To pop or not to pop
That is the question I have been asking myself recently. This new Pop-Up Domination has really become quite popular lately and it has me wondering whether I too should jump on the bandwagon. The only reason I am entertaining the thought is because I know having a sign in box on my page will increase opt ins, but unlike most blogs, I don’t have one at all at the moment. I also like the idea that the pop-up creates extra space, thus removing the need for my welcome post.
But just because this new plug-in is the new ‘in thing’ and has become socially acceptable doesn’t mean it’s not all of a sudden pissing people off.
I never really liked the pop-up window, and I can tell you now that I have NEVER signed up to a mailing list through one – hence my hesitation to get it. I have always signed up AFTER the blogger earned my trust/respect – which usually came after I read one or two posts. Anyway – the reason I am going on about it here is because I wanted to get your feedback on the matter.
Should the Keyword Research & Niche Site Marketing Blog install a pop-up opt in form and make the sign up process available at this url as well? Beyond that, what do YOU think of the pop-up lightbox style opt-in forms, because the debate is still raging from both sides of the camp. All stats aside, let’s see what the people think…
[polldaddy poll=3674420]
Please remember to comment below after voting – and remember ranting is permitted, in fact it is encouraged 
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{ 108 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
I totally don’t get the whole PopUp Domination thing. Yes, I understand they increase sign ups, but so what? Are these people buyers? I am a buyer and I refuse to sign up for or buy anything through one of those obnoxious ads. I mentioned on another blog that to me, they’re like an annoying sales clerk that gets in my face when I shop to remind me of the special of the day. Well, if I wanted the special of the day, I’d buy it, just like if I wanted to sign up for a newsletter or an ebook, I would. I have eyeballs and they work.
Plus, it drives me nutty when I hear a blogger yakking about how unique they are, yet they jump on the PopUp Domination bandwagon and thus look the same as everyone else. And then there are the folks who claim to put the reader first yet install one of those ridiculous things designed to PopUp when I’m 30 seconds into a reading a post. Aaaaargh!!!!!
Okay, I’m done now
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..12 Reasons Why Bloggers Make the Best Lovers
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 26, 2010 at 11:23 PM
Hahahahahahahaha Oh jean (got your Tweet re: this too btw – very funny
)
All I can say is:
BEST
RANT
EVER
Twitter: bloggersmarket
August 27, 2010 at 4:18 AM
Man …….. must be a Chick thing!!!
Jeffrey Morgan´s last [type] ..Smoking Content Via RSS Feed
Ha! I’ll show you a chick thing, Mr. Morgan! Okay, I won’t really, but it sounded good
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..7 Reasons to Start a Second Blog And Why Successful Bloggers Do
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Hahahahaha…I mean, I’m not going there
I totally agree…I absolutely, stunningly, hate the F*&king “Pop Up” sign up form…especially when the blog owner has it’s timer set to pop up anything other than immediately…I want to strangle whoever created this worthless tool…
Brian´s last [type] ..Thursday Eats – Gazpacho
Twitter: buildrankprofit
May 24, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Thanks friggin Christ I set mine to appear within 2 seconds then! LOL
Michael Dunlop lives in England somewhere, in case you had that ‘throttlin’ urge’
OOoh, but there’sa new one now – I just reviewed it. You should check it out, you will love that one too I bet LMAO
Thanks for the awesome comment Brian
Twitter: markbell10
August 26, 2010 at 7:16 PM
They frustrate me – but I’m now in the habit of pausing a few seconds, then closing the box. If I want to sign up, I want to read a little first to see if you really know your stuff.
Mark Bell´s last [type] ..How accessible are you to your readers
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 26, 2010 at 11:22 PM
I’m with you on that Mark- they have to earn my respect, I mean subscribe.
Twitter: kruby
August 27, 2010 at 1:12 AM
Well, I come this two ways – as a blogger and as a reader.
I put up a lightbox quite a few months ago as an experiment because someone I respected wrote about lightboxes and provided an Aweber tutorial. I put one up and it did actually convert. Then a few months later PUD exploded everywhere and I bought the premium product and used it on my site, replacing my other lightbox. I do agree that they are used pretty extensively on the sites that I visit and they are starting to all look the same. But, good for Michael for recognizing and capitalizing on an opportunity and a need. It’s certainly brought a lot of exposure to lightboxes and PUD, in particular.
I have actually subscribed to quite a few sites though lightboxes because they convinced me that I wanted to have the free opt-in product. You can always unsubscribe later, too.
My site has one, but I’ve put the timer on for 60 seconds so that you can start reading my article first and if you liked what you’ve read so far, you can decide to subscribe to the site. I don’t particularly like the ones that pop up immediately when you visit the site – how do you know if you’re going to like the writing style right off the bat, without being given a chance to check out the site? I close those immediately when I see them. Plus, I have mine set to only show once per week so hopefully it only shows once to people and then doesn’t appear until a week later.
I think you should experiment with one, Alex. They do convert and are just another way to capture readers attention.
