How the Top Shopify Stores Use Popups (Shopify Popup Best Practices)

Barbara Bartucz
August 20, 2025
Conversion
6 min read

Want to know what kind of popups the big Shopify brands are relying on? We’ve gone through the top 1,000 Shopify stores, analyzing them from top to bottom.

In this article, our focus is on how the top Shopify stores are using popups to boost conversions and enhance user experience.

We’ll go over:

19 Shopify popup examples that stand out
Why they work and what makes them effective
The best practices these stores follow to maximize their impact

Let’s dive in and see how you can apply these strategies to your own store!

How top Shopify stores use popups: 14 best practices

Check out these 19 standout Shopify stores and how they’re using popup best practices to their advantage:

1. Keep popups simple and make it easy to opt in

Stanley’s discount popup offers a straightforward deal: 20% off for signing up for their newsletter.

The popup includes a product image, making the offer more enticing, and it only asks for an email address, which makes the opt-in process seamless.

This simplicity encourages users to sign up without feeling overwhelmed.

Khy’s minimalist popup, which features just a single email field, is another perfect example of how simplicity can lead to higher conversion rates.

Read our take in Khy’s marketing breakdown.

2. Segment visitors right from the start

Customizing popups based on the visitor’s preferences to show the most relevant offer or product increases engagement and boosts conversion rates in the long run.

For instance, FashionNova’s popup segments visitors by their shopping preferences (women’s, men’s, curve, kids, or beauty), creating a more personalized experience right off the bat.

Alo Yoga enhances its popup strategy by segmenting visitors directly on the homepage.

Shoppers are immediately asked whether they’re browsing for men’s or women’s products, which is a simple and effective way to gather zero-party data that users willingly provide.

They’re then presented with a choice: claim a 15% discount or click “No, I’ll Pay Full Price”—though let’s be honest, who actually wants to do that?

This lighthearted tone and smart segmentation boost user interaction and engagement.

Want to try it for yourself? These popup templates make it easy to implement the same approach:

3. Use yes/no popups to reduce friction

Yes/no popups are a great way to reduce friction and increase conversions. These popups give visitors a simple choice, which makes them feel more in control of the interaction.

The “Yes” option is a clear call-to-action (CTA), and the “No” option helps you understand user intent.

Anastasia Beverly Hills offers a 15% discount, allowing users to opt in by clicking the “Yes, please” button.

Meanwhile, Cocolab offers an exclusive deal to engage visitors.

Tip: Track “yes/no” responses for insights. A “yes” indicates interest, while a “no” reveals preferences, helping refine your strategy.

Cut down on friction and boost conversions with these ready-to-go templates!

4. Offer high-value giveaways

High-value prizes, like gift cards or exclusive products, can catch visitors’ attention and encourage them to opt in.

This $100 gift card giveaway from Kosas is a prime example of how to use a valuable incentive to increase sign-ups and engagement.

Arhaus uses a popup that invites visitors to enter for a chance to win a $1,500 gift card. This is another excellent example of using a high-value giveaway to grab attention and generate interest.

Love gift cards? It’s time to incorporate them into your strategy!

5. Make your copy count

McCormick’s popup grabs attention with its bold, brand-aligned colors and catchy copy: “Sign-up for more flavor.”

A strong headline or hook helps users instantly understand what’s in it for them, increasing the chance they’ll take action. Using color and copy to reflect the brand’s fun and flavorful personality is a great way to ensure it’s not overlooked.

OPI also nails this perfectly (pun intended) with their playful “You’ve Got Nail” popup.

It’s a clever twist on a familiar phrase that instantly feels fun, on-brand, and engaging, making the interaction feel more like a conversation than a sales pitch.

Want to make your popups pop?

Elevate your copywriting skills with our article on how to stand out!

6. Use exit-intent popups

Exit-intent popups are a powerful tool designed to capture contact info from visitors who are about to leave your site, allowing you to engage them before they go.

For example, Carparts.com uses an exit-intent popup offering a 10% discount and deal alerts when visitors spend $200 or more.

These popups can ask for important information, like:

Visitor’s name
Email address
Phone number

This provides you with the data you need to retarget them via SMS or email later with personalized offers, like product recommendations and reminders.

Tip: To make the most of exit-intent popups, personalize the offer based on user behavior, such as a discount for cart abandoners or content for those browsing specific products.

7. Tap into SMS marketing

White Fox uses an exit-intent popup that asks for a bit more information, such as the user’s name, birthday, and most importantly, their phone number.

This allows them to retarget customers through SMS and email with personalized offers, making this popup an effective, non-intrusive lead generation tool.

