Capture leads effortlessly with SMS sign-up popups

Discover effective SMS pop-up strategies and sign-up examples. Learn how Infobip enhances customer engagement through optimized messaging solutions.

Ana Rukavina Junior Content Writer

Capturing attention online has never been harder. As customers scroll, tap, and bounce between tabs, brands have just seconds to make an impression, and even less time to drive action. That’s why more marketers are turning to SMS popups as one of the fastest, most effective ways to start a conversation that leads to conversion. 

Unlike traditional email address collection, which can get buried in cluttered inboxes, SMS popups let you reach customers where they’re already paying attention; their phones. Whether you’re running a flash sale, launching a new product, or building long-term loyalty, a well-timed text message popup invites website visitors to opt in while intent is high. 

And with Infobip’s SMS marketing platform, you’re not just collecting phone numbers. You’re creating seamless, branded experiences that drive engagement across channels. From personalized opt-in flows to automated follow-ups, Infobip helps you grow a high-quality SMS subscriber list, one popup at a time. 

What is an SMS popup? 

An SMS popup is a marketing tool that appears on a website or an app that prompts visitors to enter their mobile phone number to receive text message updates or offers.

These overlays are designed to collect SMS opt-ins so businesses can send text message marketing campaigns. Unlike static forms, they capture attention in real time and create a clear call to action while a user is already engaged. 

Most popups appear after a specific trigger, like time on site, scroll depth, or exit intent. They often include an incentive such as a discount code or early access to encourage opt-in. Whether single opt-in or double opt-in, the goal remains the same: grow your SMS subscribers list with high-intent contacts. 

Split visual showing an SMS popup on a laptop offering 10% off for email and phone number sign-up, alongside a phone displaying the welcome message and discount code.

Benefits of using SMS popups 

Adding a text message pop up to your website brings immediate value. Here’s how SMS popups improve your marketing performance: 

  • High open rates: SMS messages have a 98% open rate, compared to 20-30% for email.
  • Faster conversions: 90% of SMS messages are read within three minutes. 
  • Cross-channel synergy: Use SMS alongside email and SMS strategies for broader reach. 
  • Real-time personalization: Trigger popups based on visitor behavior and collect phone numbers when intent is highest. 
  • Improved customer experience: A personalized, relevant opt in message shows you respect your audience’s time and preferences. 
  • Increased ROI: SMS marketing campaigns see click-through rates as high as 19%, directly boosting revenue. 

Whether you’re looking to grow your subscriber base, reduce abandoned carts, or simply deliver more timely marketing messages, SMS popups give you a direct and measurable way to engage your audience and drive results. 

Top SMS popup examples 

Now that we’ve covered the key advantages of using SMS popups, let’s look at how businesses across industries are turning those benefits into action. These SMS sign-up examples show practical ways to collect phone numbers, increase conversions, and deliver timely, targeted marketing messages. 

SMS popup form with a clean layout, featuring a sign-up field and CTA button under the message “Want to hear more from MyBrand?” highlighting a 20% discount.

Retail promotions 

Retailers use message pop ups to offer first-time visitor discounts. For example, a fashion eCommerce brand, Urban Outfitters, displays an SMS popup offering “Get 10% off your first order.” The user enters a phone number and immediately receives a discount code via SMS. This drives first-time purchases while growing the SMS list. 

Event reminders 

An event organizer embeds a text message pop up on landing pages for webinars or local events. By collecting SMS subscribers, they send automated reminders a day before the event to increase attendance rates. 

Abandoned cart recovery 

A message pop up on a checkout page asks: “Want a 10% discount before you go?” Visitors who sign up receive a code via SMS and return to complete the purchase. The promptness of SMS creates a sense of urgency and lifts sales. 

Exclusive product updates 

A skincare brand, Glow recipe, offers early access to new launches in exchange for phone numbers. Website visitors opt in and receive personalized SMS messages when products go live. These alerts drive engagement via SMS messages and avoid crowded email inboxes. 

Flash sales 

To build urgency, a popup promotes a limited-time deal: “Sale ends in 2 hours. Get your code via SMS.” This tactic works especially well with countdown timers and location-based targeting. 

These use cases highlight how versatile and impactful a well-placed SMS popup can be, especially when paired with clear incentives and smart timing. 

Designing effective SMS popups 

The design and copy of your SMS popup play a key role in capturing attention and convincing visitors to subscribe. A well-executed message pop up should feel like a natural part of the customer experience—timely, relevant, and visually aligned with your brand. Here are the best practices to follow when designing SMS popups that convert: 

1. Clear and actionable CTA 

Use direct language like “Sign up and save” or “Get your discount now.” The call to action should be unmissable and benefit-focused. 