Karen
Karen´s last [type] ..Just For Today Challenge – 31 Days To A Better You eBook Launch
Hi Karen,
I have noticed a lot of sites using these pop up boxes. I see it as an interference no matter how long I read before it jumps up at me. If someone signs up using one does it recognize the IP Address and stop coming back at you? I think if I were reading a book and something like that happened every time I opened it, the book would go in the trash.
I think we can adapt to just about anything so these boxes may become the norm. Will my blog be outdated if I don’t keep up with the trend?
Sandra Hendricks´s last [type] ..Who Decides How Another Person Responds
Twitter: bloggersmarket
August 27, 2010 at 2:53 AM
Hi Alex,
I’m probably going to place a pop-up over at Bloggers Market sooner or later. I just could never find one that look good. I think that Mail Chimp has the best looking templates for you to use and I believe they are cookie driven. So once you visit the site and either opt-in or just turn the dang thing off, you don’t have to deal with it again.
David Risley has stated in one of his posts on the subject that his opt-ins really take off when he uses the Pop-Up Opt-In Form and are rather flat when he uses a static form.
I really don’t like the things, but so far my results with a static form mirror David Risley’s results. I have a pretty good list, but in reality I need to get on with this list building thing, so that my next E-Book “How you can build your list by thousands every hour” will have a chance of providing me some sort of an income.
As long as the Pop-Up Opt-In Form is cookie based, I don’t really have a problem with dealing with it on your site. However, remember that I am somewhat experienced at Internet Commerce and understand there use on people’s websites and Blogs. When I was new to the game I thought they were the biggest pain in the ass! It took me two years to get comfortable with them.
Jeffrey Morgan´s last [type] ..Smoking Content Via RSS Feed
If I blog for 1000 years, they will still be the biggest pain in the ass. And the eyeballs. And the nostrils (you’ll understand that one when you read my reply to you on my blog!).
Seriously, one minute I”m in Reading Heaven and the next I’m thrust into Opt-In Hell.
Oh wait, I said before that I was done ranting . . .
Never mind.
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..7 Reasons to Start a Second Blog And Why Successful Bloggers Do
Twitter: bloggersmarket
August 27, 2010 at 3:46 AM
O.K. Jean ……….. put the keyboard down and slowly back away! Just great; my therapist has just gone off the deep end.
Hey Jean ……. check this out ……. within the Mail Chimp Software, when you go for the Pop-Up option, they have it labeled as “Enable evil popup form” I kid you not! You just can’t think this stuff up ……… you can’t ……… I dare you to try it!
Jeffrey Morgan´s last [type] ..Smoking Content Via RSS Feed
I love the ‘evil popup form’ language
Personally, I’ve taken to referring to the new craze as ‘PopUp Abomination.’
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..7 Reasons to Start a Second Blog And Why Successful Bloggers Do
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM
‘PopUp Abomination.’
That’s freaking GENIUS Jean.
I love it!!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Hahahaha, that’s hilarious
Twitter: stevescott1
August 27, 2010 at 3:15 AM
As “reader” I see these as a pain in the ass. All it is, is something for me to click past. I see it enough it makes me leave.
As a blogger of course I have heard how much it increases opt in’s and all of that. Well if you spam 10,000 sites with spammy spam some will get through and some idiot will click a link, so that would increase opt in’s too, right?
Ultimately I guess that if you do it in a minimalistic fashion you can get the best of both worlds. Have it set to once every 7 or 14 days to not alienate loyal people but also give a shot at “reminding” someone new.
Steve@Lifestyle Design´s last [type] ..17 Tips for Making Friends While Traveling Solo
Better yet, set it to once every 14 years!
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..7 Reasons to Start a Second Blog And Why Successful Bloggers Do
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Tell us how you really feel Jean, I don’t like how you are sugar coating everything…
Twitter: gobankingrates
August 27, 2010 at 4:03 AM
The reasons that popups usually bother me is because they’re in a separate window, meaning I have to exit my current window to close them. Sometimes the close button is even partially hidden to keep you looking at it longer. They also continue to come up throughout the browsing of a site.
Meanwhile, Popup Domination only comes up at the beginning of your visit and is easily closeable. They don’t really bother me, but they don’t really encourage me to sign up for their mailing list. I usually only sign up if I have to (i.e. you can only watch this video if you sign up) and this tends to annoy me more than popups.
Laura@Bank Rates´s last [type] ..What Super Mario Can Teach Us About Personal Finance
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:13 PM
That’s a good analysis of the darker side of the damn things Laura! Nice work.
I think it is about adding value first but then again, you still need to provide subtle hinted opportunites for them to sign up too
Twitter: newbizblogger
August 27, 2010 at 4:05 AM
Hey Alex,
Great survey! I’ve been going back and forth about getting the pop-up domination plugin. I personally don’t like them, but I can see how they may assist the blog owner with sign ups.
If I know the site already, I just usually close the popup and go along my business. If it’s a site I’ve been to for the first time it can turn me off to the site, funny enough. I guess because I have yet to build a relationship with them and yet they are requesting me to sign up.
What to do??? By the way, do you know if this plugin allows you to only use it if the person comes on lets say, the second or third visit. This I think would work out nicely, because they are already interested in your blog that they’ve returned so would be less likely to get annoyed with the popup.
