How to Use Shopify Email Pop-Ups Without Annoying Everyone
We’ve all been there.
You land on a Shopify store, you’re two seconds in, and BAM — a pop-up smacks you in the face asking for your email. You haven’t even had time to admire the hero image or find out if they sell anything other than scented candles.
So… yeah, popups can be annoying.
But when done right?
They can be a marketer’s secret weapon.
A strategic pop-up (or email pop, if we’re getting fancy) can help you grow your email list, reduce cart abandonment, and even increase sales — without sending your bounce rate through the roof.
Let’s dig into how to actually use pop-ups on your Shopify store in a way that helps your customers (and your bottom line).
The Shopify Pop‑Up Survival Guide for Ecommerce Owners
Pop ups aren’t just about shouting, “GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL.” They’re about engaging visitors, building trust, and yes, boosting conversions.
Luckily, the Shopify App Store is packed with options, whether you want to grow your email list, reduce cart abandonment, or show that perfectly-timed email pop.
Here are 5 solid popup tools you can find on Shopify right now (including our top pick):
1. Klaviyo – Our Go-To Favorite
Not just an email marketing platform — Klaviyo also has powerful, customizable pop-up forms that integrate seamlessly with your Shopify store.
Set up exit-intent popups, newsletter sign-ups, and even product recommendations without code.
Bonus: Deep analytics + automated flows.
Merchants highly praise this app for boosting both conversions and customer engagement.
2. Privy – Pop-Ups & Email
Great for beginners.
Privy offers a simple popup builder, built-in A/B testing, and tools to grow your mailing list fast.
Use it to offer discounts, announce sales, or create urgency.
A powerhouse for serious marketers.
Beyond your basic pop‑up, Justuno lets you personalize content, run upsell campaigns, and use real-time analytics to adjust on the fly.
Design slick, mobile-optimized popups using drag-and-drop.
Wisepops supports segmentation, triggers, and even onsite banners.
Perfect for ecommerce pros who want full control.
A great option if you’re already using Mailchimp for email.
You can easily add a pop-up to your storefront, sync subscribers, and offer lead magnets using their customizable templates.
Types of Pop-Ups That Don’t Make People Rage Click Away
Let’s be honest: nobody wants their shopping experience ruined by a screaming pop‑up. But when used the right way with great timing and smart customization options, email popups can genuinely help you engage visitors, build your email list, and promote sales.
Here are the most effective types of email pop-ups to consider adding to your Shopify store:
1. Welcome Pop-Ups
First impressions matter — even digitally.
These pop ups show up when someone lands on your site for the first time. Offer a freebie, a discount, or early access to new products or services to encourage a quick sign-up.
2. Exit Intent Pop-Ups
Someone’s about to leave? This is your last chance to say, “Wait! We’ve got something for you.”
Exit-intent popups detect when a user’s mouse is heading for the door (aka the back button). Offer a last-minute discount, free shipping, or a helpful guide — anything that helps you engage with your brand one last time.
3. Scroll-Based or Time-Based Pop-Ups
These popups appear after someone has either scrolled through part of your page or hung around for a bit. That means they’re at least mildly interested. Now’s the perfect time to offer value.
Use them to grow your email list without being too in-your-face. They’re subtle, smart, and super user-friendly — especially on mobile devices.
4. Product Page Pop Ups
These pop-ups can also showcase a featured images gallery or customer reviews to boost confidence and drive conversion.
5. Gamified Pop-Ups (Spin-to-Win, Quizzes, etc.)
Want to stand out in a crowded Shopify app store? Gamified email popups offer a dynamic way to capture attention and emails.
People love a good spin wheel or personality quiz — especially when there’s a chance to win a free item or score a limited-time deal.
Found in many a third-party app, and yes — people will share this in their group chat if it’s fun enough.
How to Add a Pop‑Up to Your Shopify Store (Step-by-Step Guide)
You don’t need to be a developer to show smart, high-converting popups on your Shopify store. With the right tools (and a little strategy), you can set up pop‑ups that boost sales, grow your email list, and help you engage visitors in a meaningful way.
Here’s how to do it — even if you still call it “the email thingy.”
