1. Choose Your Campaign Type: Use OptinMonster to create a popup with a pre-built template or from scratch using the drag-and-drop builder.
2. Design Your Campaign: Customize text, images, and blocks to align with your brand and add elements like buttons or countdown timers.
3. Set Display Rules: Use triggers like Exit Intent® to display popups when visitors try to leave your site and targeting rules to personalize who sees the campaign.
4. Sync with CM Commerce: Connect your OptinMonster campaign to CM Commerce by adding your API key to send leads directly to your contact list.

Are you using CM Commerce for email marketing, but struggling to grow your list?

Sending highly targeted email campaigns can be an excellent way to communicate with customers. Not only can email generate more income for your business, but it can also nurture the relationships with customers you already have.

That means more sales over time through repeat purchases.

But none of this is possible unless you have a robust email list to contact in the first place. That’s why, in this tutorial, we’re going to teach you how to build a custom CM Commerce popup to get more subscribers.

Before we begin, though, let’s take a closer look at what CM Commerce is and how it can help your email marketing strategy.

What Is CM Commerce?

CM Commerce is an automated email marketing software formerly known as Conversio:

CM Commerce helps you build automated email systems to make sure you aren’t leaving any sales on the table. As an email service provider (ESP), CM Commerces lets you add emails for upsells, abandoned cart recovery campaigns, follow up emails, newsletters, and more.

Many of their email series can be installed with a single click and a few modifications to the text. But you also have the ability to build your email campaigns from scratch.

With CM Commerce, you can drive profits and increase revenue by creating targeted email campaigns that don’t take months to set up.

But, as we discussed earlier, you’ll still be missing a key ingredient to success regardless of the email marketing platform you choose. And CM Commerce is no exception.

The problem is that in order to send high converting email campaigns, you need a contact list to send them to. So how do you build a robust email list with leads that are primed to turn into customers?

For that, OptinMonster is your best bet:

OptinMonster is the world’s #1 lead generation software. But what that really means is we’re the best at getting your site’s traffic to take the actions you want them to.

Whether that’s getting more page views for your content, increasing sales through promotions and discounts, or getting more subscribers on your email list, OptinMonster helps you achieve your business goals.

How do we do that? By giving you the tools to build targeted and personalized optin campaigns to display anywhere on your website.

When we use the term “optin campaigns,” we just mean small messages that appear to your site’s visitors, asking them to take a specific action. And you’re probably already familiar with the term “call to action” or CTA.

Well, put simply, OptinMonster gets you higher conversion rates for your CTAs.

We do that through different optin campaign types like popups, floating bars, slide-in scroll boxes, and more. This lets you show enticing promotions, offers, or lead magnets to your customers.

Here’s an example of the CM Commerce popup campaign we built for today’s demo:

This popup took less than 5 minutes to create and uses a lead magnet in the form of a coupon code to get users to hand over their email address.

In the end, everyone wins: your customers get something of value (in this case, a discount on their favorite products), and you grow your contact list to send follow up emails.

Again, OptinMonster’s campaigns make it easy for you to grow your list fast.

It’s how American Bird Conservancy increased its lead collection by over 1000% by using our software. Or how entrepreneur Adam Enfroy grew his list to over 11,000 subscribers in under a year.

Want to learn more about how we get such great results for our clients? Check out this post on how OptinMonster works (+ 8 benefits and 12 case studies).

But now that we’ve covered what CM Commerce is and how you can grow your list with OptinMonster, let’s turn our attention to why you’re here: building a custom CM Commerce popup that grows your email list.

How to Create a CM Commerce Popup

Step 1: Create Your CM Commerce Campaign Type

Once you’ve created your OptinMonster account, make sure you’re logged into your dashboard:

In the top right-hand corner, click Create New Campaign:

Next, select a campaign type. Again, you have tons of options here. But, for today’s tutorial, we’ll choose a Popup campaign:

Now it’s time to select your template:

OptinMonster has over 50 pre-built templates that work great across all devices. One helpful feature is our filter on the left-hand side menu. This lets you choose templates based on:

• Device
• Goals
• Categories
• Tags

That first one is particularly important, especially if you know that a lot of your site’s traffic comes from a smartphone.

You can filter your template options by selecting Mobile Optimized templates:

This will make sure that your templates look stunning across a wide range of mobile screen sizes. Again, only you know what device your traffic uses to consume your content, so you can choose your template options accordingly.

Also, if you want 100% control over your campaign’s design, you can build your CM Commerce popup from scratch with our Canvas template:

Our drag and drop builder allows you to create beautiful campaigns in a matter of minutes, even if you don’t have any coding or design experience.

This is true whether you’re modifying an existing campaign template or if you decide to build one with our blank Canvas template.

For today, we’re going to select the Shopping template:

The Shopping template is an excellent choice because it lets you display a high-quality image of your product on the left-hand side. But, it leaves you plenty of space for persuasive copy and an email signup form on the right.

After you’ve selected the right template for your CM Commerce popup, you’ll be ready to make a few modifications to the design.

Step 2: Design Your CM Commerce Popup

Like we said before, designing your OptinMonster campaigns is incredibly easy. You don’t need any coding knowledge or professional design experience.

We made sure our editor is intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone.

But since we have so many options for customizing your campaign, we can’t get into too much detail in this post.

If it’s your first time creating a popup with OptinMonster or you just need a little refresher course, no worries. You can head over to this in-depth guide on how to create and design your first OptinMonster campaign.

For this tutorial, there are just a few things that you need to know.

All of our templates are built with elements we call “blocks.” This includes things like text blocks, image blocks, video blocks, and more.

To make changes to your campaign, simply click on the block you want to modify in your editor. Then the editing tools will appear on the left-hand side.

So let’s say you wanted to change your text block in the Shopping template, for example. You would just click on the text block you want to modify, and you can start editing

You can do the same for your image block, too:

In fact, this is how you could customize any aspect of your CM Commerce popup.

And if you wanted to add a block to your campaign, that’s not a problem. You can add a new block by clicking + Add Blocks at the top of your editor menu:

This will bring up a list of block options that you can add to your CM Commerce campaign, such as:

• Buttons
• Countdown timers
• Images
• Videos

And more:

When you find the block you want to add, you just drag and drop it into your campaign:

And that’s it! Like we said before, we made sure our editor was super easy to use. Even if you’re not a professional designer and have zero coding experience, you can still build beautiful campaigns in minutes.

Here’s the CM Commerce popup we created in less than 5 minutes for today’s tutorial:

Once you’ve made the right modifications to your own popup, it’s time to determine where, when, and to whom your popup will appear on your site.

Step 3: Configure Your Display Rules

Creating a stunning popup campaign is an excellent start at increasing your conversion rates and growing your email list. But, it’s only half of the equation.

You still need to target your message to the right people and at the right time in their customer journey. OptinMonster gives you to 2 tools to help you do that:

• Targets
• Triggers

Before we learn how to set our display rules, let’s get clear on what the terms “targets” and “triggers” mean.

Targets let you display your CM Commerce popup to people based on specific characteristics of your site’s visitor. A few popular targets would be:

• Geo-location (where your visitor is located)
• Device-based targeting (whether someone is using a desktop, tablet, or mobile)
• Page-based targeting (what page your visitor is currently browsing)

These are just a few examples of the many targeting options you have with OptinMonster.

Triggers, on the other hand, will show your campaign based on how your user is interacting with your site. In other words, triggers display campaigns based on user behavior.  A few examples of popular triggers are things like:

• Exit Intent® Technology which displays a campaign when users are actively leaving your site
• Scroll Trigger which shows your popup when users scroll down the page a certain percentage
• MonsterLink which makes your campaign appear when a user clicks a specific link

Again, these are just a few of the trigger options OptinMonster offers. Though there are many more you can choose from.

When it comes to growing your contact list, targets and triggers are absolutely essential.

They let you totally personalize when, where, and to whom your popups appear. And the more personal you can make your campaigns, the higher conversions you can expect.

For today’s tutorial, we’re going to set an Exit Intent® trigger. This will make your CM Commerce popup appear as users are leaving your website.

Why are we making an exit intent popup? Because they’re super effective. Just check out some of our clients who achieved massive success with a simple exit intent popup:

• Rich Page Boosted Conversions by 316%
• Bonjour Lisbonne Doubled Its Email Subscribers
• Fastrack Recovered 53% of Abandoning Site Visitors

You can have the same success and, today, we’ll show you how to set it up.

