7 Examples of Pop Up Ads That Drive Revenue in 2026

The average e-commerce cart abandonment rate hovers near 70%, representing a significant loss in potential revenue. Many brands deploy pop-ups for basic email capture, but this only scratches the surface of their true power. They often overlook the opportunity to drive immediate sales by tapping into proven consumer psychology. Standard pop-ups with simple countdown timers are no longer enough to cut through the noise and compel action.

This article moves beyond simple list-building to explore strategic examples of pop up ads that focus directly on revenue generation. We will analyze high-impact pop-ups that use behavioral economics principles like scarcity, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), and social proof to create genuine urgency. You will see how these tactics work, understand their direct impact on ROI and profit margins, and get actionable steps for implementing a more effective urgency strategy. To truly unlock the revenue potential of pop-ups, it's essential to understand the broader context of how they contribute to overall Conversion Rate Optimization.

Each of the seven examples we'll break down includes a detailed analysis of what makes it effective. We'll cover key copy and design elements, conversion tips, and specific notes on how to recreate these powerful effects. Prepare to see pop-ups not as an interruption, but as a critical, revenue-driving component of the modern shopper's journey.

1. Aura & Bloom: The Tiered Discount Exit-Intent Popup

Aura & Bloom, a luxury skincare brand, employs a sophisticated exit-intent popup that demonstrates a deep understanding of shopper psychology. Instead of a simple "Don't Go!" message, their popup presents a tiered discount offer, a powerful strategy designed to recover potentially lost sales by appealing to different levels of purchase intent. This is one of the more intelligent examples of pop up ads because it adapts the incentive based on user engagement.

[Image: A mockup of a clean, elegant exit-intent popup for a skincare brand called "Aura & Bloom". The popup has a soft, neutral background. Headline: "Wait! Your skin deserves this." Sub-headline: "Complete your order now and choose your gift." It shows three clickable options: "10% OFF Your Order", "15% OFF Orders $100+", and "FREE GIFT on Orders $150+". A clear CTA button says "Apply My Offer".]

Strategic Analysis

This popup is a masterclass in applying behavioral economics to e-commerce. It avoids a one-size-fits-all approach, recognizing that a customer abandoning a $50 cart has different motivations than one leaving behind a $200 cart.

• Psychological Principle: The core principle at play is Anchoring & Choice Architecture. By presenting the 10% offer first, it "anchors" the shopper's expectation. The subsequent, more valuable offers feel like a significant upgrade, encouraging a higher cart value to unlock a better deal. It also triggers the Endowed Progress Effect, making shoppers feel they are close to a higher-tier reward, motivating them to add items to their cart to reach the next threshold.

• Business Impact: This model directly protects profit margins. A blanket 15% off coupon would needlessly discount smaller orders. By segmenting the offer, Aura & Bloom incentivizes cart expansion while minimizing margin erosion on lower-value sales. This approach turns a last-ditch save attempt into a strategic upselling opportunity, increasing Average Order Value (AOV).

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

Replicating this tiered offer strategy is straightforward with Quikly's dynamic audience segmentation and automation.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment and select "Exit Intent" as the trigger. Configure it to activate only when a user's cursor moves toward the top of the browser window.
2. Define Audience Segments: Create segments based on cart value. For example:
   • Segment A: Cart value between $1 and $99.99
   • Segment B: Cart value between $100 and $149.99
   • Segment C: Cart value is $150 or more.
3. Assign Dynamic Offers: Use Quikly's rules engine to display a specific offer to each segment.
   • Show a "10% Off" popup to Segment A.
   • Show a "15% Off" popup to Segment B.
   • Show a "Free Gift" popup to Segment C.
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Monitor the Quikly analytics dashboard to track engagement, conversion rates, and the impact on AOV for each segment. This data allows for continuous optimization, such as adjusting the cart value thresholds or testing different free gifts.

2. OptinMonster: The Two-Step Gamified Lead Capture

OptinMonster is a well-known name in conversion optimization, and their gamified, two-step "spin-to-win" wheel is a classic example of turning a standard email signup into an engaging micro-interaction. Instead of simply asking for an email, it frames the exchange as a fun game of chance where the user is guaranteed to win something. This approach effectively lowers the psychological barrier to entry for lead submission.

Strategic Analysis

This type of popup excels by tapping into fundamental human desires for play and reward. The two-step process is crucial; the user first commits to a small action (clicking "Try Your Luck!") before being asked for their email, making them more likely to complete the second step.