- Go to the Shopify App Store
Search for apps like “popup builder,” “email subscription,” or “email pop.” You’ll find everything from beginner-friendly tools to advanced ecommerce solutions. - Choose an App That Fits Your Goals
Want to reduce exit intent cart abandonment? Build an email list? Promote sales? There’s a tool for that — and most have free plans to start. - Install the App on Your Shopify Store
Whether it’s a built-in Shopify tool or a third-party app, installation usually takes just a few clicks. - Customize Your Popup
Choose a template, add your copy, design it to match your brand, and don’t forget a clear CTA. Many tools support featured images gallery blocks, countdown timers, and product recommendations - Set Triggers and Targeting
Decide when and how your pop-up appears — on exit intent, after scroll, or time-delay. Show popups for specific product pages, collection pages, or user behavior. - Preview, Test, and Publish
Always preview on both desktop and mobile devices. Make sure it’s working smoothly before letting it loose on your traffic.
Creating a Shopify Pop-Up with Klaviyo (Our Favorite Method)
- Install Klaviyo from the Shopify App Store
Search “Klaviyo” on the Shopify App Store and hit install. The app is noted for its deep integration with Shopify, slick UX, and top-tier customer support. - Go to Klaviyo’s Signup Forms Section
Navigate to Signup Forms in your Klaviyo dashboard. This is where the magic happens. - Create a New Pop-Up
Choose from a library of customizable templates — welcome offers, exit intent, product recommendations, and more. You can even offer a free gift or discount to increase opt-ins. - Customize the Design
Adjust colors, fonts, and messaging to match your Shopify store’s branding. Add a featured images gallery or highlight popular products to make the popup visually engaging. - Set Display Triggers and Targeting Rules
Want to target new visitors only? Or trigger on exit intent? Klaviyo gives you advanced targeting options so you can engage visitors without being annoying. - Connect to Your Email List
Every signup automatically flows into your Klaviyo email list, where you can follow up with automated welcome emails, product offers, or just a nice “hey there” in their inbox. - Publish It Live on Your Shopify Store
Click publish, and boom — your popup is now active and ready to start boosting sales and growing your list.
Bonus: Klaviyo’s support team and knowledge base are excellent. If you ever get stuck, you’ll find walkthroughs, chat help, and a ton of guidance to optimize your marketing efforts.
If you’ve ever Googled Klaviyo vs Mailchimp, you already know the debate is real. Both offer email pop-up tools and email subscription forms, but Klaviyo integrates more deeply with your Shopify store — making it our top pick for advanced segmentation, better analytics tools, and automation built for ecommerce.
Email Subscription Pop-Ups That Actually Engage Visitors and Promote Sales
Your popup should be part of your marketing strategy, not a random “maybe it’ll work” experiment.
Here’s how to keep things smart:
- Use featured images gallery to make popups visually engaging
- Offer something actually valuable — like a discount, freebie, or early access
- Segment popups for specific audiences (new vs. returning visitors)
- Integrate with your email marketing tool for smooth follow-ups
And remember: timing is everything. A pop-up that appears 3 seconds after landing feels like a cold call. A well-timed popup feels like a helpful nudge.
Why Marketers (Secretly) Love Pop-Ups
They’re dynamic, customizable, and surprisingly powerful when done right. You can:
- Boost your email list
- Enhance customer experience
- Drive product recommendations
- Create urgency (“Only 5 left!”)
- And recover abandoned carts with a pop-up that says, “Hey… you forgot this!”
Shopify merchants highly praise apps that balance user experience with conversion. The right popup app can seriously upgrade your ecommerce game.
Final Pop-Up Thoughts (Before You Go)
Pop‑ups might seem small, but when they’re done right, they can have a big impact on your Shopify store, from growing your email list to recommending the right products at just the right moment.
Whether you’re using the Shopify Forms App, Klaviyo, or other apps like Justuno or Privy, the key is to create pop ups that feel helpful, not pushy. Customize them to match your brand colors, set smart triggers, and use analytics tools to keep improving the experience.
And hey, if you’re a store owner feeling stuck trying to configure your first email subscription pop-up, don’t stress.
Our Klaviyo experts are here to help.
We’ll help you make the most of Klaviyo features, design, build, and launch high-converting email pop-ups that not only look great, but also fit seamlessly into your Shopify marketing strategy.
Need a hand? Get in touch — we love turning “just a popup” into your next big conversion win.