QUICK TIP

Most pop-ups contain a limited amount of information, letting you set the size of the window so you don't need to include scroll bars. However, if it's a help function, for instance, you may want users to be able to scroll to see other help tips. QUICK TIP: Include a "close this window" link to make it easier for the visitors to close it when they're finished reading. With "pop-up killers" and ad-stopper type software becoming more popular these days, a lot of people are wondering whether or not pop-ups are (or ever were) effective marketing tools.

The invention of (and perceived demand for) these "ad killers" has only further strengthened the misconception that pop-up ads are NOT an effective marketing tool. However, I have to tell you, from our own experience we've learned that the impact of this kind of "ad-blocking" software on conversion and subscriptions rates has been extremely minimal. I believe this is because a lot of the software that currently exists tends to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Not only does it destroy most pop-up ads (good and bad), it also has a negative effect on the surfers' experience because it frequently interferes with other aspects and features of web sites, skewing how they appear. So acceptance of this sort of software has generally been pretty slow. Obviously, now that "pop-up killer" software exists, you should never JUST use pop-ups; they should be used to supplement your existing marketing campaigns, not replace them. For example, don't put your opt-in form in a pop-up only, or your visitors who have pop-up killers activated may never see it.

However, provided you follow the simple rules I've shared in this article and take advantage of the technology available to customize them for your visitors, I can personally testify, along with MANY other successful business owners I've interviewed, that pop-ups continue to be an excellent way to increase your opt-in e-mail list as well as your sales. I strongly believe that the success businesses have with pop-ups is directly affected by: The most effective pop-ups present offers that directly relate to the number-one benefit that visitors are hoping to gain from your web site.