2. Incentive-driven offers 

Add value by offering a discount code, free shipping, or early access. Incentives improve opt-in rates and conversions. 

3. Minimal form fields 

Ask only for the essentials: usually just a phone number. You can collect additional data later in the customer journey. 

4. Mobile-first design 

Popups should be responsive and easy to complete on any screen. Ensure the close button is visible and the layout adapts across devices. 

5. Branding consistency 

Match fonts, colors, and tone of voice with the rest of your site. A cohesive experience builds trust and reduces friction. 

6. Timing and behavior triggers 

Set your popup to appear after a specific action, like time spent on site or product views. Testing different triggers helps improve results. 

By applying these design principles, you can create SMS popups that not only look good but also perform well, turning passive website visitors into engaged SMS subscribers. 

Infobip’s SMS popup solutions 

If you’re ready to turn passive website visitors into active SMS subscribers, Infobip provides everything you need to get started, and fast. From flexible design tools to deep integrations and real-time analytics, our platform enables you to launch high-performing text message pop ups without development delays or complexity. 

Seamless integration 

Whether you use Shopify, WordPress, or a custom CMS, Infobip integrates directly into your website. Add SMS popups in minutes and start growing your list immediately. 

Full personalization 

Design message pop ups that match your brand in both appearance and tone. From layout to copy, you control every detail. Add emojis, countdown timers, or custom backgrounds to increase engagement. 

Analytics and reporting 

See which SMS popups are working best by monitoring performance in real time and improve future campaigns. 

Automation and segmentation 

Use the data you collect to trigger personalized journeys. Combine email and SMS campaigns or move leads into automated workflows that match your sales goals. 

Compliance and best practices 

SMS marketing comes with specific rules. Following them builds trust and keeps your campaigns compliant. 

1. Provide clear opt-in language 

Let users know they’ll receive text messages and that message and data rates may apply. Include a phrase like “By submitting, you agree to receive recurring marketing messages.” 

2. Use single or double opt-in 

Single opt-in means users are added to your list once they submit their phone number. Double opt-in adds a verification step, often via SMS confirmation. Both are valid depending on your region and use case. 

3. Offer easy opt-out 

Always include instructions such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” This keeps your audience in control and reduces complaint rates. 

4. Add a privacy policy link 

Link to your full privacy policy in the popup. This shows transparency and helps meet legal requirements. 

Getting started with Infobip 

Ready to build high-converting SMS popups? Here’s how to start: 

1. Create your Infobip account 

Sign up for free and access your dashboard. 

2. Design your popup 

Choose from templates or build your own with our drag-and-drop builder. 

3. Set your targeting rules 

Define when and where your popup should appear, such as homepage visits, exit intent, or scroll depth. 

4. Publish to your site 

Install the Infobip snippet or use your CMS integration to go live. 

5. Monitor and optimize 

Use built-in analytics to improve conversion rates and fine-tune campaigns. 

From sign-up to success: Client journeys 

Our customers see measurable impact using Infobip’s SMS solutions. Here’s how it works in the real world. 

Infobip has helped us connect to our customers daily, at a better rate. The team has provided us with reliable, attentive customer support (two times faster and with local points of contact), which has helped dahmakan achieve our goals.  

Asyraf Hazif

Product Manager, dahmakan 

Infobip has provided us with exactly what we need – an engagement solution that provides real-time, reliable communications that deliver real value to our customers. And they appreciate it! We have gained valuable support and consultancy from the Infobip team regarding best practices and regulations, especially when expanding to new markets. 

Ricardo Manrique

Head of Product Management and Unit Director, Gamigo

In our partnership with Infobip, in addition to reliable and cost-effective SMS solutions, what we value the most is the level at which Infobip is capable to follow not only our current needs, but also introduce new services and features that meet our new needs as our business continuously grows. With top-notch technical and customer care support, Infobip continues to prove itself as a high-tech firm that follows the trends and technologies and successfully upgrades its services.

Darijo Nujic

Head of Department of Direct Banking Support, Croatian Postal Bank

Join the texting revolution with Infobip 

Adding a high-performing SMS popup to your website is one of the fastest ways to boost conversions, grow your list, and enhance customer experience. 

With Infobip, you don’t just collect phone numbers, you start conversations that convert. 

Frequently asked questions

Start your free trial today and turn your website visitors into loyal SMS subscribers. 

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