• Psychological Principle: The primary driver here is the Zeigarnik Effect, which states that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. After a user spins the wheel, their brain seeks closure, which they can only get by entering their email to claim their prize. It also uses Variable Rewards, a powerful concept from behavioral psychology, where the unpredictability of the prize makes the interaction more compelling and addictive than a static offer.

• Business Impact: Gamification dramatically increases engagement and email capture rates compared to standard forms. For e-commerce brands, this builds a valuable email list with highly engaged, warm leads who have already had a positive interaction with the brand. This first-party data is critical for driving repeat purchases through email marketing, ultimately boosting Customer Lifetime Value (CLV). Learn more about the strategic placement and design of a successful web site pop-up.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

While Quikly focuses on driving immediate sales through urgency, you can simulate the psychological effect of a two-step commitment by using its rules engine for a more direct-response goal.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment. Set the trigger to "Time on Page" or "Scroll Percentage" to engage users who are actively browsing. For example, trigger it after a user has been on a category page for 15 seconds.
2. Create the First Step: Design the initial creative to look like a "reveal" offer. Use a headline like "Click to Reveal Your Exclusive Offer." The button (CTA) can say "Reveal My Discount." This creates a similar micro-commitment to a spin-the-wheel game.
3. Configure the Second Step: Set the CTA button to trigger a second-stage popup. This second creative reveals the discount (e.g., "Success! Here is 15% Off") and includes a unique, single-use discount code and a "Shop Now" button that directs users to a specific collection. This bypasses the email capture and focuses directly on driving an immediate conversion.
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Use the analytics dashboard to measure the click-through rate of the first step and the conversion rate of the second. This data helps you A/B test different initial offers against the revealed discount to find the most profitable combination.

3. OptiMonk: The Multi-Step Gamified Lead Capture

OptiMonk provides a powerful example of a multi-step, gamified popup designed to combat banner blindness and increase user engagement. Instead of presenting a standard lead capture form, they champion interactive experiences like a "Spin to Win" wheel. This approach transforms a simple data request into an engaging game, significantly boosting participation by tapping into users' natural curiosity and desire for a reward. It is one of the more effective examples of pop up ads for turning passive visitors into active participants.

Strategic Analysis

This popup excels by applying principles of behavioral psychology to the often-ignored process of lead generation. The gamified interaction is more than just a novelty; it is a calculated strategy to increase conversions and gather high-quality leads.

• Psychological Principle: The core mechanics here are the Zeigarnik Effect and Variable Rewards. The multi-step process (first the spin, then the email entry) creates an unfinished task in the user's mind (the Zeigarnik Effect), making them more likely to complete the action to see their prize. The uncertainty of the "Spin to Win" wheel triggers the same dopamine response as a slot machine, making the interaction compelling and memorable.

• Business Impact: Gamification directly increases email and SMS sign-up rates compared to static forms. Furthermore, by making the discount a "win," it increases the perceived value of the offer. This creates a positive first impression of the brand and encourages immediate use of the coupon code, driving first-time sales and improving Average Order Value (AOV) as customers feel they've earned a special deal. For stores interested in advanced engagement, exploring different types of popups for Shopify can reveal similar interactive opportunities.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

While Quikly focuses on time-based urgency, you can replicate the multi-step, high-engagement nature of this popup to drive sign-ups for your own timed offers and promotions.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment. Set the trigger to "Time on Page" (e.g., 15 seconds) or "Scroll Depth" (e.g., 50%) to engage visitors who show interest.
2. Design the First Step (The Teaser): Create an initial popup with an engaging, game-like question or a compelling image. Instead of a wheel, the call to action could be "Unlock a Secret Offer" or "Reveal Your Mystery Deal." The button click serves as the initial micro-commitment.
3. Create the Second Step (The Reveal & Capture): Configure the button from the first step to trigger a second popup. This second view reveals the offer (e.g., "You've Unlocked 15% Off!") and presents the email or SMS capture form to claim it.
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Use Quikly's analytics to A/B test your teaser copy and imagery. Monitor the completion rate from step one to step two to optimize the user flow and maximize lead captures for your next big promotion.