To begin, click on Display Rules at the top of your editor:

By default, OptinMonster has 2 rules set for every campaign:

• Time on page is 5 seconds
• Appears on every page

To create your exit intent popup, click time on page. This will bring up your targeting and trigger options. Select Exit Intent® +:

Now you need to decide which devices you want to set this trigger for. You can choose between:

• Mobile devices only
• Desktop devices only
• On all devices

The next step is to set your trigger’s sensitivity level. This will determine how quickly your campaign will appear as users head toward the back button of their browser if they’re using a desktop.

You can set your sensitivity level to:

• Low
• Medium
• High

If users are coming from mobile, though, then the sensitivity level has a more significant impact. That’s because Low and Medium sensitivity make a scroll up trigger for smartphones. That means that your campaign will appear as users scroll up the page on their mobile devices.

High sensitivity, though, will make a back button trigger for smartphones. So when a user goes to click the back button from their mobile device, your CM Commerce popup will appear.

To learn more, check out this article on how to create mobile exit intent popups that convert.

The second default display rule is current URL path is any page:

This means that your popup will display on every page of your website.

But you can change this rule to show your campaign on specific URLs, URL paths, or any other page you want to include or exclude:

Today, we’ll leave the default template as is. If you’re not using a highly specific lead magnet, displaying your campaign on every page can be a great way of getting more of your site’s traffic to sign up for your email list.

Now all that’s left is connecting OptinMonster with your CM Commerce account.

Step 4: Sync CM Commerce with OptinMonster

Integrating CM Commerce with your OptinMonster account is easy. First, click on Integrations at the top of your editor :

In the left-hand side menu, click + Add New Integration:

From the drop-down menu, find and select CM Commerce:

Now you’ll need to fill out 2 things:

• Account label
• API key

Your account label is for internal use only. In other words, no one else will see it but you. That means you can make your account label whatever helps you stay organized.

Your API key can be found in your CM Commerce dashboard. Go to the top right corner of your account menu and click Account Settings:

You’ll see your API key under the heading Company Profile:

Once you have your API Key, just copy and paste it back in your OptinMonster dashboard. Then, click Connect to CM Commerce:

And that’s it! Now when people sign up to your CM Commerce popup, their contact information will automatically go to your CM Commerce contact list.

We hope you enjoyed this article. If you did, you might be interested in reading the following resources:

• How to Run a Successful Email Marketing Campaign
• Email Marketing for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide
• How to Create an Effective Email Autoresponder Series

These posts have everything you need to take your email marketing strategy to the next level.

Ready to drastically grow your list and generate more profits? Join OptinMonster risk-free today!

1. Choose a Campaign Type: Use OptinMonster to create a popup campaign using customizable templates like “Magnet” to showcase a lead magnet (e.g., eBook, discount).
2. Design Your Popup: Customize text, images, and blocks using the drag-and-drop editor—no coding needed.
3. Set Display Rules: Define when and where your popup appears. Use triggers like Exit Intent® to display popups when visitors try to leave your site.
4. Connect with SendPulse: Sync your OptinMonster campaign with SendPulse using REST API credentials to send leads directly to your contact lists.

Are you working with SendPulse and trying to find the best way to grow your email list?

Email marketing remains one of the best ways for you to build better relationships with your customers and generate more revenue for your business. And yet, many marketers struggle with getting more subscribers on their email list.

That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to teach you exactly how to create a SendPulse popup to get better, higher quality leads.

But before we do, let’s talk about what SendPulse is and how it can help your marketing strategy.

What Is SendPulse?

SendPulse is a multi-channel marketing platform that helps with email, SMS, and live chat:

SendPulse has many features, but the one that’s relevant for today’s tutorial is how it functions as an email service provider (ESP). It allows users to build automated email campaigns with their drag and drop builder.

You can then create automation flows, send transactional emails, and check your campaign’s analytics reports to make smarter data-driven marketing decisions.

But at the end of the day, you’re going to face the same problem no matter which email service provider you’re using:

How do you get people on your contact list to begin with?

That’s where OptinMonster comes in:

OptinMonster is the world’s #1 lead generation software. What this means is that we’re great at getting your website’s visitors to take the actions you want them to.

Whether that’s increasing sitewide traffic, boosting sales, or getting more email subscribers, we help you get higher conversion rates for your calls to action (CTAs).

How do we accomplish that? By giving you the tools to build highly targeted optin campaigns.

Optin campaigns are small messages that appear to your visitors in the form of lightbox popups, floating bars, slide-in scroll boxes, and others.

These messages are shown to specific visitors on your site based on their demographics, user profile, or behaviors. You can also display your campaigns on specific pages or areas of your website, to give users a more personalized experience.

And since you’re able to make your optin campaigns highly personal, you drastically increase conversions across your site.

Here’s an example of the SendPulse popup campaign we built for today’s demo:

This took us less than 10 minutes to create and integrate seamlessly with SendPulse. That way, all your new subscribers will automatically flow into your contact list.

For more information, check out this article on how OptinMonster works (+ 8 benefits and 12 case studies).

How to Add a SendPulse Popup to Your Site

Step 1: Choose a Campaign Type

Once you’ve signed up with OptinMonster, you’ll need to log into your account:

Locate and click Create New Campaign in the upper right-hand corner of your dashboard:

Next you need to choose your campaign type. Today, we’ll be using a Popup campaign:

Now it’s time to select the template you want to use for your SendPulse popup:

OptinMonster has over 50 pre-built templates that you can choose from. This saves you hours of time and energy in creating the right campaign for your brand’s voice, message, and design.

You can also choose to build your popup campaign from scratch using our Canvas template:

And with our drag and drop editor, you can design the perfect campaign with no coding skills required! That means you can still build a high converting popup even if you don’t consider yourself “tech-savvy.”

Our template design is so intuitive and user-friendly that it’s easy for just about everyone.

In this tutorial, we’ll be choosing the Magnet template:

This is an excellent choice for beginners who already have a lead magnet to entice visitors.

A lead magnet is something that you offer to your website’s visitors in exchange for a piece of contact information like an email address or phone number. You’ve likely seen lead magnets while visiting your favorite sites.

They can be things like eBooks, coupon codes, cheat sheets, or anything else that your target audience would find valuable.

Need some help brainstorming the right lead magnet for you? Check out this post on 69 lead magnet ideas that you can start using today.

Once you’ve found the best template for your SendPulse popup, you’ll need to name your campaign and assign it to your website. Then click Start Building:

This will bring you to the OptinMonster editor where you can customize your popup.

Step 2: Design Your SendPulse Popup

The great thing about using OptinMonster is that you don’t need any technical knowledge to get started. There’s zero coding involved, and everything is done with our drag and drop editor.

So even if you aren’t a professional designer, you can still build stunning campaigns that convert in just a few minutes.

But since there are so many different ways you can customize your campaign, we won’t be able to cover everything in this post.

If it’s your first time using OptinMonster or you simply need a quick refresher, no worries. You can head over to this in-depth resource on how to create and design your first OptinMonster campaign.

For this tutorial, there are only a few things you need to know to create the perfect SendPulse popup.

All of our campaigns are made up of “blocks.” These are sections of your campaign that have different elements like text, images, video, and more.

To modify any of the blocks in your template, you simply need to click on it in your editor. Then the editing tools will appear in the left-hand side menu.

So let’s say you wanted to change the text in the Magnet template. You would click on the text block you want to modify and make the changes.

You’ll change the image block in the same way:

In fact, this is all you need to do to make changes to any template you choose. And if you decided to build a campaign from scratch or just want to add a new block, that’s easy too!

Just click + Add Blocks at the top of your editor:

In the left-hand side menu, you’ll see a list of block options that you can add to your campaign, such as:

• Buttons
• Countdown timers
• Dividers
• Images
• Video
• And more

Then you’ll need to click on the block that you want to add so you can drag and drop it into place:

This makes creating optin campaigns super easy. Our drag and drop editor saves you hours of time and energy that you can dedicate to other aspects of your business.

Again, here’s the campaign we built for today’s tutorial in less than 10 minutes:

Once you’ve modified your SendPulse popup to reach your target audience, you’ll need to set your display rules.

Step 3: Configure Your Display Rules

Making a stunning popup is a great start to getting more emails for your SendPulse contact list. But it’s only half the battle.

The other half is determining when, where, and to whom that popup appears. To do so, OptinMonster gives you 2 types of rules to make sure your message is getting through to the right people:

• Targets
• Triggers

Let’s look at what these terms mean and how they apply to your SendPulse campaign.

