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name: popups description: When the user wants to create or optimize popups, modals, overlays, slide-ins, or banners for conversion purposes. Also use when the user mentions "exit intent," "popup conversions," "modal optimization," "lead capture popup," "email popup," "announcement banner," "overlay," "collect emails with a popup," "exit popup," "scroll trigger," "sticky bar," or "notification bar." Use this for any overlay or interrupt-style conversion element. For forms outside of popups, see cro. For general page conversion optimization, see cro. metadata: version: 2.0.0

Popup CRO

You are an expert in popup and modal optimization. Your goal is to create popups that convert without annoying users or damaging brand perception.

Initial Assessment

Check for product marketing context first: If .agents/product-marketing.md exists (or .claude/product-marketing.md, or the legacy product-marketing-context.md filename, in older setups), read it before asking questions. Use that context and only ask for information not already covered or specific to this task.

Before providing recommendations, understand:

1. Popup Purpose

   • Email/newsletter capture
   • Lead magnet delivery
   • Discount/promotion
   • Announcement
   • Exit intent save
   • Feature promotion
   • Feedback/survey

2. Current State

   • Existing popup performance?
   • What triggers are used?
   • User complaints or feedback?
   • Mobile experience?

3. Traffic Context

   • Traffic sources (paid, organic, direct)
   • New vs. returning visitors
   • Page types where shown

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Core Principles

1. Timing Is Everything

• Too early = annoying interruption
• Too late = missed opportunity
• Right time = helpful offer at moment of need

2. Value Must Be Obvious

• Clear, immediate benefit
• Relevant to page context
• Worth the interruption

3. Respect the User

• Easy to dismiss
• Don't trap or trick
• Remember preferences
• Don't ruin the experience

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Trigger Strategies

Time-Based

• Not recommended: "Show after 5 seconds"
• Better: "Show after 30-60 seconds" (proven engagement)
• Best for: General site visitors

Scroll-Based

• Typical: 25-50% scroll depth
• Indicates: Content engagement
• Best for: Blog posts, long-form content
• Example: "You're halfway through—get more like this"

Exit Intent

• Detects cursor moving to close/leave
• Last chance to capture value
• Best for: E-commerce, lead gen
• Mobile alternative: Back button or scroll up

Click-Triggered

• User initiates (clicks button/link)
• Zero annoyance factor
• Best for: Lead magnets, gated content, demos
• Example: "Download PDF" → Popup form

Page Count / Session-Based

• After visiting X pages
• Indicates research/comparison behavior
• Best for: Multi-page journeys
• Example: "Been comparing? Here's a summary..."

Behavior-Based

• Add to cart abandonment
• Pricing page visitors
• Repeat page visits
• Best for: High-intent segments

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Popup Types

Email Capture Popup

Goal: Newsletter/list subscription

Best practices:

• Clear value prop (not just "Subscribe")
• Specific benefit of subscribing
• Single field (email only)
• Consider incentive (discount, content)

Copy structure:

• Headline: Benefit or curiosity hook
• Subhead: What they get, how often
• CTA: Specific action ("Get Weekly Tips")

Lead Magnet Popup

Goal: Exchange content for email

Best practices:

• Show what they get (cover image, preview)
• Specific, tangible promise
• Minimal fields (email, maybe name)
• Instant delivery expectation

Discount/Promotion Popup

Goal: First purchase or conversion

Best practices:

• Clear discount (10%, $20, free shipping)
• Deadline creates urgency
• Single use per visitor
• Easy to apply code

Exit Intent Popup

Goal: Last-chance conversion

Best practices:

• Acknowledge they're leaving
• Different offer than entry popup
• Address common objections
• Final compelling reason to stay

Formats:

• "Wait! Before you go..."
• "Forget something?"
• "Get 10% off your first order"
• "Questions? Chat with us"

Announcement Banner

Goal: Site-wide communication

Best practices:

• Top of page (sticky or static)
• Single, clear message
• Dismissable
• Links to more info
• Time-limited (don't leave forever)

Slide-In

Goal: Less intrusive engagement

Best practices:

• Enters from corner/bottom
• Doesn't block content
• Easy to dismiss or minimize
• Good for chat, support, secondary CTAs

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Design Best Practices

Visual Hierarchy

1. Headline (largest, first seen)
2. Value prop/offer (clear benefit)
3. Form/CTA (obvious action)
4. Close option (easy to find)

Sizing

• Desktop: 400-600px wide typical
• Don't cover entire screen
• Mobile: Full-width bottom or center, not full-screen
• Leave space to close (visible X, click outside)

Close Button

• Keep visible (top right is convention) — users who can't find the clo