4. Wisepops: The Multi-Step Gamified Lead Capture

Wisepops exemplifies a modern approach to lead generation by transforming a standard email request into an engaging, multi-step gamified experience. Instead of a direct "Sign up for our newsletter" ask, they often feature popups that use a quiz or a game, like a "Spin to Win," to capture user attention and data. This turns a passive request into an active, rewarding interaction for the visitor. These are effective examples of pop up ads because they tap into the user's natural desire for play and reward.

Strategic Analysis

This popup excels by applying principles of gamification and micro-commitments to what is traditionally a low-engagement marketing activity. It systematically reduces the friction associated with giving away personal information by making the process enjoyable and promising an immediate, tangible reward.

• Psychological Principle: The key drivers here are the Zeigarnik Effect and Variable Rewards. The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that people remember uncompleted tasks better than completed ones. Starting the process (Step 1: entering an email) creates a mental tension that the user is compelled to resolve by completing the action (Step 2: spinning the wheel). The variable reward system, popularized by slot machines, creates a powerful dopamine response, making the interaction feel exciting and addictive rather than transactional.

• Business Impact: Gamified popups significantly increase email capture rates compared to static forms. Furthermore, the discount won is immediately applied, creating a strong incentive to complete a purchase. This not only grows the marketing list but also directly drives sales, turning a lead magnet into a conversion tool. The perceived value of the discount is also higher because the user "earned" it, leading to a greater likelihood of redemption.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

While Quikly focuses on urgency-driven "Moments" rather than gamified popups, you can replicate the core psychological principle of a multi-step, rewarding interaction. This is achieved by chaining an exit-intent popup with a dynamic landing page experience. You can learn more about crafting the initial engagement by reviewing some best practices for exit-intent popups.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment with an "Exit Intent" trigger. Design a simple popup that acts as the first step. Use compelling copy like, "Wait! Before you go, unlock a secret offer."
2. Create the Micro-Commitment: The CTA button on the popup will not apply a coupon directly. Instead, it will redirect the user to a dedicated landing page. The CTA could say, "Reveal My Offer" or "Take Me to the Deal."
3. Launch a Dynamic Offer: On that landing page, trigger a second Quikly Moment. This can be a banner or an embedded element that reveals the discount and includes a countdown timer to create urgency. For example, "Your 15% Off discount is active for the next 10 minutes!"
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the multi-step experience. In your analytics, track the click-through rate of the initial popup and the conversion rate on the landing page. This will show how effectively the micro-commitment is driving users toward a purchase.

5. Sleeknote: The Gamified Email Capture Popup

Sleeknote, a platform dedicated to onsite campaigns, offers a powerful and engaging spin on list building with its gamified popups. Instead of a standard email-for-discount exchange, their approach turns the experience into a mini-game, a strategy designed to dramatically increase engagement and capture leads by tapping into the user's sense of fun and curiosity. These are some of the most creative examples of pop up ads because they reframe a transactional ask into an enjoyable interaction.

Strategic Analysis

A gamified popup is a masterclass in applying psychological triggers to marketing. It interrupts the pattern of a typical website visit with an unexpected and delightful moment, which makes the user more receptive to the marketing message.

• Psychological Principle: The primary forces at work are the Zeigarnik Effect and Variable Rewards. The incomplete action of the spinning wheel (Zeigarnik Effect) creates a mental tension that users want to resolve by entering their email to see the outcome. The uncertainty of the prize (Variable Rewards), a principle that makes slot machines so compelling, releases dopamine and makes the interaction feel exciting rather than like a chore.

• Business Impact: This strategy can significantly boost email list growth rates compared to static forms. By making the opt-in process memorable, it also builds a stronger initial brand connection. Furthermore, the variable discounts allow businesses to control their margins. You can weight the wheel so that lower-value discounts (like 10% off) appear most frequently, while higher-value offers (25% off) are rare, protecting profitability while still providing the thrill of a big win.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

Creating a gamified, interactive experience that drives both engagement and revenue is a core function of Quikly's "Moments" framework.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment. Set the trigger to "Time on Page" and configure it to appear after a user has been on a key landing or category page for 15 seconds, ensuring they are engaged.
2. Define Audience Segments: Create a segment for "New Visitors" to ensure this high-impact welcome experience is shown only to users who haven't converted or subscribed before. This prevents fatiguing existing customers.
3. Assign Dynamic Offers: Build your interactive Moment. Instead of a literal wheel, use Quikly's automation to present a "Mystery Offer" campaign.
   • Configure the Moment to prompt users to enter their email to "Unlock a Surprise Discount."
   • Use the rules engine to automatically assign a coupon code from a predefined list of offers (e.g., 80% of users get 10% off, 15% get free shipping, 5% get 20% off).
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Use the Quikly analytics dashboard to track the opt-in rate and, more importantly, the redemption rate of each coupon tier. This data will reveal which "prizes" are most effective at turning new subscribers into first-time buyers.