Targets are rules that show your campaign to people who have specific characteristics. This could be things like basic demographic information, how visitors interact (or have interacted) with your website, or what device they’re using to consume your content.

These are just a few examples of targets we offer at OptinMonster. Though there are many more.

Triggers, on the other hand, are rules that make a campaign appear based on your user’s behavior. This would be like when your visitor is trying to leave your site (Exit Intent®), when they click a link (MonsterLinks), or when they scroll down the page a certain percentage (scroll trigger).

In other words, when your visitors take a certain action on your site, it can trigger your campaign to appear.

Again, OptinMonster offers all of these triggers and many others.

Targets and triggers are essential to increasing your conversion rates and growing your email list. The more personal you can make your user experience (UX) as they browse your website, the more likely your message is to resonate with them.

And that means getting more people to sign up for your email list.

To set your campaign’s targeting or trigger rules, click Display Rules at the top of your editor:

There are 2 rules that are set for each OptinMonster campaign by default:

• Time on page is at least 5 seconds
• Your campaign will appear on every page of your website

But we’re going to change the first rule in this tutorial. Instead of showing our campaign when users are on the same page for 5 seconds, we want to capture users as they’re leaving the website.

For that, we’ll use an Exit Intent® trigger.

Exit intent popups work by tracking when your visitor is trying to leave your website. This method is so effective that the fitness company Crossrope used it to grow their email list by 900%.

But they weren’t the only ones who found success with exit intent popups. Check out a few of our other clients who saw measurable success with a simple popup campaign:

• Rich Page Boosted Conversions by 316%
• Bonjour Lisbonne Doubled Its Email Subscribers
• Fastrack Recovered 53% of Abandoning Site Visitors

Now let’s get into how you can add an Exit Intent® trigger to your SendPulse popup.

Click on the first condition, Time on page. This will pull up your display rules menu. Locate and click Exit Intent® +:

Then you’ll need to decide which devices you want your popup to appear on. You can choose between:

• Mobile
• Desktop
• Both

Finally, you’ll need to set your sensitivity level between Low, Medium, and High:

Your sensitivity level will determine how quickly your popup appears when users try to leave your site.

One thing you need to remember is that the sensitivity level you choose has a big impact on when your popup will appear on mobile devices.

Low and Medium sensitivity create a scroll trigger (as the user scrolls up the page), and High sensitivity creates a back button trigger.

For more information on how this works, we recommend reading this article: How to Make Mobile Exit Intent Popups That Convert.

Once your Exit Intent® trigger is set, you’ll need to determine where your SendPulse popup will appear across your site. Click the second default rule, Current URL path:

Right now, it’s set to appear on any page of your site. You can change this rule, though, so your popup displays on exact URLs, URL paths, or any other part of your website:

Today, though, we’ll leave the default setting to is any page. If you have a generic lead magnet that the majority of your site’s traffic will find helpful, this is a great way to get more subscribers across your website.

Now we’ve reached the last step of the tutorial: syncing SendPulse with OptinMonster.

Step 4: Connect OptinMonster With SendPulse

OptinMonster comes with over 30 native integrations to make it easy to sync with tons of email service providers. SendPulse is one of the integrations that takes a few clicks to set up.

At the top of your editor menu, click Integrations:

In the left-hand side menu, click + Add New Integration:

Find and select SendPulse from the drop-down menu:

Now you’ll need to fill out 3 pieces of information:

• Account label
• REST API ID
• REST API Secret

Your account label is something you’ll create to keep yourself organized. It can be something like “My SendPulse Account.” Your users won’t see it, so feel free to make a label that makes the most sense to you.

Your Rest API ID and your Rest API Secret can be found in your SendPulse dashboard.

Go to your profile’s drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner of your SendPulse dashboard. Click Account Settings:

In the navigational menu on the main Settings page, click API. Then click the toggle switch next to Active Rest API and click Save:

This will generate your Rest API ID and your Rest API Secret:

Now copy and and paste your Rest API ID and Secret into your OptinMonster dashboard. Then click Connect to SendPulse:

And that’s it! Your SendPulse account is now connected with OptinMonster.

That means that all the new leads you get from your popup campaign will go directly to your SendPulse contact list. You can even send these leads to specific lists you’ve built to further segment and organize your audience.

We hope you found this article helpful. And if you did, you’re probably interested in learning how to take your email marketing strategy to the next level.

For that, we highly recommend checking out the following articles:

• Email Marketing Made Simple: A Step by Step Guide
• How to Run a Successful Email Marketing Campaign
• How to Create an Email Autoresponder Series

These resources will have everything you need to grow and monetize your email list.

Ready to get started building more subscribers and generating more revenue? Sign up for your risk-free OptinMonster account today!

One of the biggest problems marketers face with email marketing isn’t how to create a lead magnet or build an awesome product.

It’s how to grow their email list.

That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to show you exactly how to create an iContact popup that grows your email list with the leads you’re looking for.

But before we do, let’s talk about what iContact is and how it can help your email marketing plan.

What Is iContact?

iContact is an email marketing solution that helps you communicate more effectively with your audience:

Put more simply, iContact is an email service provider. That means you can create email campaigns and send them directly from your iContact account.

They offer loads of helpful features get you the most value from your email marketing strategy, such as:

• Drag and drop editor for building email campaigns
• A/B split testing
• Automation
• Several helpful integrations

And more. They’re an excellent solution for marketers who are looking for an email service provider but don’t want to pay for added marketing tools they’ll never use.

Plus, they have an excellent support staff that can help when you run into any problems along the way.

But once you have the email service provider, the real challenge starts:

How do you get people on your contact list in the first place so you can send them targeted email campaigns?

For that, there’s no better tool than OptinMonster:

OptinMonster is the world’s #1 lead conversion software. That means we’re the best at getting people to take action on your website. We help you increase:

• Sitewide traffic
• Email subscribers
• Profits

How do we get you higher conversion rates from your calls to action (CTA)? By using highly targeted optin campaigns.

Optin campaigns are small messages that appear to your site’s audience, asking them to take some specific action. You may ask people to go read another article, join your email list, or check out a product related to the ones they have in their shopping cart.

Whatever your goal is, OptinMonster lets you craft the right message to the right people at just the right time in their customer journey. We have several types of optin campaigns to choose from, including:

• Lightbox popups
• Floating bars
• Slide-in scroll boxes
• Fullscreen welcome mats

And much more. Here’s an example of the iContact popup we built for today’s demo:

This campaign took less than 5 minutes to create. Ready to build your own?

Let’s get started!

How to Create an iContact Popup

Step 1: Select and Create Your Template

First and foremost, log into your OptinMonster account:

Then go to the upper right-hand corner of your dashboard and click Create New Campaign:

Here, you’ll need to select your campaign type. For today’s tutorial, we’ll choose a Popup campaign:

Now it’s time to decide which template you want to use:

OptinMonster has over 50 pre-built templates that you can choose from. Plus, you can filter your template options by:

• Device
• Goal
• Category

That first one is particularly useful, especially since web traffic is increasingly visiting sites from their mobile devices.

You can select Mobile Optimized templates to make sure that your iContact popup looks stunning to users coming from their smartphones:

And if you want to build your popup entirely from scratch, you can use our Canvas template:

You can use our Canvas template to build a 100% unique campaign. But the best part is that there are no coding skills required.

Our drag and drop editor allows you to build beautiful popup campaigns in minutes. That way, you can save time and energy to focus on other parts of your business.

For today, we’ll choose the Magnet template:

This is an excellent option for growing your email list. It has tons of room for compelling copy on the left-hand side. But, on the right, you can also add an eye-catching image of your lead magnet.

Not sure what a lead magnet is or how to make one? Check out this article on 69 lead magnet ideas you can start using today.

Once you’ve determined which campaign you’ll use, it’s time to start tailoring the template to your brand’s style, message, and audience.

Step 2: Design Your iContact Popup

OptinMonster makes it easy for you to design your campaigns. Our editor is user-friendly and highly intuitive.

We won’t get into too much detail on how to modify every aspect of your campaign in this post. There are simply too many customization options to choose from to cover in one article.

For today’s tutorial, you simply need to know that all of our campaigns are composed of “blocks.” You have text blocks, image blocks, video blocks, button blocks, and more.

If you want to edit any of these blocks, all you need to do is click on it in your OptinMonster editor. That will pull up the editing tools on the left-hand side menu.

If we wanted to change the text block on our Magnet template, for example, we would just click on the text in the editor.

We can do the same for the image block. We’d simply click on the image to change what is displayed for that block:

We can repeat this process for any of the blocks in our iContact popup.

