimize your popups for maximum impact. 

So what are you waiting for? Give Instant a try and see how it can transform your Shopify store.

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