What Is a Sidebar Opt-In Popup? A Comprehensive Guide
By Emil Kristensen CMO
@ Sleeknote

Sidebar opt-in popups are one of the most popular ways to get website visitors to opt-in to an email list or newsletter. They are essentially a type of popup that appears on the side of a webpage and invite visitors to provide their contact information in exchange for some form of value, such as a free ebook or discount code.

The Purpose of a Sidebar Opt-In Popup

The purpose of a sidebar opt-in popup is to grow your email list or newsletter, which is a crucial aspect of any online business. With a larger email list, you have a larger audience to market to, which can result in more sales, leads, and website traffic. Popups have proven to be effective at capturing visitor’s attention and encouraging them to take action.

However, it is important to use opt-in popups strategically and not overwhelm your visitors with too many popups. You should also ensure that the popup is relevant to the content on your website and offers something of value to the visitor, such as a free e-book or discount code. By providing value and being strategic with your use of opt-in popups, you can effectively grow your email list and ultimately increase your online business’s success.

Benefits of Using a Sidebar Opt-In Popup

One of the main benefits of using a sidebar opt-in popup is that they are highly effective at converting website visitors into subscribers. Compared to other types of opt-in forms, sidebar popups often have higher conversion rates because they are more noticeable and less intrusive. Additionally, sidebar popups can be set up to be triggered after a visitor has spent a certain amount of time on a page or scrolls to a certain point on the page, ensuring that they are engaged and more likely to opt-in.

Another benefit of using a sidebar opt-in popup is that it allows you to offer a lead magnet or incentive to encourage visitors to subscribe. This could be a free e-book, a discount code, or access to exclusive content. By offering something of value in exchange for their email address, visitors are more likely to opt-in and become subscribers. This can help you grow your email list and ultimately increase your sales or conversions.

Types of Sidebar Opt-In Popups

There are several types of sidebar opt-in popups, including exit-intent popups, scroll-triggered popups, and time-delayed popups. Exit-intent popups appear when a visitor is about to leave the website, scroll-triggered popups appear when a visitor reaches a certain point on the page, and time-delayed popups appear after a certain amount of time has passed.

Another type of sidebar opt-in popup is the click-triggered popup. This type of popup appears when a visitor clicks on a specific button or link on the website. Click-triggered popups are often used for offering special promotions or discounts to visitors who are interested in a particular product or service.

Choosing the Best Sidebar Opt-In Popup for Your Website

When choosing a sidebar opt-in popup for your website, it’s important to keep in mind the type of audience you are trying to appeal to. Different types of opt-in popups will work better for different audiences. For instance, if your audience is made up of mostly mobile users, a scroll-triggered popup may work better as they are more likely to be scrolling on their devices than clicking. It’s also important to choose a design that fits with your website’s branding and color scheme.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a sidebar opt-in popup is the timing of the popup. You don’t want to interrupt your website visitors’ browsing experience with a popup that appears too soon or too frequently. It’s best to set the popup to appear after the visitor has spent some time on your website or has scrolled down a certain percentage of the page. This way, they have had a chance to engage with your content and are more likely to be interested in subscribing to your newsletter or other offers.

Designing an Effective Sidebar Opt-In Popup

When designing an effective sidebar opt-in popup, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. First, the popup should be visually appealing and fit with your website’s branding. Additionally, the copy should be short and compelling, emphasizing the value that the visitor will receive in exchange for their contact information. It’s also important to use a clear call-to-action button that stands out and makes it easy for visitors to opt-in.

Placing a Sidebar Opt-In Popup Strategically on Your Website

The placement of your sidebar opt-in popup can have a significant impact on its effectiveness. It’s important to place the popup in a highly visible and easily accessible area, such as the top or side of the page. Additionally, you may want to consider using A/B testing to determine which placement results in the highest conversion rate.

Tips for Creating Compelling Copy for Your Sidebar Opt-In Popup

When creating compelling copy for your sidebar opt-in popup, it’s important to keep the value proposition front and center. You want to clearly communicate the benefit that the user will receive in exchange for their contact information. Additionally, it’s important to use clear and concise language, avoiding any confusing industry jargon that may turn off visitors.

Measuring the Success of Your Sidebar Opt-In Popup with Analytics

Measuring the success of your sidebar opt-in popup is crucial to determining whether it’s helping you grow your email list and ultimately your business. Use analytics tools to track exactly how many visitors are seeing your popup, how many are opting in, and what the conversion rate is. This data can help you make improvements to your popup and optimize it for better results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Sidebar Opt-In Popup

While sidebar opt-in popups can be highly effective, there are a few common mistakes that website owners often make. First, using a popup too frequently can lead to visitors feeling overwhelmed or annoyed, and may actually hurt your conversion rate. Additionally, not providing a clear value proposition or giving visitors too many options can also decrease your conversion rate.

In conclusion, a sidebar opt-in popup can be an incredibly effective tool for growing your email list and ultimately your business. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can design and implement a highly effective sidebar opt-in popup that converts website visitors into subscribers and customers.