5 email popup examples that don’t include a discount

Think of all the times you browse an ecommerce site for the first time and a website popup emerges, requesting your email address. If I had to place my bets, I’d say nine times out of 10 the lure is going to be a discount. 

It goes something like this: Save 10% on your order when you subscribe. 

No doubt the approach works for a lot of brands intent on growing their email lists. But it’s not necessarily the right angle that every brand wants to — or should — take. 

I say be a bit different to grab attention. Here are some email popup ideas to get you going. 

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The “what you’ll get” email popup

Before you jump into designing a website popup, we always advise that you think through the advantages that a potential new subscriber will gain by signing up.  

There are short-term wins, like the percentage saved on a purchase. Then there are long-term wins. They are the calls to action (CTA) that speak to subscriber benefits beyond the immediate reward. What will someone get by handing over their email address?

Reflektion Design does this succinctly and beautifully with one line. The term “tribe” aligns perfectly with this shop, which sells modern African decor and accessories. 

Here’s another email popup example from Basic Revolution that falls into the long-term CTA category. Get tips and product updates from the maker of sustainably made socks — you can’t get much more to the point. I love how they infuse a touch of their brand personality with Dee the Sock Wearing Dog, too.  

Showcase your brand's voice! See how others are using website popups to convey their personality.

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Dot & Bo’s example below provides yet another take on the “this is what you’ll get” email popup. The language isn’t too in-depth, but subscribers are aware that they’ll receive emails daily with special offers. 

What I especially like is how the brand’s email popup guides you to create an account. After creating a password (or connecting through Facebook), you’re taken to the second screenshot, where you can enter shipping address and payment information. This is a great prompt for those who want to make checkout easier in the future. 

The free shipping email popup

Offering a discount to every new subscriber might not be feasible if your margins are slim. Instead, brands that still want to provide a tangible incentive aimed at spurring a sale could waive shipping.

Stats indicate free shipping is an attractive offer. Shopify found that 59% of online shoppers say free delivery would improve their online shopping experience. (Additionally, 23% are frustrated when they have to pay extra for it.)    

This website popup from TOMS revolves exclusively around free shipping. 

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If you're new to growing your email list with a website popup, check out our post on popup creation basics.

The content giveaway email popup

Free gifts don’t have to come in the form of a physical product. Providing a gift that distills useful information can be an unexpected, yet wonderful, incentive. 

In marketing speak, we call this gated content. It’s used more frequently by B2B brands, but it can work just as well for ecommerce.   

Take Everyday Family Cooking, for instance. Yes, it’s a blog and not a brand that sells products or services. I’m showing it because it’s easy to imagine how Shopify stores might use this as inspiration to create a piece of content for their niche. 

Think something like “our top 5 wine pairings” if you’re an artisanal cheese shop. Or “how to launder your clothes by fabric type” for a clothing boutique. Take the beginner guide idea and make it your own — an angle that fits with your brand.
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The join-our-program email popup

It’s human nature to want to be included and, further, be part of a special group. It’s why extending an invitation to a special club is a nice kickoff to a new relationship. 

Concurrently, you’re sowing the seeds for loyalty. Consider that 71% of consumers say loyalty programs are a meaningful part of their relationships with brands. 

The email signup popup from luxury brand Michael Kors welcomes visitors to join its VIP rewards program, pointing out the perks of free shipping and returns, birthday rewards, and an annual gift.

Rituals also touts its membership program through a website popup. I’m totally digging the inclusion of an eye-catching video (it’s shortened in our example below for space-saving purposes). The offer of a welcome gift with an online purchase is also a nice touch.

The prize giveaway email popup

I think most people like to win stuff. I mean, I certainly like throwing my hat in the proverbial prize giveaway ring. Especially if it’s a higher-end prize that you would otherwise not buy.  

RTIC Outdoors gets it right with this email popup example. I have the chance to win a $220 cooler? Sign me up.

Get creative with how you grow your email list

While discounts are attractive to a lot of shoppers, there’s other tactics for getting someone to sign up for your email newsletter. You just have to flex your imagination.  

Try creating a version of your own with Seguno’s popup app. It integrates with the Seguno email marketing app and resides right within Shopify.  

And once your website popup is up and running, ensure you've got a welcome email or series in place to begin the relationship with your new subscriber.