Talk soon
Michele @ NewBizBlogger´s last [type] ..5 Online Business Tips For Content Ideas
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Hey Michele,
Yeah hopefully I can get at least a couple hundred votes so I can get an idea – spread the word, atm I think there are around 30 votes (Yay….)
I have actually wondered about the cookie based plugin too. THink if you can stop it showing for returning visitors then the problem would be solved!
Rick wrote in the comments thread that he has software that does that – I have enquired and will let you know
Twitter: AnaTrafficCafe
August 27, 2010 at 4:58 AM
As a user, I don’t mind them except when they pop up the second I get to the site. How can I sign up for anything if I have no idea whether I like the site or not?
As a blogger, I know the work. I used to have one a while ago and it converted much better than my sidebar one. As a matter of fact, I started using one again today – I’ll let you know of the results.
I wouldn’t use PUD however. As you duly noted, they all look alike at this point. I use an Aweber form (actually it’s my sidebar form converted to a popup).
Have you read Kristi Hines’ article on the subject? She actually interviewed quite a few bloggers; it was great to hear both sides.
http://kikolani.com/the-case-for-and-against-popup-opt-in-forms.html
Cheers,
Ana
Ana @ Traffic Generation Cafe´s last [type] ..3 Unorthodox Ways to Get King-Kong EDU Links
Twitter: newbizblogger
August 27, 2010 at 5:06 AM
Thanks for the reminder Ana. I use Aweber as well and COMPLETELY forget that you have the option to do pop-ups as well as split test to see which converts better. That’s what happens when you have so much to do and so little time.
Michele @ NewBizBlogger´s last [type] ..5 Online Business Tips For Content Ideas
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Yeah thanks Ana! (Hi Michele)
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:09 PM
Ana,
Awesome comment!
I never realised Aweber had an option to let you do that – I may try this out. I don’t remember seeing one on your site, butthen i tend to close them on autopilot and keep doing/reading whatever it was I was doing before
Thanks for the link too – will be reading that with interest.
Will email you to speak more about this Aweberr popup thingy.
Twitter: moon_hussain
August 27, 2010 at 5:54 AM
Alex, more and more, they’re kind of annoying and in my face. I hate having to click ‘x’ and then reading what I came for. I’m divided on this, because as a blogger it’s something that could end up being useful.
Moon Hussain´s last [type] ..Random Ramblings- Confronting Fear & Doubt
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Well put Moon.
Exactly!
Twitter: joshuanoerr
August 27, 2010 at 7:53 AM
It’s just not for me Alex, on any of my projects. To be fair though, I probably shouldn’t pass judgement until I’ve done some thorough split testing on my niche sites. We shall see.
Joshua Noerr´s last [type] ..The Big Ass List of 101 Things You Should Not Do
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I’m with you man. SO undecided. I know they’re bad – but I dont want to put a sign up box in the sidebar – and to not have one at all on the site is losing me subscribers – I know this… what to do mate, what to do? LOL
How are you anyway Joshua? Good to see you again mate
Twitter: joshuanoerr
August 28, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Doing real great thanks! Been trying to launch a new project with my brother but we are on different sides of the States so it’s been a bit of a pain.
Joshua Noerr´s last [type] ..The Big Ass List of 101 Things You Should Not Do
I can’t stand pop-ups. When I go to a site that gives me that annoying pop-up, I leave… Immediately. I’m so tired of seeing them, and now they are everywhere. Bloggers get real! It’s making me stop going to some sites that I love. Hate it.
I don’t like any kind of popups or tricks to get me to do things that I don’t want to do.
P.S. I love Jean’s comments. Awesome! Ditto!
To me, it’s like the blogger is desperate and struggling. Maybe they should just grab my wallet while they’re at it? If I like the person I’ll sign up. Easy as that. I’ll buy from them, I’ll come back… But don’t force me to close a tab that stops me from scrolling or reading your page… cause I won’t even look at it or read it. I’ll just close it and leave. -Richard
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Hahaha, Jeans comments was mental wasn’t it LOL!
Thanks for your input man, really appreciated hey. Just makes me think I wont get one after all.
I forgot to say, that I was on one of my favorite sites and the pop-up came up. I closed it. Went to the latest post… Another pop-up. Went to another page… Another pop-up. Talk about getting pissed off…
I haven’t been back since.
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Its comments like that that reaffirm my decision to NOT get it installed.
Twitter: Rick_LaPoint
August 27, 2010 at 9:32 AM
I bought the software to do this that pops only once with the cookie setting, as I have several sites and various people swear that they work. But I just have not been able to bring myself to use it.
I don’t care for them personally, and keep asking myself if it’s disrespectful to my visitors.
But, but, you’re drawing me to the dark side, Karen. Must… be… strong…
Rick LaPoint´s last [type] ..10 Reasons Your Local Business Needs a Website
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:03 PM
OOoh, I like the sound of that mate.Cookie enabled is a great idea to keep your regulars happy.
Whats the name of that software?
