Our Top 3 Popup Wins (and What Made Them Successful)

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We recently shared our top 3 popup fails from last year, highlighting the lessons we learned from campaigns that didn’t hit the mark on the first try and showed us the power of experimenting. 

Thankfully, we also had some popup campaigns that turned out great—even on the first try. With the right strategies, they generated impressive results.

Today, we’re breaking down exactly what made these campaigns so successful, so you can apply the same proven strategies to your own popups. 

Ready to see what works? Let’s dive into our top 3 popup wins and what you can learn from them! 

1. NOTIQ’s browsing reminder campaign

NOTIQ’s browsing reminder campaign

Goal:

Increase returning visitor conversion rate. 

The problem:

It’s common for customers to browse multiple products and leave without making a purchase, especially on their first visit. 

The reality is that many customers don’t buy right away. They’re exploring, comparing, and not always ready to commit. But that doesn’t mean they won’t return. 

The solution:

NOTIQ implemented a popup that appeared 9 seconds after a returning visitor landed on the site. 

The popup greeted them with a friendly message: “Welcome back! Pick up where you left off.” It then showcased a product they had viewed during their previous visit, gently reminding them of what they were interested in. 

This simple nudge encouraged visitors to reconsider their decision and make the purchase they had previously paused.

Why it worked:

  • Personalization: By targeting returning visitors and showing them a product they had already considered, NOTIQ made the message relevant.
  • The “welcome back” message: The friendly, welcoming tone helped to re-engage visitors in a way that felt natural. It created a sense of continuity and reminded the visitors that they hadn’t been forgotten.
  • Timing: The 9-second delay was key—it gave the user enough time to show interest without interrupting their browsing experience. The popup didn’t feel intrusive, but rather a timely reminder.

2. Millie n Me’s smart product recommender campaign

Millie n Me’s smart product recommender campaign

Goal: 

Help visitors find the right products and increase sales.

The problem: 

Many visitors leave without exploring other options, especially when faced with a large product catalog. 

If they’re unsure about a purchase, they may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the sheer number of choices, and they might not know where to turn next.

The solution:

Millie n Me tackled this challenge by using a smart product recommender popup. If a visitor spent 20 seconds on a product page without adding the item to their cart, it triggered a popup displaying relevant product recommendations.

This approach showed the visitor additional items they might like based on what they had already browsed, making it easier for them to find a product that suited their needs.

Why it worked:

  • Personalized suggestions: By showing related products based on the user’s browsing behavior, Millie n Me added value without overwhelming the customer. The recommendations felt like helpful guidance, not a sales push.
  • Enhanced customer experience: The timing and relevance of the popup made the experience more user-friendly. Instead of generic offers, the brand used insights from the visitor’s actions to provide tailored suggestions.
  • Higher AOV: The smart recommendations didn’t just drive more sales—they also increased the average order value (AOV). As customers found complementary items they hadn’t considered, they ended up buying more than they initially planned.

3. EDGE Shoe Grip Spray’s conversational popup

EDGE Shoe Grip Spray’s conversational popup
EDGE Shoe Grip Spray’s conversational popup

Goal: 

Capture exit-intent visitors and convert them into subscribers.

The problem: 

Most visitors don’t buy on their first visit, and without a strategy to re-engage them, you risk losing potential sales forever. Visitors who leave without purchasing may never return unless you have a way to reconnect with them.

The solution: 

EDGE Shoe Grip Spray used a multi-step conversational popup that appeared when visitors were about to leave the site (exit intent). 

The first step of the popup promoted a discount and asked visitors a simple, engaging question: “Why do you want a shoe grip advantage?” This question not only sparked interest but also helped the brand gather insights about their customers’ motivations. 

In the second step, the popup invited visitors to share their email addresses to claim their discount. As an optional third step, it also asked for their phone number, providing an additional channel for future communication.

Why it worked:

  • Exit-intent targeting: The popup appeared precisely when visitors were about to leave, making it the brand’s final opportunity to convert them. 
  • Conversational approach: The use of a friendly, engaging question made the popup feel more like a dialogue than a sales tactic, increasing conversion rates.
  • Multi-step strategy: Breaking the popup into steps made the process feel less overwhelming. By starting with a question and gradually moving to collect contact information, EDGE created a smooth, low-pressure experience.

Actionable takeaways

Popups aren’t just for flashy deals or annoying interruptions. When used strategically, they can drive real growth for your ecommerce business. 

Whether you’re recovering lost visitors, increasing AOV, or reducing cart abandonment, popups give you the tools to create personalized, timely interactions with your customers.

So, what can you do today?

1. Launch a Browsing Reminder Popup campaign. Use a personalized message that reminds visitors of products they’ve previously viewed, encouraging them to pick up where they left off.

2. Implement a Smart Recommender Popup that suggests relevant items to undecided shoppers. 

3. Create a Conversational Popup that combines a compelling question with an offer. Focus on building connections while collecting valuable contact information to stay in touch.

Ready to start seeing these results? Don’t wait—optimize your popup campaigns and unlock new growth for your store today.