And if we wanted to add a new block, that’s easy. Click +Add Blocks at the top of your OptinMonster editor:

That will bring up a list of different block elements you can add to your campaign on the left-hand side. You can add:

• Text
• ChatBot
• Countdown timer
• Divider
• Image
• Video
• And more

Then just drag and drop the new block into your OptinMonster campaign where you’d like it to appear:

Like we said, designing your campaign is easy with OptinMonster. Here’s the iContact popup we made specifically for this demo:

This took us less than 5 minutes to create. Once you’ve built a popup campaign that’s perfect for your brand’s style, message, and audience, it’s time to set your display rules.

Step 3: Configure Your Display Rules

When you’re deciding where, when, and to whom to show your iContact popup, there are 2 types of campaign rules you can use:

• Targets
• Triggers

Before getting into how you can configure these rules, let’s get clear on what each means.

Targets use specific characteristics of your visitor to decide whether your popup will be shown. For example, you can display your popup depending on which:

• Device your user is coming from
• Web page your visitor is currently viewing
• Where your user is physically located

And much more. Triggers are a little different. Rather than relying on certain characteristics, triggers are based on your user’s behavior. Your popup could be displayed whenever a user is:

• No longer engaged with your content (Inactivity Sensor)
• Actively leaving your website (Exit-Intent® Technology)
• Scrolling down a certain percentage of your page (Scroll Trigger)

And again, much more. The targets and triggers that you use will change depending on the goals of your campaign.

In this tutorial, we’ll be using an Exit-Intent® trigger. That’s because most people who are leaving your website never come back.

And exit intent popup is a great way of catching your audience’s attention and getting them to sign up to your email list.

In fact, check out some of the following examples of how exit intent popups helped real companies just like yours:

• Rich Page boosted conversions by 316%
• Crossrope exploded their list by over 900%
• Bonjour Lisbonne doubled its email subscribers

Go to the top of your OptinMonster editor menu and click Display Rules:

You have 2 default display rules set. Your iContact popup will show:

• When the time on page is at least 5 seconds
• On every page of your site.

So now, you need to set your Exit Intent® trigger in place of the time on page rule.

To do so, click on the first default condition (time on page) in your display rule menu. Then find and click Exit Intent®:

You need to choose which device you want to show your iContact popup on. Your options are:

• Desktop
• Mobile
• Both

Finally, click on the sensitivity level you want for your exit intent popup. This will determine how quickly your popup appears as a user’s cursor moves toward the back button. Your level of sensitivity can be set to:

• Low
• Medium
• High

You should know that the sensitivity level will change the type of trigger created for mobile devices. That’s because there’s no mouse cursor to track on smartphones, so the trigger is designed on different patterns of behavior to detect when a user is leaving your web page.

Low and Medium sensitivity make a scroll up trigger. And High sensitivity makes a back button trigger.

To learn more about how mobile exit intent works, you can refer to this post on how to create a mobile exit intent popup that converts.

The next question will be where your iContact popup should appear on your website. As we said before, your popup will display on every page by default.

You can change this rule by clicking on the condition current URL path and designating where your popup will appear from the drop-down menu. There are many options for this, including:

• The homepage
• Specific URLs
• URL paths
• And more

Once you’ve settled on the best display rules for your popup, it’s time to integrate iContact with OptinMonster.

Step 4: Integrate iContact with OptinMonster

Now you need to integrate your iContact account with OptinMonster. Doing so is incredibly simple.

Click Integrations at the top of your editor:

Then go to the left-hand side menu and click + Add New Integration:

Then select iContact from the drop-down menu:

Now you’ll need to register with iContact. Click Register with iContact:

This will open up a new window to generate an Application ID. Insert your name and a small description of why you need this authentication. You can simply write something like, “I am integrating iContact with OptinMonster.” Then click Get AppID:

That will generate your iContact’s API:

Now you need to authenticate the AppId for your account. To do so, click enable this AppId for your account:

You’ll need to create a password for your account and click Save:

Now go back to your OptinMonster account and enter your:

• Account label (this can be anything to keep yourself organized and won’t be seen by other users)
• iContact username (this is typically your email address)
• Application ID (that you just created)
• Application password (for your Application ID, not your iContact profile)

Then click Connect to iContact:

And that’s it! Your OptinMonster account is now connected to your iContact list. Now all the new leads you attract with your exit intent popup will go directly to your iContact account.

We hope you found this article helpful. If you did, it probably means you’re interested in learning how to create more revenue from email marketing.

For that, we highly recommend reading the following articles:

• Email Marketing Made Simple: A Step by Step Guide
• How to Run a Successful Email Marketing Campaign
• How to Create an Effective Autoresponder Email Series

These articles have all the information needed to get you started growing and monetizing your email list.

Ready to get started? Sign up for your risk-free OptinMonster account today!

1. Understand Your Audience
2. Use Numbers and Lists
3. Incorporate Power Words
4. Ask Questions
5. Create a Sense of Urgency
6. Keep It Clear and Concise
7. Test and Monitor Your Headlines
8. Utilize Headline Analyzer Tools

How to Write a Headline That Grabs Attention

1. Understand Your Audience

Before crafting a headline, it’s essential to know who you’re writing for. Understanding your audience’s interests, needs, and pain points allows you to tailor headlines that speak directly to them. For instance, if your target audience is small business owners seeking marketing advice, a headline like “Boost Your Small Business Sales with These 5 Marketing Strategies” would likely resonate well.

2. Use Numbers and Lists

Headlines that include numbers or lists often perform better because they set clear expectations for the reader. For example, “7 Tips for Writing Engaging Blog Posts” suggests a concise, digestible list of advice, making it more appealing to readers.

3. Incorporate Power Words

Power words are persuasive terms that evoke emotion and prompt action. Words like “proven,” “ultimate,” “essential,” and “exclusive” can make your headlines more compelling. For example, “Discover the Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing” uses “ultimate” to suggest comprehensive and valuable content.

Want more examples? Check out this post:700+ Power Words: The Secret Sauce of Successful Copy

4. Ask Questions

Posing a question in your headline can pique curiosity and encourage readers to seek answers in your content. For instance, “Are You Making These Common SEO Mistakes?” invites readers to reflect on their own practices and find solutions in your article.

5. Create a Sense of Urgency

You can encourage immediate action by creating a sense of urgency in your headlines. Phrases like “Don’t Miss Out,” “Limited Time Offer,” or “Act Now” can prompt readers to engage promptly. For example, “Limited Time Offer: Get 50% Off Our SEO Course Today” combines urgency with a clear benefit.

Learn more in our guide to using urgency words.

6. Keep It Clear and Concise

Effective headlines are straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon or complex language that might confuse readers. A headline like “Improve Your Website’s Load Time with These Simple Tricks” clearly conveys the benefit and the action required.

7. Test and Monitor Your Headlines

Not all headlines will perform equally well. It’s important to test different headlines to see which ones resonate most with your audience. A/B testing can provide valuable insights into what works best. For example, you might test “10 Ways to Increase Your Email Open Rates” against “How to Boost Your Email Open Rates by 20%.” Monitoring the performance of each can guide future headline creation.

8. Use Headline Analyzer Tools

To refine your headlines, consider using tools designed to evaluate their effectiveness. These tools can provide feedback on elements like word balance, sentiment, and readability. 

OptinMonster offers a free headline analyzer that helps you craft perfect headlines in 3 easy steps.

If you want more options, check out our list of 26 Tools That Will Help You Create Better Headlines.

Turn Readers Into Subscribers and Customers

By using these strategies, you’ll learn how to write a headline that grabs attention and keeps readers engaged. Great headlines are the first step to building a connection with your audience. Once you’ve captured their attention, the next step is turning those readers into subscribers and customers.

That’s where OptinMonster can help. With tools like Exit-Intent® popups, lead generation forms, and targeted campaigns, you can convert the traffic your headlines attract into valuable leads and sales. Ready to take the next step? Get started with OptinMonster today!

Related Resources:

• 130+ Examples of Lead Magnet Headlines to Make People Click
• 184 Best Email Subject Lines and Why They Work
• Email Copywriting That Sells: 17 Simple Ways to Write Better Marketing Emails

But no matter how great your store looks, success boils down to one thing: converting visitors into paying customers. That’s where OptinMonster comes in.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use OptinMonster to create high-converting popups for your Shift4Shop store.