Twitter: danlew
August 27, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Such a hard question, but with pop ups particularly ones from Aweber, you can now set the popup frequency and fading in and after a certain time frame, say 10 seconds after you visit, and can appear once a day, or once a blue moon
Pop up nowadays are a lot different to the way they used to be, if done correctly you can really make them less intrusive!
Dan Lew´s last [type] ..Make Money Programs
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing that Dan!
I never realised these options were available. Granted Ana alerted me about 10 comments ago, but I was unaware of the ability to configure it like that – think I will go and play around with it now actually!
Thanks for your input Dan – you have a great looking site btw, just peeked
Twitter: thoughtmedicine
August 27, 2010 at 5:52 PM
I’m with Jean. (tell us how you really feel!)
I really don’t like them. And I don’t like those apture tool bars that drop down. Or anything that flashes or moves. I’m a very visual person and they’re irritating distractions. I usually click away from blogs that have them unless they are A-list faves, and even then I may just leave anyway.
I also agree with Jean that they undermine the message of bloggers who have branded themselves as zen/unique/unconventional/renegade, and not just because it makes all the blogs look alike, but because it’s manipulative.
Linda Gabriel´s last [type] ..Is Fear of Failure Holding You Back
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Hey Linda,
I think I am beginning to be swayed back from the dark side (I really was entertaining the notion for a while) so thanks for stopping by and helping with the convincing
Love your domain name by the way
Twitter: kruby
August 28, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Hey Linda,
I’m not a fan of the bars either. They are intrusive, especially when they appear at the top.
However, I have been testing out a new cool feature at my site using Apture’s Highlights feature. Basically you can highlight ANY word on the page and a search tooltip will appear inline and provide various search results for you. It’s very cool. I really like Apture, especially when you are linking to external sources. It adds a sense of dynamic to your site and make people stay on your site longer. You should check it out.
Karen
Karen´s last [type] ..Avoid The Trap Of Thinking You Have Something To Lose
Twitter: blogswithwings
August 27, 2010 at 9:30 PM
A simple vote doesn’t cut it. I don’t like it when pop-ups of any kind jump in face every single time I visit a site. But I don’t mind if it happens occasionally, like once a month or so. And there are plugins available that let you set how often or by user conditions who sees popups and when they see them.
It’s a tool that has to wielded with an light hand. Otherwise they are just complete and total annoyances.
Joella@create a successful blog´s last [type] ..As a Blogger- How Do You Measure Success
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 27, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Hey Joella how are you angel?
A simple vote doesnt cut it?!? Well fine then
I like your analysis of the problem – and I would love to know what plug-ins are cookie based because I think that would solve the problem.
Love the last line of your comment btw – very eloquent
Twitter: Rick_LaPoint
August 28, 2010 at 12:23 AM
POPUP Software with Cookie Control
Ok, since several have been asking about this, here is the Popup software I bought. I liked this for several reasons. 1) It’s a window that holds any other_ page you create, so it’s not only for opt-in; you can put text, a survey form, a video, ect. 2) You can have it pop up at exit, not just at the opening of the session. 3) You can designate which pages you want it to work with and exclude others. 4) You can enable the cookie so it only pops up once for a visitor (until they delete their cookies).
http://www.dpopup.com – They have several versions. I’m not an affiliate.
I have the simple WordPress version, and it does not work with Headway theme because you have to add a line of code to the footer.php, which Headway doesn’t like. The code didn’t give Thesis any problems.
Rick
Rick LaPoint´s last [type] ..10 Reasons Your Local Business Needs a Website
If it’s a site I’ve been to for the first time it can turn me off to the site, funny enough. I guess because I have yet to build a relationship with them and yet they are requesting me to sign up.thanks for shearing..
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 29, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I think it’s all about building the relationship first – exactly!
Thank YOU for sharing.
I find the things somewhat annoying. It’s not so bad when you first visit a site and it comes up once, but for every page?!
Just imagine the same in-your-face-ness in another scenario like a face to face consultation, but the pop up is now a business card. Once is enough. Would you constantly thrust a business card at someone’s face every time you spoke to them, or every time a new topic came up?
I currently follow the golden rule about pop ups, so I have never had any on my site. But I also know to never say never.
Aaron´s last [type] ..Not Every Calorie is Excess
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 29, 2010 at 11:33 AM
THAT is the best way of putting it Aaron!
Brilliant analogy, wish I had thought of that. hahaha
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting/voting
Twitter: profitmc
August 28, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Ok, I’ve given my vote but still want to say considering all the good things have been said by many of those big bloggers, I’ve been thinking of having it on my blog. However, I must say I’ve never signed up because of the pop up. If what is being offered appeal to me I get it but after I’ve read and know that that blogger has something of good to me.
On the issue of annoyance, my take is setting it to show up when one is set to leave the site. I think this is much more polite.
Chadrack@Business Marketing´s last [type] ..How To Create A Celebrity Status For Your Online Business!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 29, 2010 at 11:30 AM
That’s exactly how I feel Chadrack!
You need to earn my subscription
Thanks for your comments and vote mate – really appreciated.
Hey Alex!