6. Justuno: The Dynamic Cross-Sell & Upsell Popup

Justuno positions itself as a conversion rate optimization (CRO) platform, and its popups reflect this deep focus on revenue-driving actions beyond simple email capture. It specializes in dynamic offers that change based on user behavior, cart value, or even specific products a shopper is viewing. This makes it an excellent tool for executing complex, multi-stage popup campaigns that adapt to the customer journey in real-time.

Strategic Analysis

The power of Justuno lies in its ability to create hyper-relevant offers that feel personalized and helpful rather than intrusive. A common and effective strategy is the dynamic upsell or cross-sell popup, which triggers based on the contents of a shopper's cart. Imagine a customer adds a "Classic Leather Dog Leash" to their cart; a Justuno popup can immediately appear offering the matching "Classic Leather Dog Collar" at a 10% discount. This is a far more effective strategy than a generic offer.

• Psychological Principle: This strategy is rooted in the principle of Relatedness and Suggestion. When a shopper has already committed to buying an item (the leash), their mind is open to related suggestions that complete a set or improve their initial purchase. The offer feels less like an advertisement and more like a helpful recommendation, lowering sales resistance and capitalizing on the peak of their purchase intent.

• Business Impact: This has a direct and measurable effect on Average Order Value (AOV). Instead of just converting a sale, you are actively increasing the value of that sale. For Shopify Plus brands with large product catalogs, this is a critical tool for boosting revenue per session. It intelligently automates the "Would you like fries with that?" cross-sell that has been a staple of retail for decades, protecting margins by only offering discounts on bundled items.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

Quikly’s rules-based engine and audience segmentation make creating a similar dynamic cross-sell Moment a straightforward process.

1. Set the Trigger: In your Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment. Select "Add to Cart" as the primary trigger.
2. Define Audience Segments: This is where the magic happens. Create a new audience segment based on a specific "Product SKU" or "Product Tag". For our example, the segment would be "Users who have Product SKU 'LEASH-001' in their cart."
3. Assign Dynamic Offers: Create the popup design for this Moment. The key is to make the offer highly specific. The headline could be "Complete the Set!" with an image of the matching collar. The offer would be a unique discount code, like "COLLAR10," that applies only to the cross-sell product.
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Use Quikly's analytics to track how many customers who see the popup add the cross-sell item to their cart and what the resulting AOV lift is. You can create multiple Moments for your top-selling products to build a powerful, automated cross-selling machine.

7. Privy: The Shopify-Native Gamified Popup

Privy has become a staple in the Shopify ecosystem by merging email capture popups, SMS marketing, and onsite displays into a single, cohesive tool. Their approach focuses on practical, high-engagement popup types like the spin-to-win wheel, which turns a standard email signup into an interactive and rewarding experience for the user. This gamified approach is a powerful example of pop up ads that prioritizes user engagement over a simple, static offer.

Strategic Analysis

The spin-to-win popup is a classic for a reason: it interrupts pattern behavior and introduces an element of chance and fun. Privy's execution of this concept is particularly effective for Shopify stores looking to rapidly grow their marketing lists while driving immediate sales.

• Psychological Principle: The core driver here is the Variable Reward schedule, a concept popularized by B.F. Skinner. Users are motivated by the anticipation of a reward, not just the reward itself. The uncertainty of winning "10% off" versus "Free Shipping" creates a small dopamine rush, making the interaction memorable and boosting the perceived value of the offer they receive. It also taps into the Zeigarnik Effect, where the incomplete action (seeing the wheel) creates a psychological tension that users feel compelled to resolve by spinning it.

• Business Impact: For Shopify merchants, the primary impact is accelerated list growth combined with a higher first-purchase conversion rate. By making the opt-in process entertaining, Privy helps stores capture emails and phone numbers from visitors who might otherwise ignore a standard popup. This builds a valuable owned marketing asset (email/SMS list) while the immediate discount encourages that crucial initial transaction, boosting customer acquisition metrics.