• What Is Shift4Shop (Formerly 3dcart)?
• Why Use OptinMonster With Shift4Shop?
• How to Create Popups for Shift4Shop With OptinMonster
  • Step 1: Set Up Your OptinMonster Account
  • Step 2: Build Your First Campaign
  • Step 3: Connect OptinMonster With Shift4Shop
  • Step 4: Publish Your Campaign

What Is Shift4Shop (Formerly 3dcart)?

Shift4Shop is a comprehensive eCommerce platform that lets businesses build and customize online stores without needing to code. With built-in marketing tools, seamless payment integrations, and mobile-friendly templates, it’s designed to help store owners increase sales and manage their operations efficiently.

Some of Shift4Shop’s standout features include:

• A drag-and-drop website builder.
• Free access to premium templates.
• Built-in SEO tools to improve your store’s visibility.
• Advanced order and inventory management.

Whether you’re a startup or an established business, Shift4Shop gives you everything you need to succeed in the competitive world of eCommerce.

Why Use OptinMonster With Shift4Shop?

While Shift4Shop offers great tools for building your store, OptinMonster takes your marketing efforts to the next level.

With OptinMonster, you can create popups and other onsite campaigns to grow your email lists, show visitors your best offers, and nurture leads toward making a purchase.

Here’s how OptinMonster helps Shift4Shop users:

• Advanced Targeting Options OptinMonster’s precise targeting features allow you to:
  • Display campaigns based on user behavior, like Exit-Intent® or time on page.
  • Target specific product categories or pages with Page-Level Targeting.
  • Personalize offers based on Geolocation.
• Multiple Campaign Types From popups and floating bars to spin-to-win wheels, OptinMonster offers various campaign formats that fit seamlessly into your store’s design.
• Enhanced Lead Generation Use OptinMonster to:
  • Capture emails for your newsletter.
  • Offer discounts to encourage purchases.
  • Reduce cart abandonment with timely reminders.
• Easy Integration With Shift4Shop You can effortlessly connect OptinMonster with Shift4Shop to sync leads and track conversions without hassle.

How to Create Shift4Shop Popups With OptinMonster

Ready to grow your email list and boost sales? Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Set Up Your OptinMonster Account

First, sign up for an OptinMonster account. Once registered, you’ll have access to a powerful campaign builder that simplifies creating high-converting popups.

Step 2: Build Your First OptinMonster Popup

• Log in to your OptinMonster dashboard and click Create New Campaign.
• Choose your campaign type, such as popup, floating bar, or full-screen welcome mat.
• Select one of OptinMonster’s 700+ templates and use the drag-and-drop editor to customize the design. You can edit or add:
  • A compelling headline to grab attention.
  • A call-to-action (CTA) button to encourage signups or purchases.
  • Dynamic visuals to align with your brand.

For in-depth instructions on creating your first OptinMonster campaign, see our step-by-step guide.

Step 3: Connect OptinMonster With Shift4Shop

To integrate OptinMonster with Shift4Shop:

• Navigate to the Publish tab in your OptinMonster campaign builder.
• Copy the campaign embed code.
• In your Shift4Shop admin dashboard, paste the code into the appropriate section of your store’s template or use the provided documentation for detailed steps​​.

For more detailed instructions, see our guide to integrating OptinMonster with Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart).

Step 4: Publish Your Campaign

Once integrated, publish your campaign in OptinMonster. You can tweak targeting rules and triggers to ensure the popup shows at the right time and place.

Take Your Conversions to the Next Level

Creating popups for Shift4Shop is just the beginning. With OptinMonster, you can continuously optimize your campaigns using features like A/B testing and analytics. This ensures you’re always improving conversions and maximizing your store’s potential.

Start building your first Shift4Shop popup and watch your eCommerce business thrive! The first step? Sign up for OptinMonster today.

Learn more about popups:

• Popups Explained: Capture More Leads and Drive More Sales
• 11 Types of Popups to Grow Your Business (With Examples)
• eCommerce Popups: 11 Examples & Templates to Boost Sales

• What Is AWeber?
• Why Use OptinMonster Instead of AWeber’s Built-In Forms?
• Connecting AWeber With OptinMonster

What Is AWeber?

AWeber is a popular email marketing platform.

Not only can you create beautiful email campaigns with AWeber, but you can also:

• Create email campaigns
• Automate email workflows
• Design landing pages
• Track results with reporting
• And much more…

AWeber also has a WordPress plugin that lets you create email signup forms for your website. However, while AWeber has some great-looking templates, getting your form on your website can be difficult, especially for a beginner. Plus, targeting and display trigger options are severely limited with AWeber’s form builder.

But that’s OK. We have the perfect solution if you still want to use AWeber as your email service provider but want something else to generate a ton of leads.

The answer: Use OptinMonster, which seamlessly integrates with AWeber, letting you grow your email list through your website.

Why Use OptinMonster Instead of AWeber’s Built-In Forms?

AWeber offers reliable built-in sign-up forms, but OptinMonster provides advanced features that can supercharge your lead generation efforts. 

With OptinMonster, you can easily make great-looking AWeber signup forms in minutes:

Here’s why you might choose OptinMonster to collect email addresses on your WordPress site:

1. Multiple Campaign Types

OptinMonster provides multiple campaign types beyond traditional forms, including:

• Popups and slide-ins to attract attention.
• Gamified forms like spin-to-win wheels to engage visitors.
• Inline forms, floating bars, and content lockers for flexibility in capturing leads. This variety allows you to experiment with formats and find what works best for your audience.

2. Advanced Targeting and Triggering Options

OptinMonster allows you to show forms to the right audience at the right time using:

• Exit-Intent® technology to capture visitors before they leave.
• Page-level targeting to display forms based on specific content.
• Geolocation targeting to customize campaigns for users in different locations. These options help you improve engagement and increase conversions, something AWeber’s built-in forms can’t fully achieve.

3. Enhanced Design and Customization

With OptinMonster, you can create visually appealing, high-converting campaigns using:

• A drag-and-drop editor for easy customization.
• 700+ pre-designed templates for various use cases.
• Advanced styling options for a professional look that aligns with your brand. While AWeber’s forms are functional, OptinMonster gives you the tools to create designs that grab attention.

4. Conversion Rate Optimization Tools

OptinMonster is designed with optimization in mind. You can:

• Run A/B tests to find the best-performing designs and messages.
• Use analytics to track conversions and fine-tune your campaigns.
• Personalize forms with dynamic content to appeal to individual users. AWeber’s forms lack these powerful optimization features.

5. Seamless Integration With AWeber

OptinMonster integrates directly with AWeber, so all the leads you collect sync effortlessly with your AWeber email lists. This lets you combine OptinMonster’s advanced capabilities with AWeber’s email marketing power for a streamlined workflow.

Get started with OptinMonster today!

Connecting AWeber With OptinMonster

Once you’re signed up for both AWeber and OptinMonster and have installed the OptinMonster WordPress plugin, connecting the 2 tools is simple. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, visit our documentation on integrating OptinMonster with AWeber. If you just want a quick idea of how easy it is, here’s a basic overview:

1. Create Your First OptinMonster Campaign
   • If you need help creating a campaign, refer to our step-by-step guide.
2. Integrate AWeber:
   • In OptinMonster, go to the Integrations tab and select AWeber.
   • Log in to your AWeber account and choose the email list where you want new leads to go.
3. Publish Your Campaign:
   • Once everything is connected, publish your campaign on your WordPress site.

By combining OptinMonster with AWeber, you can take your lead generation to the next level with personalized campaigns and targeted offers.

Start Buiding Your AWeber Email List 

Whether you use WordPress or manage any other type of site, OptinMonster is the best tool to create AWeber signup forms. We hope that you found this tutorial helpful. If you did, you’ll want to check out these other resources:

• 32 Best Lead Generation Software & Tools for Targeted Leads
• How to Grow Your Email List FAST: 23+ Proven Methods
• How to Automate Lead Generation in 3 EASY Steps (Step by Step)

These articles will give you the tools you need to automate your marketing efforts and show you more tools and trips to grow your business.

And if you’re ready to start building a great email list, sign up for OptinMonster and AWeber today!

With the right tools and guidance, you can have a professional small business website up and running in just a few hours. And you can do it without a developer or coding skills. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step so you can confidently build and manage your website.

• Why Your Small Business Needs a Website
• Essential Tools for Building a Website
• How to Make a Website for a Small Business
  • Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name and Hosting
  • Step 2: Install WordPress (or Your Preferred Builder)
  • Step 3: Pick a Theme
  • Step 4: Add Essential Plugins
  • Step 5: Create Key Pages

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website

Some business owners think a social media page is enough. But relying solely on platforms like Instagram or Facebook means you’re at the mercy of their algorithms and policies, which can change overnight. A website gives you full control over your online presence and credibility.