I’m ok with pop-ups, only if they’re not ugly and distracting from the website. I have purchased Pop-Up Domination and it looks really, really good. I haven’t activated it yet, but it’s really easy to use and customize. I would be tempted to sign up for a site’s mailing list with this plug-in, than with most of the others. I say go for it!
Kevin Douglas´s last [type] ..Do You Really Need Thousands of Twitter Followers
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 29, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Hey Kevin!
I’ll keep a close eye on how things are going with your pop up domination.
Thanks for stopping by and voting mate, much appreciated.
Hey Alex,
I’ve done quite of bit of testing regarding opt ins and location.
Pop up forms got a higher opt in rate than the standard side bar form (but not by very much) certainly not enough for me to continue to use it when considering that it will actually put some people off checking out my blog content.
Slide up footer was a big disappointment getting a lower opt in rate than the standard side bar form – so don’t use that any more either!
I just keep my opt in clear and obvious so people know where to get more info IF THEY WANT. I think don’t make it difficult (complicated or below the fold) but also don’t make it in their face or force them to. Give them the choice…if people choose to get involved that’s the kind of subscriber I want and if they don’t that works for me too because they’re likely to not be my kind of subscriber! win win!
But that’s just my 2 cents…
Cheers!
Rob
(** RJB **)
p.s. did you get the email with the report and the other link?
** RJB **´s last [type] ..The 818 Converting Squeeze Page…
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 29, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Mate!
You are a deadset legend.
Thanks so much for providing that detailed analysis and saving us all the trouble!
Awesome. oh, and if that’s your 2c, I’ll take 20 bucks worth
I never liked the idea of a pop-up. If i am on a site and i like that site its most likely that i might visit it again or maybe even sign-up. But the moment this pop up comes i lose interest generally. The main reason being that it tells the user that you are being forced to sign up. So my vote will be a complete no-n0.
abhishek@relationship´s last [type] ..Commonwealth games theme Song
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 30, 2010 at 8:26 PM
Thanks for sharing your comments and Vote Abhishek
I’ve also been looking into using pop ups but I’m not 100% sure if I want to subject my viewers to this. There was a time when I completely hated pop ups till I started my own blog and now I’m looking for every possible chance to grow my list. Most people say that they prefer reading the persons blog and building trust with that person before making a decision to opt in or not….but I believe that a person could build trust with that blogger a lot faster if they were to see a short amature video introduction (such as what can be used on a welcome page). I wonder how a video opt in pop up would do as apposed to a text based opt in? You would think that it would get a better response because you get a personal message from that blogger… but then again it’s still a pop up. (I don’t even think anything like this exist) What do you guys think?
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 30, 2010 at 8:05 PM
I think that would be worse. It would be like going and introducing yourself to someone when you could see that they were busy. If that peson wants to meet you then make it easy with a video in the sidebar. I think what you are suggesting, although you are coming from the right place with the right intention – would be the worst thing you could possibly do. It’s bad enough that the pop up box appears! Imagine it spoke to you too!
Thanks for your input and comments Charles.
You have a point Alex, I can defiantly see how it can feel like an intrusion. But it’s still a decision I’m undecided on (to use or not to use), after all it’s worked well for John Chow. LOL I would think that it really comes down to your readers and how much they enjoy your site, I have a handful of blogs that I frequent because I love the content and I really like the people behind those blogs, and their pop ups have never upset me any. But then again, like Kevin said, maybe I’m just getting immune to them.
If you do decide to use a lightbox, please keep us updated with your results and what you think of it. I think you’re off to a good start by first asking for your readers opinion and thats very admirable. It defiantly shows that you put their interest first.
Charles Rivera´s last [type] ..Vlog Day 49 – 62 Music Sites For Your Videos
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 31, 2010 at 8:37 AM
Hey Charles.
I think as you said that Marketers are immune to them, and if that is the niche you are targeting then its no point having them.
In regards to John Chow – I think once you have made a name for yourself like that it does not matter how you get people to sign in – they are going to do it anyway!
Twitter: bizchickblogs
August 30, 2010 at 7:36 AM
I am not phased when I see a pop-up. More power to them, I guess. I admit I feel tempted to install it but haven’t brought myself to do it yet. I just don’t feel like annoying myself or my readers with it. I know that list building is important, though. Surely it would increase subscribers to my Blog Eat Blog list but I don’t care (frankly). Luckily for me I’m not relying on my list to generate substantial income so I have the luxury of deciding against it.
Tia´s last [type] ..Why I’m Not Impressed with Your Traffic Numbers- Bubba!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 30, 2010 at 7:39 PM
I’m with you on that Tia – not too phased, AND don’t really rely on my list – don’t even email them actually – I really need to get around to that!
Thanks for commenting and sharing your opinion Tia – much appreciated
I think it’s something you might get immune to after extended exposure (like walking on broken glass might eventually build up callouses on the bottom of your feet) but a few months ago I’d automatically leave any site with a huge pop-up. My opinion is that a visitor needs a chance to see if there is something worth subscribing to before asking for their email address or whatever. The only pop-up that I’ve seen lately that wasn’t totally obnoxious was on the KISSMetrics site where at the bottom of the screen, after scrolling through the post and you’ve had a chance to read it, a pop-up asks if you liked it and then gives you a button to tweet it. Thanks for the invitation to rant… I’m feeling much better now.
