8 email popup examples that don’t include a discount

Think of all the times you browse an ecommerce site for the first time and an email 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 building their audience with email popups. But it’s not necessarily the right angle that every brand wants to — or should — take. 

I say be a bit different. You'll not only grab attention for your Shopify store, but generate intrigue so subscribers will be excited to receive your email marketing. Here are some email popup examples that demonstrate how you can entice your target audience.

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The “what you’ll get” email popup example

Before you jump into designing an email signup popup, we always advise that you think through the advantages a potential new subscriber will gain.  

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

#1: Reflektion Design

Reflektion Design's email popup alludes to the subscription benefit succinctly and beautifully with its opening line. The term “tribe” aligns perfectly with this shop, which sells modern African decor and accessories, and communicates that you'll be part of a special community. 

#2: Basic Revolution

Here’s another email signup popup from Basic Revolution that falls into the long-term benefit 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 email popups to convey their personality.

#3: Dot & Bo

Dot & Bo’s example below provides yet another take on the “this is what you’ll get” email popup. While the language is concise, it indicates subscribers will receive daily emails with special offers. 

What I especially like is how the brand’s popup form 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, optional prompt for those interested in making future checkouts easier.  

The free shipping email popup example

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.

OK, we admit it: free shipping is technically a Shopify discount. You're still passing along savings. But we see it far less frequently than the percentage-off discounting tactic.

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.)  

#4: TOMS  

This “subscribe popup” example from TOMS is straightforward and revolves exclusively around free shipping.

If you're new to growing your subscriber list with an email popup, check out our post on popup form basics and best practices.

The content giveaway email popup example

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

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.   

#5: Everyday Family Cooking

Take the email popup from 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 with an angle that fits with your brand.
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The join-our-program email popup example

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. 

#6: Michael Kors

The email popup example 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.

#7 Rituals

Rituals also touts its membership program through an email popup. I’m totally digging the 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 example

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 I might not otherwise buy.  

#8: RTIC Outdoors

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 email popups to grow your email list

While discounts are attractive to a lot of shoppers, there are other tactics for getting someone to join your email marketing program. You just have to flex your imagination.  

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

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