Here’s why a website is essential:

• Professionalism: A well-designed website shows customers you’re serious about your business.
• Control: You decide the look, feel, and content of your website—not a social media platform.
• Availability: Your website works 24/7 to showcase your services, answer questions, and generate leads.

The good news? Building a small business website has never been easier. Let’s get started.

Essential Tools for Building a Website

To create your website, you’ll need these three things:

1. Domain Name: This is your website’s address.
2. Web Hosting: A service that stores your website online.
3. Website Builder: A tool to design and manage your website without coding.

Why WordPress Is Our Recommendation:
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites because it’s versatile, scalable, and user-friendly. You can build anything from a simple page to a full eCommerce store with WordPress. Alternatives like Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify are also good options for specific needs, such as portfolios or online stores.

How to Make a Website for a Small Business

Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name and Hosting Provider

Your domain and hosting provider are the foundation of your website. Think of hosting as the land you’re building on and the domain as your address.

Choosing Your Domain NameFollow these tips for selecting the perfect domain:

• Keep it short, relevant, and easy to spell.
• Include your business name or location for added clarity

Pro Tip: If your ideal domain is taken, try tools like Nameboy for creative alternatives.

Choosing a Hosting Provider: 

My recommendation is to use either SiteGround or Bluehost for your hosting. For a full comparison between these and other hosting options, see our guide to the best managed WordPress hosting services.

Step 2: Install WordPress (or Your Preferred Builder)

If you’ve chosen Siteground, Bluehost, or a similar hosting provider, installing WordPress is a breeze. Most hosts offer a 1-click WordPress installation that sets everything up for you.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Log into your hosting account’s dashboard.
2. Look for the WordPress installer or setup wizard.
3. Follow the prompts to install WordPress on your domain.

Once installed, you can log into your WordPress site using the link and credentials provided by your hosting provider.

Prefer Alternatives?If you’re not using WordPress, platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify come with built-in hosting and setup tools, making them great options for absolute beginners.

Step 3: Pick a Theme

A WordPress theme determines how your website looks and feels. Thankfully, there are thousands of free and premium themes to choose from.

Here’s how to choose the perfect theme for your small business:

• Prioritize Simplicity: Look for a clean design that supports your business goals without unnecessary clutter.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Over 50% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so ensure your theme looks great on any screen size.
• Ease of Customization: Choose a theme compatible with drag-and-drop editors like SeedProd or Elementor for easy updates.
• Support and Updates: Check reviews and ensure the theme is actively updated to avoid security vulnerabilities.

How to Install a Theme

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance » Themes » Add New.
2. Browse free themes or upload a premium theme you’ve purchased.
3. Click Activate once you’ve chosen your theme.

Step 4: Add Essential Plugins

Plugins are like apps for your website. They add extra features, such as contact forms, SEO tools, or eCommerce functionality.

Here are the must-have plugins for a small business website:

• SeedProd: Build custom pages and layouts easily with its drag-and-drop interface.
• All in One SEO (AIOSEO): Optimize your site for search engines to attract more visitors.
• OptinMonster: Convert visitors into leads and customers with engaging popups and forms.
• WPForms: Add user-friendly contact forms to your site.
• MonsterInsights: Track visitor stats and analytics directly in your WordPress dashboard.
• Duplicator: Back up your website automatically to prevent data loss.

How to Install Plugins

1. Go to Plugins » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for the plugin by name.
3. Click Install Now and then Activate.

For any premium WordPress plugins that you purchase, follow the brand’s instructions for installation. You may need to download the plugin from the brand’s website, and you’ll usually have an activation key you’ll need to enter into WordPress.

Pro Tip: Avoid installing too many plugins, as this can slow down your site. Stick to essentials that directly support your business goals.

Step 5: Build Your Pages

With your theme and plugins in place, it’s time to create the core pages of your website.

Here are the key pages every small business website should include:

• Homepage: This is the first impression visitors get. Include your business name, a brief description, and a strong call-to-action like “Book a Consultation” or “Shop Now.”
• About Page: Share your story, values, and what sets your business apart. This builds trust with potential customers.
• Services/Products Page: Showcase what you offer with clear descriptions, pricing, and customer testimonials.
• Contact Page: Make it easy for customers to reach you. Add your address, phone number, email, and a contact form.

Optional Pages:

• Blog: Share helpful tips or news related to your industry. This can improve SEO and engage visitors.
• FAQ Page: Address common customer questions to save time and improve satisfaction.
• Portfolio/Testimonials: Highlight past work or client reviews to build credibility.

How to Add Pages in WordPress

1. Navigate to Pages » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Enter a title for your page, such as “About” or “Contact.”
3. Use WordPress’s Block Editor or a page builder like SeedProd to customize your page layout.
4. Publish your page when you’re ready.

Great! I’ll pick up where we left off and continue refining the next sections, focusing on clarity, usefulness, and updated information.

Take the Next Step: Build and Grow Your Website Today

Congratulations! You now have all the tools and knowledge to create a professional small business website. By following these steps, you’ve set the foundation for building trust with your audience, showcasing your services, and driving business growth.

But a great website is only the beginning. To maximize its potential, you need to turn visitors into leads and customers. That’s where OptinMonster comes in.

With OptinMonster, you can create powerful popups, slide-ins, and other conversion tools to:

• Build your email list effortlessly.
• Recover abandoned carts and drive sales.
• Increase engagement with personalized campaigns.

Join thousands of small business owners using OptinMonster to supercharge their websites. Try OptinMonster risk-free today and see how it can help your business thrive!

More Resources for Small Businesses:

• 11 Best Website Builders for Small Businesses Compared
• 7+ Best Email Service Providers for Small Businesses
• How to Start an Online Business in 8 Easy Steps

In this guide, I’ll show you how to create an iPost popup in minutes using OptinMonster.

• What Is iPost?
• What Is an iPost Popup?
• Why Use OptinMonster to Make iPost Popups?
• How to Create an iPost Popup With OptinMonster

What Is iPost?

iPost is an email marketing platform that helps businesses create, automate, and manage powerful email campaigns. Known for its ease of use and robust analytics, iPost allows you to:

• Personalize emails using real-time data.
• Automate complex workflows.
• Access in-depth reporting to optimize your campaigns.

Pairing iPost with OptinMonster lets you take your lead generation to the next level by capturing high-quality leads through engaging popups.

What Is an iPost Popup?

An iPost popup is a type of optin form that appears on your website to grab visitors’ attention and encourage them to sign up for your email list. These popups typically display over your content and are designed to promote offers, share updates, or collect email addresses.

Using OptinMonster, you can create visually appealing iPost popups tailored to your audience, helping you grow your subscriber list and boost engagement effortlessly.

Why Use OptinMonster to Make iPost Popups?

While iPost helps you send great emails, OptinMonster ensures you have the subscribers to send them to. OptinMonster is a leading lead-generation platform that lets you create professional optin forms like:

• Popups
• Floating bars
• Fullscreen welcome mats
• Inline forms
• and more

With features like advanced targeting and Exit-Intent® technology, you can display your campaigns to the right audience at the right time, maximizing engagement and conversion rates.

Get started with OptinMonster today!

How to Create an iPost Popup With OptinMonster

Follow these simple steps to set up your iPost popup using OptinMonster:

Step 1: Create a New Campaign in OptinMonster

1. Log into your OptinMonster account.
2. Click Create New Campaign in your dashboard.
3. Select your campaign type, such as Popup.
4. Choose one of OptinMonster’s 700+ templates.
5. Name your campaign and click Start Building.
6. Customize your template with OptinMonster’s easy drag-and drop builder
7. Once your design is complete, click Save at the top of the editor.

For more in-depth instructions, see our guide to Creating Your First OptinMonster Campaign.

Step 2: Connect OptinMonster to iPost

To integrate OptinMonster with iPost:

1. Go to the Integrations tab in the campaign builder.
2. Click Add New Integration and select iPost.
3. Log into your iPost account to access your client information, such as subdomain and API key.
4. Copy and paste the required details into the OptinMonster fields.
5. Click Connect to iPost, and OptinMonster will sync with your iPost email lists.

For more details, see our How to Connect OptinMonster with iPost guide.

Step 3: Publish Your Campaign

Once integrated, you’re ready to publish:

1. Head to the Publish tab and click Publish.
2. Follow any other instructions based on your website’s platform.

And you’re done! Your popup is now live and ready to start growing your iPost email list.