Kevin´s last [type] ..8 Things no one tells a new blogger
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 30, 2010 at 7:35 PM
LOL!
Hey Kevin, thanks for taking up my invitation and having a good old rant. Educational too – thanks man!
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
August 31, 2010 at 7:56 AM
I used to hate popups with a passion. But I am fine with the popups as long as they don’t show up every single time I visit your blog. I do not use popup domination. I am a true believe in using the free model as much as possible. With that in mind, I use a free wordpress plugin called newsletter (which I later upgraded to pro for a few bucks). This way, I own my list and I am not renting the list space with aweber or some other thing that hosts a list. Then I installed a free plugin called modal dialog and styled it a bit to get a nice popup similar to popup domination. I set it up to only show once every 30 days as long as you don’t clear your cookies. The addition to the popup wasn’t really to catch new subscribers on their first visit, but to get my regulars to sign up because they already know the content that I put out.
The tools themselves aren’t bad. It’s how you use them. Force a pop-up on a visitor every time they come to your blog and you are asking for a one-time visit never to return again.
Brandon Connell´s last [type] ..Viral Video Challenge
Twitter: buildrankprofit
August 31, 2010 at 8:35 AM
Hey Brandon, how are you man?
That’s an awesome comment mate – and something I think I will definitely look into – awesome man!
You make some really good points too
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
August 31, 2010 at 8:42 AM
I’m good man. Other than the pneumonia I have at the moment. I think you should have a pop-up here man. No reason to stay away from it. If your loyal readers and friends are really loyal and friends, then they will not boycott your blog just because of an addition.
Brandon Connell´s last [type] ..Viral Video Challenge
Brandon,
Love the pop up plugin on your Blog! Do you have a link to where I can find it at?
Charles Rivera´s last [type] ..Vlog Day 49 – 62 Music Sites For Your Videos
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
August 31, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Hi Charles. I use Modal Dialog at http://yannickcorner.nayanna.biz/wordpress-plugins/modal-dialog/ and Newsletter Pro http://www.satollo.net/plugins/newsletter in combination. Keep in mind that I styled it with a graphic I designed and specified settings in modal dialog.
Brandon Connell´s last [type] ..I quit blogging because this business sucks!
Twitter: wpexplorer
August 31, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Personally I think that if people really like your site and what to subscribe they will find a way to do so. Ultimately giving you a list of loyal subscribers. Sure you might get more subscribers via a pop-up but how many of these will actually be as loyal as those who took the effort to checkout your sidebar and subscribe that way?
Aj´s last [type] ..Use WordPress For Your Small Business
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 1, 2010 at 12:57 AM
Sure you might get more subscribers via a pop-up but how many of these will actually be as loyal as those who took the effort to checkout your sidebar and subscribe that way?
That is EXACTLY my point that I am making in my next post!
brilliant AJ. (Great minds think alike or fools never differ?)
Twitter: wpexplorer
September 1, 2010 at 1:50 AM
I lean more towards great minds think a like
Aj´s last [type] ..Use WordPress For Your Small Business
Twitter: jkingblogger
August 31, 2010 at 11:11 PM
The Pop-up domination plugin is becoming popular. The investor of the plugin has made a good turn over in a short period of time. Some suggestions that I should point the developer is: the pop-up should only be shown once whilst navigating through the site.
The pop up is an issue on notebooks, because you can’t close the pop-up. If you’re sign in box is so good, would you really need a pop-up? Google AdWords user wont be allowed to use a blog with this feature as it is deemed to be unfair advertising.
I purchased the plugin, but haven’t used it yet. I’ve probably talked myself of using it now.
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 1, 2010 at 12:48 AM
That’s an awful lot of information you have about the pop up James, awesome man!
Thanks for letting me know – now I feel better about not using it (never say never though right
)
Twitter: Cyberdv8
September 1, 2010 at 6:07 PM
To pop up or not pop up, that is the question! Very simply i tend to use fire fox for the sole reason it has pop-up blocker built in, on the other hand a pop up poll is an important tool to gauge the reactions of your followers.
Twitter: danielsharkov
September 2, 2010 at 2:17 AM
Although there might be an increase in subscribers count, this is not all that matters in my opinion. As I see things people will be rather frustrated with that kind of plug-in and it is not worth scaring away readers just to get some additional subscribers.
Daniel Sharkov@Reviewz ‘n’ Tips´s last [type] ..Why Having a Great Design for Your Blog Is So Important
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 2, 2010 at 10:55 AM
You make a very good point Daniel!
Hi Alex,
I was thinking about exactly this an hour ago — one website had a pop-up / overlay that was just too large and in FireFox I couldn’t reach the close button (and right-clicking didn’t help) so couldn’t see any of the content… ironic, eh? Had to close the site to make the pop-up go away.
For what it’s worth, I don’t mind them — if they’re straightforward and draw your attention to a sign-up, service, news item or product to which the site owner needs to have attention drawn, then so be it.