Tip: SMS popups allow you to collect valuable customer data for personalized retargeting. With SMS open rates as high as 98%, it’s an incredibly effective way to keep your brand top of mind and drive higher conversions.

Catch your users’ attention with these SMS popup templates now!

8. Go fullscreen for maximum impact

Fullscreen popups have an average conversion rate of 14.40%. The Oodie’s welcome popup is a great example, boasting a vibrant lifestyle image that brings a fun and cozy vibe.

They only ask for an email address, which keeps the sign-up process simple. Fullscreen popups like this are highly effective at making a strong impression.

Grow your email list or tackle cart abandonment with these fullscreen popups:

9. Promote your sales

Popups are one of the most effective tools for promoting your sales—and top Shopify store owners know it.

You can use popups to highlight different kinds of sales and deals, like:

Seasonal discounts
Flash sales
Exclusive offers

These can be targeted to both new visitors and returning customers. For instance, Yarniverse promotes its biggest sale through a popup that also encourages sign-ups.

By subscribing, visitors unlock additional perks like extra savings, giveaways, or free shipping, giving them more reasons to take action.

10. Experiment with different discount types

Testing different discount strategies can reveal which ones resonate best with your audience and drive the highest conversion rates.

You can experiment with a range of options, such as:

Percentage-based discounts (e.g., 10% off)
Fixed-dollar discounts (e.g., $20 off)
Mystery discounts (where the visitor doesn’t know the discount amount until after signing up)
Free shipping offers

Anker uses a popup that gives customers the choice between a $20 discount or a 15% discount, providing a simple way to test which offer works better.

Tip: If you’re unsure which discount type yields the best results, A/B testing is a great way to fine-tune your offers.

Check out our detailed guide on getting started with A/B testing.

11. Use urgency & FOMO

Building urgency and creating a fear of missing out (FOMO) is key when it comes to pushing customers to make quicker purchasing decisions.

Limited-time offers or flash sales can help instill a sense of urgency without cheapening your products.

For example, Victoria Beckham uses a popup that offers a time-sensitive discount on beauty and skincare products, giving first-time buyers an extra incentive to act fast.

Tip: Boost the urgency by adding a countdown timer to your popups. A live countdown shows visitors that the deal is about to expire, encouraging them to complete their purchase before it’s too late.

Be sure to use a real countdown timer to maintain transparency and trust with your visitors.

Here are some countdown timer popups you can start using right away:

12. Use seasonal or event-based popups

Linking your popup to an event, season, or holiday can significantly increase engagement.

Shoppers are more likely to respond to promotions that are relevant to the time of year or specific celebrations. In fact, seasonal popups typically yield an average conversion rate of 11.88%.

For example, BlendJet ran a St. Patrick’s Day popup offering 15% off, creating excitement around the event and encouraging timely purchases.

Want to try it? Get started with these ready-to-use popup templates tailored to seasonal offers.

13. Use location-based popups

Using location-specific popups can enhance the shopping experience by reassuring customers that you cater to their region. This is particularly important for international customers who may be unsure whether you ship to their country.

Kylie Cosmetics uses this in their welcome popup, clearly stating availability in the shopper’s region.

Adding a location-based message to your popups addresses any geographical concerns and helps your visitors feel more confident in making a purchase.

14. Offer free shipping

According to stats, 9 out of 10 consumers say free shipping is the topmost incentive to shop more online.

Sol de Janeiro offers both a 10% discount and free shipping, two of the most compelling incentives for online shoppers.

The popup also includes a fun, lifestyle-themed photo that aligns perfectly with the brand’s vibrant image. Free shipping is a powerful motivator that encourages users to opt in.

Tip: You can also remind your visitors about free shipping with free shipping bars.

Check out this article on how to boost your sales with them!

FAQ

What incentives work best for Shopify popups?

Discounts, free shipping, and exclusive offers are the most effective incentives. Free shipping is especially popular, as it reduces the overall cost of a purchase, which can be a major motivator for customers to complete their transactions.

How often should I display popups?

Avoid showing popups too frequently, as it can frustrate visitors. Test the timing and frequency of popups to find a balance that works for your audience.

Some stores show popups once per session, while others might show them only on exit-intent.

How do I avoid annoying my visitors with popups?

Timing is everything. Use exit-intent popups to target users who are about to leave, or show popups after visitors have spent some time on your site.

Make sure your popup isn’t blocking the main content, and consider giving users the option to dismiss the popup.

Wrapping up

Popups can be an incredibly effective tool for boosting conversions and improving customer engagement when used strategically.

The key is to make your popups simple, relevant, and engaging. By following these best practices and learning from the top Shopify stores, you can create popups that not only grab attention but also drive results.

Start testing these techniques on your own site and watch your conversions soar!

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