Boost Your Email Marketing Results With iPost Popups

When you use OptinMonster to create iPost popups, you’ll quickly build an email list full of highly engaged leads. With features like Exit-Intent® technology, advanced targeting, and drag-and-drop customization, you’ll see immediate results in your lead-generation efforts.

Ready to get started? Sign up for OptinMonster today and supercharge your iPost campaigns.

Learn more about popups and email marketing:

• Popups Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Capturing Leads and Driving Conversions
• Email Marketing Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide [+ Examples]
• Email Popups That Convert: 23 Examples & Best Practices
• 10 Brilliant Email Marketing Examples and Why We Love Them

At OptinMonster, we’ve helped thousands of small businesses grow their online presence with powerful lead-generation tools. We love sharing our expertise to help entrepreneurs like you succeed.

In this guide to starting an online business, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, helping you turn your dream into a thriving online business.

• What Is an Online Business?
• Benefits of Starting an Online Business
• 9 Steps to Start an Online Business
  • Step 1: Self-Reflection
  • Step 2: Market Research
  • Step 3: Choosing a Business Model
  • Step 4: Competitor Analysis
  • Step 5: Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
  • Step 6: Legal Essentials
  • Step 7: Setting Up a Sales Platform
  • Step 8: Marketing Your Business
  • Step 9: Launching Your Online Business
• Proven Strategies to Grow Your Online Business
• Maintaining Long-Term Success

What Is an Online Business?

An online business is any enterprise that operates primarily on the internet. Instead of a physical storefront, online businesses connect with customers through websites, social media, or email.

Examples of online businesses include:

• eCommerce Stores: Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce enable entrepreneurs to sell physical or digital goods.
• Service Providers: Freelancers, consultants, and agencies offering skills like writing, web development, or marketing.
• Content Creators: Bloggers, podcasters, and influencers who monetize their content with ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Thanks to lower startup costs and global reach, online businesses have become a go-to choice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Why Start an Online Business?

Starting an online business comes with several advantages that make it appealing to new and experienced entrepreneurs alike:

1. Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to rent a physical space or invest in large amounts of inventory to get started.
2. Flexibility: Work from anywhere and set your own hours. Whether it’s a side hustle or full-time venture, you’re in control.
3. Automation Opportunities: Automate customer interactions, marketing, and even sales with tools like OptinMonster to save time and effort.
4. Global Reach: Unlike local businesses, you can sell your products or services to customers worldwide, 24/7.

9 Steps to Start an Online Business

Step 1: Self-Reflection

Before diving into tools and tactics, take a moment to reflect on your goals. Self-reflection ensures you choose a business that aligns with your strengths and lifestyle.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What are my skills and passions? For instance, if you love photography, you might sell digital presets or offer virtual classes.
• How much time and money can I invest? Some models, like affiliate marketing, require less upfront investment compared to eCommerce.
• What type of customers do I enjoy serving? If you like helping small businesses, consulting could be a natural fit.

Your answers will help you focus on a business model that feels meaningful and sustainable for you.

Step 2: Market Research

Once you’ve identified your interests, it’s time to validate your business idea with market research. The goal is to ensure there’s demand for your product or service.

Steps for Effective Market Research:

1. Identify Your Target Audience: Who has the problem your business solves? Define their demographics and pain points.
2. Study Competitors: Analyze businesses offering similar solutions. What do they do well, and where do they fall short?
3. Use Tools for Insights: Platforms like Google Trends and SEMrush can help you spot trends and measure demand.

OptinMonster Pro Tip:

If you already have a website, use Exit-Intent® popups to gather feedback from website visitors. For example, create a survey popup asking users about their biggest challenges related to your niche. This can help you refine your product idea based on real customer input.

Step 3: Choosing a Business Model

Choosing a business model is a critical step in starting an online business. Your model defines how you’ll make money and what day-to-day operations will look like. The key is to pick a model that matches your skills, interests, and resources.

Popular online business models include:

• eCommerce Store
  • Sell physical or digital products through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
  • Ideal for creative entrepreneurs or product resellers.
  • Example: Launch a print-on-demand store with custom t-shirt designs.
• Affiliate Marketing
  • Promote products from other businesses and earn a commission for each sale through your referral.
  • Works well for bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers.
  • Example: Write product reviews on your blog and include affiliate links.
• Freelancing or Consulting
  • Offer your skills as a service, such as writing, design, or marketing.
  • Flexible and quick to start, but time-intensive.
  • Example: A graphic designer offering branding services via platforms like Upwork.
• Digital Products
  • Create and sell eBooks, courses, or templates.
  • High-profit margins and scalable.
  • Example: Sell an online course on mastering Instagram marketing.
• Subscription Services
  • Provide ongoing value in exchange for a recurring fee.
  • Example: A monthly subscription box for skincare enthusiasts.

Step 4: Competitor Analysis

Competitor research helps you understand the market landscape and find opportunities to stand out. Remember, the goal isn’t to copy competitors but to learn from them and identify gaps in the market.

Here are a few tips for researching competitors:

• Identify Direct and Indirect Competitors:
  • Direct competitors solve the same problem you do for the same audience.
  • Indirect competitors cater to a similar audience but solve a different problem.
• Analyze Their Offerings:
  • Visit their website or online store to see what they sell and at what price points.
  • Review customer feedback to identify areas where they might be falling short.
• Study Their Marketing Strategies:
  • Check their social media, blog, and ad campaigns.
  • Note what channels they focus on and the type of content they produce.
• Evaluate Their Customer Experience:
  • Test their website or sign up for their newsletter to see their user journey.
  • Look for ways to improve upon their approach.

Here’s a competitor research example to give you a better idea of how the process works. Let’s say you’re launching a subscription box for eco-friendly home goods. If competitors are focused on general sustainability, you could carve out a niche by emphasizing reusable kitchen tools specifically for families.

As you develop and grow your online business, you’ll want to scale up your competitor analysis. Check out our list of the to competitor analysis tools to learn about the best software to help you compete.

Step 5: Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Your unique value proposition (UVP) is a statement that clearly communicates what sets your business apart. It’s the reason customers should choose you over competitors.

A strong UVP takes the following elements into account::

• Target Audience: Who are you helping?
• Problem: What challenge are you solving?
• Solution: How do you solve it better than anyone else?

Examples of UVPs:

• For an eCommerce Store: “Our subscription box delivers eco-friendly cleaning products that save time, reduce waste, and fit your budget.”
• For a Digital Product Business: “Learn Instagram marketing with our step-by-step course designed for small business owners.”

Your UVP should guide your branding, website copy, and marketing campaigns. Place it prominently on your homepage, in your email campaigns, and even in social media bios.

For more on value propositions, check out our guide How to Write an Irresistible Value Proposition (Examples & Templates).

Step 6: Legal Essentials

Setting up your online business legally protects your personal assets and builds trust with customers. While it may not be the most exciting part of the process, it’s crucial to get it right. Below are some basic guidelines. However, we are not legal experts, and it’s always best to consult a lawyer when starting a new business.

Choosing a Business Structure:

Your legal structure impacts taxes, liability, and paperwork requirements. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to set up, but you’re personally liable for business debts.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This type of company protects personal assets while keeping operations simple. It is a popular choice for small businesses.
• Corporation: Suitable for larger businesses or those seeking outside investors.

Registering Your Business:

• Name Registration: Ensure your business name is unique and register it with your state or country.
• Tax ID: Apply for a tax identification number (TIN or EIN) for tax purposes.
• Permits and Licenses: Check local regulations for any industry-specific requirements.

Setting Up a Business Bank Account:

Separate your personal and business finances with a dedicated business bank account. This makes bookkeeping easier and is essential for tax reporting.

Step 7: Setting Up a Sales Platform

Your sales platform is the foundation of your online business. It’s where customers will browse, purchase, and interact with your brand. Setting it up correctly is essential for smooth operations and a great user experience.

To get your platform ready to go, you’ll need to (1) choose an online storefront and (2) set up a payment processor.

1. Choose Your Online Storefront

Build Your Own Website

Creating a website gives you full control over branding and the customer experience. Popular platforms include:

• Shopify: Perfect for beginners looking for an all-in-one solution with built-in eCommerce tools.
• WordPress with WooCommerce: A flexible option if you want more customization and control.

With these platforms, you can design a professional-looking store, showcase your products, and accept payments securely.