Sean
Sean@Wholesale Bali´s last [type] ..Container Quotes to Britain – Rosyth Scotland from Bali
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 9, 2010 at 9:31 AM
You make a good point at the end – but I loved your example!
Quite funny really.
Thanks for stopping by Sean
Hi Alex,
I’m a bit hesitant as to whether love or hate this pop up opt in. While Pop up displays are the best and the most popular tool used for advertising a product at an exhibition or a trade show, it’s also annoying sometimes.
However I’m attractive to its objective, since its primary goal is to attract customers so that they can be aware of the new or the upcoming products. So I think it is considerable.
Danielo @ xena costumes´s last [type] ..Ninja Warrior Costume
Definitely no Pop-Ups, especially not the floating ones – they’re too hard to catch and delete. The site has to be exceptionally good for me to bother deleting the pop-ups. I NEVER look at them. Something shouting that loud isn’t worth looking at. Basically, as you may have guessed, I DON’T LIKE POP-UPS.
John
John McNally´s last [type] ..WHY was Clockwork Orange Banned in GB
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 11, 2010 at 3:02 PM
Hahaha, I kinda picked up on the underlying message there John
glad I don’t have one ….. Atm 
“Thinking Outside the PopUp Box FTW!”
I don’t mind PUDs at all if they are done well. I get an instant glimpse of both copywriting and marketing before I close out a box (which takes a few eye blinks). And I get this insight for the small cost of clicking an X. Well worth it.
PUD won’t do much for any blog if it isn’t thought out: matching theme, layout, captivating message. If its message is, “This Blog is Great, Sign Up Now!” – Well of course that would be annoying. IMHO it provides far more advertising line space vs. just the sidebar box, if it used with some common sense and creativity (which Jean should rub more shoulders and pass along her writing cabal mysteries).
It also can be used for more than just subscriptions. It could be used to point to anything of interest: youtube video or ted.tv, a good book, articles on other sites OR introduction to a CONTEST like “ENTER TO WIN an iPAd at http://www.virginbloggernotes.com” (Disclaimer: You don’t need to be a virgin to win).
OR contest like “ENTER TO WIN Five Articles Backlinking your Website by Alex Whalley” (Disclaimer: Alex will do backlinks now for anyone who comments on this post — Thanks Alex!)
OR a contest where you have a daily CODE in PUD for a Puzzle Solving Contest and of course the only way a contestant can enter and win, is by getting the daily codes (hint: daily site traffic). Or maybe the contest has you leaf-frog from site to site, with each pop-up providing a clue (think scavenger hunt). If a local guy, to win a radio rockfest contest, will get a tatoo on his “unmentionable” to win, I’m confident people online will jump some hoops to win other prizes.
The point is, your sidebar box with your CORE giveaway remains the one constant. Using PUD you could create quick changing marketing done on the fly and promote anyone or anything.
Imagine Jean if every single commenter here ran a contest “Have a Guest Article Written for Your Blog.” Each blogger gets the subscriber, then sends out an email link to your site to have them subscribe as well and ENTER the contest for an article. All the elements of teamwork, smart viral marketing and a win-win for everyone involved. How powerful would that be?
I should guest post, “Pop Up Domination – Mysteries of Marketing Mayhem Unveiled.”
Well, heck, Leon. Now you’ve gone and blown Alex’s plan to put up the “This Blog is Great! Sign up Now,” message.
I give you kudos for your innovative ideas though! Are you sure you’re not working undercover for PopUp Abomination? I think you should go tell everyone who has one to quit putting up the same lame stuff everyone else has and get their creative PopUp groove on.
When you talked about the fellow getting a tattoo on his unmentionable (haha) I did sort of wonder what was going to be popping up next in this conversation
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..Don’t Let Your Blogging Boat Sink!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 13, 2010 at 1:41 PM
I’m installing one as we speak Jean..
(runs and hides)
I can’t sit here and judge until I have seen both sides of the equation….. I Know, I know….please don’t hate me
I promise I will configure it to appear once and then be scared of you…if there is an option.
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little
I’m saving the rest for the PopUp . . .
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..Don’t Let Your Blogging Boat Sink!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 13, 2010 at 10:11 PM
LOL! You crack me up Jean.
Its intalled
Did you puke a little bit?
it will not appear again for 2 weeks (the pop-up form I mean)
The very first time I saw PopUp, I took it in with a measure of caution. Then when I saw it on both David Risley’s and Robb Sutton’s sites, I bought it (even though I have yet to use it and I even have the new beta).
I don’t work for PopUp.
Alex is the SEO God. You are a Writing God. My forte is much like you saw in my comment. I tend to naturally find ways to implement a tool or idea. At least to me, they seem sensible and fall within the realm of possible vs. hair-brained (grin).
And you really nailed the BIG problem, which is many are copycatting others material and NOT using their own. This is where you, Jillian, Alex and other top notch writers can OFFER to help them out. After all, you are writing articles and tweets. Why not write up their PUD content?
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
September 13, 2010 at 9:53 PM
Your popup worked. I just subscribed.