How to Recreate This Popup with Quikly

Creating a gamified, high-urgency moment that mimics the engagement of a spin-to-win wheel can be done using Quikly's dynamic offer and timing features.

1. Set the Trigger: In the Quikly dashboard, create a new Moment. Set the trigger to "On Page Load" with a 5-10 second delay to allow the user to orient themselves on the site.
2. Design the Gamified Offer: Create a popup that frames the offer with a sense of chance. Use copy like, "Ready to Unlock Your Welcome Offer?" or "Click to Reveal a Special Discount." This builds anticipation.
3. Use Dynamic Offer Logic: Instead of a wheel, use Quikly's rules to create a variable reward.
   • Rule A: 70% of new visitors see a "10% Off Your First Order" popup.
   • Rule B: 20% of new visitors see a more valuable "15% Off Your First Order" popup.
   • Rule C: 10% of new visitors see a high-value "Free Shipping" popup.
4. Launch & Analyze: Activate the Moment. Use Quikly's analytics to see which offer generates the highest conversion rate and has the best impact on Average Order Value. You can adjust the percentage splits to optimize for either maximum email capture or maximum immediate revenue.

Top 7 Pop-Up Ad Platforms Comparison

From Pop-Ups to Profit: Implementing a Psychologically-Driven Urgency Strategy

Throughout this deep dive into examples of pop up ads, a clear pattern emerges. The most effective campaigns are not interruptive annoyances; they are carefully orchestrated moments of influence, grounded in the science of consumer psychology. They move far beyond simple email collection forms and generic countdown timers, which often do more to damage brand perception than to drive meaningful revenue.

The best examples we've explored serve as a blueprint for a more intelligent approach. They show that by applying principles like scarcity (limited inventory), social proof (showing what others are buying), and loss aversion (fear of missing out on an exclusive offer), you can transform a standard pop-up into a dynamic, revenue-generating asset. This is the core difference between a basic pop-up app and a true urgency marketing platform.

Auditing Your Current Pop-Up Strategy

Your next step is to perform a critical audit of your current on-site messaging. Ask yourself these questions:

• What is the primary goal? Is every pop-up just asking for an email, or are you strategically deploying them to recover abandoned carts, increase average order value (AOV), and liquidate specific inventory?
• Is it static or dynamic? Does every visitor see the same generic 10% off coupon, or are you tailoring offers based on user behavior, cart value, or traffic source? The most impactful pop-ups feel personal and relevant.
• Are you protecting profit margins? Blanketing your site with discounts can train customers to wait for a sale. A psychologically-driven strategy uses urgency to convert shoppers who are already on the fence, preserving your margins on full-price sales.

This audit will reveal whether your pop-ups are a cost center (eroding margins) or a profit center (driving incremental sales). The goal is to evolve from one-off campaigns to an integrated system that reacts to the shopper's journey in real time.

Choosing the Right Tools for a Sophisticated Strategy

As we’ve seen, the market offers a wide range of tools from Privy and Justuno for broad-based list growth to more specialized platforms. For Shopify and Shopify Plus merchants focused on maximizing revenue and protecting profitability, the choice of tool becomes critical. Basic apps can execute a simple timer, but they lack the ability to manage the behavioral triggers and automation needed for a true urgency marketing strategy.

Look for a platform that allows you to:

• Automate campaigns: Manually setting up and tearing down individual urgency campaigns is inefficient and doesn't scale. Automation based on inventory levels or sales velocity is key.
• Integrate deeply: Your pop-up tool must communicate seamlessly with your core marketing stack, including Klaviyo and other SMS/email platforms, to create a unified customer experience.
• Focus on revenue, not just leads: While lead capture is important, the ultimate goal is profit. Your tool should provide clear ROI reporting that connects specific campaigns to actual sales and margin protection.

By moving beyond the simple examples of pop up ads that litter the internet, you can implement a system that respects your customers' intelligence while ethically motivating them to act. This approach turns pop-ups from a necessary evil into a sophisticated and powerful component of your e-commerce growth engine, proving that understanding why people buy is the most valuable asset you can have.

Ready to move beyond basic pop-ups and implement a psychologically-driven urgency strategy? Quikly is built to operationalize the science of urgency, allowing you to create automated, revenue-focused 'Moments' that increase conversion and protect your profit margins. See how our platform transforms the pop-up from a simple tool into a strategic revenue driver at Quikly.