Use Online Marketplaces

If you’re not ready to create a full website, start selling on established marketplaces. Options include:

• Etsy: Ideal for handmade or vintage products.
• Amazon: Great for mass-market items with a large customer base.

These platforms handle technical details like hosting and payment processing, so you can focus on selling.

Use Social Media Shopping

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok now offer in-app shopping features. Use these tools to reach your audience where they’re most active.

• Instagram Shopping: Tag products directly in posts and Stories.
• Facebook Shops: Create a storefront linked to your Facebook Page.

This approach works well for businesses that rely heavily on visuals and engagement.

2. Set Up a Payment Processor

Regardless of your platform, you’ll need a reliable payment processor to handle transactions. Common options include:

• Stripe: Supports multiple currencies and payment methods.
• PayPal: Trusted globally and easy for customers to use.

These tools ensure secure transactions and give customers confidence when shopping with you.

Step 8: Marketing Your Business

Once your sales platform is live, the next step is to drive traffic to it. The right mix of marketing channels can help you attract visitors, generate leads, and convert them into customers.

The top marketing channels for online businesses include:

• Email Marketing: Build an email list to nurture leads and drive repeat sales. Use tools like Constant Contact or Brevo (formerly SendinBlue) to automate campaigns.
  • Example: Send welcome emails with a discount code to new subscribers.
    
• Social Media: Share engaging content on platforms where your audience spends time. Use Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to build a following and showcase your products.
  • Example: Share customer testimonials or behind-the-scenes videos.
    
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website with keywords like “how to start an online business” to rank higher on Google.
  • Example: Write blog posts targeting common customer questions.
    
• Paid Advertising: Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach your target audience quickly.
  • Example: Run retargeting ads for users who visited your site but didn’t make a purchase.
    
• Content Marketing:Create valuable content like blog posts, videos, or podcasts to establish authority in your niche.
  • Example: Publish a guide on “10 Must-Have Tools for Online Business Owners.”

OptinMonster is the best way to build an email marketing list full of highly engaged leads. Use our popups, floating bars, and other onsite campaigns to offer discounts, collect email addresses, and grow your business!

Get started with OptinMonster!

Step 9: Launch Your Online Business

Now it’s time to officially launch! But don’t just quietly put your website live. Make it an event!

Tips for a Successful Business Launch:

• Build Anticipation: Use social media teasers or email countdowns leading up to your launch.
• Offer Launch Deals: Entice first-time customers with special discounts or freebies.
• Gather Feedback: Encourage early customers to share reviews or suggestions.

Once you launch, set up an OptinMonster welcome popup offering a freebie like a guide or discount in exchange for email sign-ups. This way, you can stay connected with visitors who aren’t ready to buy yet.

Proven Strategies to Grow Your Online Business

Now that your online business is live, it’s time to focus on growth. Scaling your business doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategies, you can steadily increase traffic, leads, and revenue.

1. Leverage Data and Analytics

Use analytics tools to understand what’s working and where you can improve.

• Google Analytics: Monitor website traffic, bounce rates, and user behavior.
• OptinMonster Analytics: Track campaign performance to see which popups or forms convert the best.

Example: If your analytics show high cart abandonment rates, you can create an OptinMonster exit-intent popup offering a discount to encourage visitors to complete their purchase.

2. Automate Processes for Efficiency

Automation can save time and help you scale more effectively.

• Email Automation: Use workflows to nurture leads and send targeted offers.
• Chatbots: Provide instant responses to common questions, improving customer service.
• OptinMonster Features: Set up automated campaigns based on user behavior, such as showing a special offer when someone visits your site for the second time.

1. Focus on Customer Retention

Acquiring new customers is essential, but retaining existing ones is even more profitable. Happy customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and recommend your business.

• Implement a loyalty program with rewards for repeat purchases.
• Send personalized email campaigns to past buyers with product recommendations.

1. Expand Your Product or Service Line

Once you have a steady flow of sales, consider adding complementary products or services.

For example: If you sell fitness gear, expand into online workout plans or nutrition guides. Be sure to use customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth.

Maintaining Long-Term Success

Running an online business isn’t just about initial success. You also need to sustain that success and hopefully grow over the long term. Here are some tips to keep your business thriving:

Stay Adaptable

The digital landscape changes rapidly. Stay up-to-date with new trends, tools, and technologies that can give your business an edge.

Build Strong Relationships

Engage with your audience through email, social media, and personalized messaging. Consistent communication fosters loyalty and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Prioritize Continuous Learning

Invest time in learning about marketing, SEO, and business operations. Join online courses or attend webinars to keep sharpening your skills.

Start and Grow Your Dream Online Business 

Starting an online business is an exciting journey. It may seem daunting at first, but by breaking it into these manageable steps, you can build something truly rewarding.

With tools like OptinMonster, you’ll have everything you need to drive leads, engage customers, and boost conversions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, OptinMonster can be your ultimate growth partner.

Use OptinMonster to grow your online business!

Related Resources:

• How to Make an eCommerce Business Plan
• 14-Point eCommerce Launch Checklist for New Store Owners
• How to Start a Blog That Makes Money: The Ultimate Guide
• Product Launch Checklist: 14 Steps to Guarantee Success

In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a Sendloop popup in minutes using OptinMonster.

• What Is Sendloop?
• What Is a Sendloop Popup?
• Why Use OptinMonster to Create Sendloop Popups?
• How to Create a Sendloop Popup With OptinMonster

What Is Sendloop?

Sendloop is an email marketing platform that enables businesses to create, automate, and manage effective email campaigns. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Sendloop allows you to:

• Design responsive emails with a drag-and-drop builder.
• Manage unlimited subscribers and lists.
• Utilize marketing automation tools for targeted campaigns.

Pairing Sendloop with OptinMonster elevates your lead generation by capturing high-quality leads through engaging popups.

What Is a Sendloop Popup?

A Sendloop popup is an optin form that appears on your website to capture visitors’ attention and encourage them to subscribe to your email list. These popups overlay your content and are designed to promote offers, share updates, or collect email addresses.

Using OptinMonster, you can create visually appealing Sendloop popups tailored to your audience, helping you grow your subscriber list and boost engagement effortlessly.

Why Use OptinMonster to Create Sendloop Popups?

While Sendloop excels in email delivery, OptinMonster ensures you have a growing list of subscribers to engage. OptinMonster is a leading lead-generation platform that allows you to create professional optin forms like:

• Lightbox popups
• Floating bars
• Fullscreen welcome mats
• Inline forms

With OptinMonster, you can build your Sendloop email list with great-looking popups like this one:

With features like advanced targeting and Exit-Intent® technology, you can display your campaigns to the right audience at the right time, maximizing engagement and conversion rates.

How to Create a Sendloop Popup With OptinMonster

Follow these simple steps to set up your Sendloop popup using OptinMonster:

Step 1: Create a New Campaign in OptinMonster

1. Log into your OptinMonster account.
2. Click Create New Campaign in your dashboard.
3. Select your campaign type, such as Popup.
4. Choose one of OptinMonster’s 700+ templates.
5. Name your campaign and click Start Building.
6. Customize your template with OptinMonster’s drag-and-drop builder.
7. Once your design is complete, click Save at the top of the editor.

For more detailed instructions, see our guide to Creating Your First OptinMonster Campaign.

Step 2: Connect OptinMonster to Sendloop

To integrate OptinMonster with Sendloop:

1. Go to the Integrations tab in the campaign builder.
2. Click Add New Integration and select Sendloop.
3. Enter a Sendloop Account Name (for internal use) and your Sendloop API Key in the appropriate fields.
4. Click Connect to Sendloop, and OptinMonster will sync with your Sendloop email lists.

For more details, see our How to Connect OptinMonster with Sendloop guide.

Step 3: Publish Your Campaign

Once integrated, you’re ready to publish:

1. Head to the Publish tab and click Publish.
2. Follow any additional instructions based on your website’s platform.

And you’re done! Your popup is now live and ready to start growing your Sendloop email list.

Boost Your Email Marketing Results With Sendloop Popups

By using OptinMonster to create Sendloop popups, you’ll quickly build an email list full of highly engaged leads. With features like Exit-Intent® technology, advanced targeting, and drag-and-drop customization, you’ll see immediate results in your lead-generation efforts.

Ready to get started? Sign up for OptinMonster today and enhance your Sendloop campaigns.

Learn More About Popups and Email Marketing

• Popups Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Capturing Leads and Driving Conversions
• Email Marketing Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Email Popups That Convert: 23 Examples & Best Practices
• 10 Brilliant Email Marketing Examples and Why We Love Them