Brandon Connell´s last [type] ..Income blogging requires new strategies in this day and age
Twitter: buildrankprofit
September 13, 2010 at 9:58 PM
hahahahaah, awesome Brandon! I’m coming over to say g’day now – you know I installed that thing like – well I am still finalusing the settings as we speak!
Twitter: Brandon_Connell
September 13, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Well I haven’t been around lately. I have been shelling corn for a month, and have another month to go. Don’t ask…
Brandon Connell´s last [type] ..Income blogging requires new strategies in this day and age
I am sort of mixed on the pop up opt in . My biggest issue is when I can’t get the pop up to go away. It makes it very hard to read what I came to the site to read.
Forinstance, I was able to get your opt in to go away, but no the social media pop up. It made your site very hard to read with the list of social media running up and down the middle of the page. It might be just me but I couldnt figure out how to get it to close.
Twitter: buildrankprofit
October 3, 2010 at 1:07 AM
Hey Darcy!
Really? Is that the Digg Digg floating plugin? It should sit to the far left of the sidebar, not in the middle of the page?
I am about to remove the poop up actually (yes purposeful typo) so hopefully this will no longer be an issue
Thanks for sharing
I always think worse of the business owner who puts pop-ups on their site.
I know, they work. But they’re nasty. You just have to decide whether to care about ticking people off.
So, I can’t imagine using one myself. But other people swear the results are worth it.
The results wouldn’t be worth losing respect over, IMHO.
Twitter: buildrankprofit
October 28, 2010 at 9:28 PM
I’m totally with you Joanna!
Notice any opt in form here? Exactly
You gotta earn a sub I think – not annoy them into it
Twitter: ErikEmanuelli
December 24, 2010 at 9:29 AM
I actually hate pop-ups ,
it happens sometime that you stumble in a site and you have to keep closing pop-ups.
But in these last months of my online experience I learned there are different kind of bloggers, different schools of thought, also about pop-ups, for istance.
Personally I think they work.
But I also think that if you even decide to put a pop-ups in your site, it is because you are in the next level, I mean, you have a lot of traffic and you can afford to lose those readers who actually hate pop-ups.
Erik Emanuelli @ FreeMakeMoneyAdvice´s last [type] ..FREE MONEY ADVICE n 62 – How to make money online with Fiverr
Twitter: buildrankprofit
December 24, 2010 at 9:43 AM
Hey Erik,
That last point you make is certainly a good one!
Thanks for sharing
Twitter: alanashwood
February 7, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Hi Alex Just popped up to give my two pennyworth. I’m a
total sucker for popups. I always read them even if I close them.
The ones that really anoy me are the ones that won’t shut down, and
cover the article I’m trying to read! In fact, I like them so much,
I’m adding one to one of my blogs in a couple of weeks. Why don’t
you pop up and see it (and sign up of course). Well, just a
thought. Alan
Alan Ashwood´s last [type] ..It’s My Birthday!
Twitter: buildrankprofit
February 8, 2011 at 1:34 PM
Hey Alan,
Love the honesty – and you know what -I am too! I love reading them to see what copy they have come up with and what unique angle they are approaching from. I too hate the ones that pop up and will not go away, or just keep popping up again and again and again!!
I will definitely have to ‘pop’ over and see yours Alan!
Thanks for sharing (literally)
Twitter: problogsuccess
April 5, 2011 at 6:58 PM
Hey Alex,
If I like the content in your blog and you then I will find my way to your optin form, no matter wherever you put it; in the sidebar, at the bottom of the post or anywhere. But I will NEVER sign up just because you are smart enough to put a flashing optin form before my face. No you are not smart
and everyone does this, so I won’t find you different!
BTW: I like you and I did subscribe to your blog from the sidebar form.
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers´s last [type] ..How I Managed To Get My Posts Featured On A-List Blogs
Twitter: buildrankprofit
April 5, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Haha thanks Jane, I’ll take that as a compliment to my content – even if I’m not clever
Funny thing is that when I wrote this post I had no pop up form or intention of adding one.
Now of course I have joined the dark side and to tell the truth – it works!
I assume you subscribed via RSS because there is no opt in form in my side bar?!
Thanks Jane -I hope you find ‘some’ of the answers here
Hi Alex
They do work. How do I know? I get sucked in by them, and very often opt-in through them. I’ve just started my third blog, and I’m going to add one ASAP.
. . . Just need to find something worthwhile to offer my readers first.
Bookmarked this for later digestion.
Cheers
Ashley
Ashley´s last [type] ..Reviewing the Review Sites – All is not always as it seems
It depends if the person set it up right. I don’t mind if it pops up once, but there is one site i used to visit it came up every ten minutes. highly annoying.
Shane Ryans´s last [type] ..Certified E-Commerce professional
Twitter: buildrankprofit
May 3, 2011 at 12:05 PM
I totally agree Shane. I hate it when the pop up appears more than once in the same session. I am surprised they get away with it still! Mine comes up every 7 days and that’s still too often I think
Twitter: Techsavyshweta
September 28, 2011 at 4:11 PM
I hate this Pop-Up option frm the bottom of my heart.
Shweta´s last [type] ..Xobni Launches Contact Manager For Android And Gmail
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