Key Takeaways:

• Floaters (pop-ups) are still one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to grow an email database.
• Well-executed pop-ups convert 8–12% of visitors, compared to just 3–5% for static sign-up boxes.
• Exit-intent pop-ups, scroll-based triggers, and segmented offers consistently outperform generic pop-ups.
• The right incentive matters—reports, checklists, or discounts work better than “join our list.”
• Mobile optimization is critical; full-screen intrusive pop-ups on phones kill response and hurt SEO.
• A/B testing small changes (headline, trigger timing, incentive) can produce big lifts in conversion.
• Pop-ups are most effective when they feel helpful, not pushy—building trust instead of breaking it.

 Are you capturing all the leads you should from your website?

If not, you’re leaving thousands of prospects — and profits — on the table.

The solution? Floaters.

Also called pop-ups, floaters are still one of the most powerful direct response tools to grow your email list and fill your database with qualified prospects.

Why Floaters Work:

Floaters get attention.

They appear at the exact moment a visitor is most engaged — while reading, scrolling, or just before leaving.

And when you offer something of value — a checklist, report, or special guide — visitors gladly trade their email for it.

Done right, a floater can convert 8–12% of your visitors into subscribers. That’s double or triple what a static sign-up box delivers.

New Strategies That Are Working in 2025:

• Exit-intent floaters: Triggered when someone is about to leave. Perfect to save abandoning visitors.
• Scroll-based floaters: Appear after the visitor reads 50% of a page — when interest is highest.
• Segmented offers: Match the popup to the content they’re reading. Retirement tips for retirement pages. Business growth checklists for entrepreneurs.
• Strong incentives: Not “join our list.” Instead: “Avoid the 6 red flags that guarantee an audit” or “The 4 ways CEOs lose leads without realizing it.”
• Mobile-friendly design: Small, simple, fast. Don’t block the whole screen.

Real-World Success:

• A direct-to-consumer brand added 3,000+ new leads per month using exit-intent floaters.
• Recent studies show optimized pop-ups average 11% conversion rates, compared to 3–5% for generic sign-ups.
• B2B companies offering whitepapers or webinars in their floaters are reporting higher engagement and retention, not just raw sign-ups.

What This Means for You

Imagine your site gets 10,000 visitors a month.

At just 5% conversion, you’d capture 500 leads.

But optimize with floaters, and you could see 1,000–1,200 — or more.

That’s a massive increase in new prospects without spending more on traffic.

Don’t Call Them White Papers

Words matter. “White paper” sounds boring.

Instead, position your offer as a bonus report or special guide.

Here are winning examples:

• “The Unbreakable Rules of Starting a Profitable Small Business”
• “10 Foolproof Methods to Double Your Email List in 30 Days”
• “How to Use AI Tools to Generate Highly Targeted Leads”

Bottom Line

Floaters are not dead.

They’re alive, well, and driving explosive growth for marketers who know how to use them.

The key is relevance, timing, and irresistible offers.

Call Michael at CDMG today at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected]. He’ll show you how to implement a floater strategy that doubles or triples your lead capture.

Or get my book: The New, Multi-Channel Integrated Marketing: 29 Trends for Creating a Multi-Channel Integrated Campaign to Boost Your Profits Now.

This book reveals the secrets to integrated campaigns that multiply profits across email, direct mail, CTV, social, and more.

You can buy it online HERE or on Amazon HERE. Or get the audiobook HERE or on Kindle HERE.

Don’t wait. Start capturing the profits you’re missing.

FAQs:
Q: Do pop-ups still work in 2025?
A: Yes. When timed and targeted properly, modern pop-ups convert 8–12% of visitors—double what static sign-up boxes achieve.

Q: What is an exit-intent pop-up?
A: An exit-intent pop-up appears when a user’s mouse moves toward the browser bar or back button, capturing leads just before they leave.

Q: How many fields should a pop-up form have?
A: Keep it simple—usually just one or two fields (email, maybe first name). The fewer the fields, the higher the completion rate.

Q: Are pop-ups bad for SEO?
A: Only if they’re intrusive. Search engines penalize mobile pop-ups that block the entire screen. Use responsive, timed designs to avoid issues.

Q: What incentives work best in pop-ups?
A: Specific, high-value offers: e.g. “The 6 Tax Red Flags That Trigger an Audit” or “Free Guide: 10 Ways to Double Your Email List in 30 Days.”

Q: How often should I test my pop-ups?
A: Continuously. Test headlines, timing (immediate vs. delayed vs. scroll-triggered), and different incentives to find the best response.

About Craig Huey:

Craig Huey is President of Creative Direct Marketing Group (CDMGinc.com), a 30-year leader in direct response advertising and multi-channel marketing. Under his leadership, CDMG has:

• Tested more than 10,000 digital marketing variables.
• Mailed over 10 million pieces of direct mail in the last year alone.
• Won more than 120 awards for marketing excellence.

Craig is also the publisher of Direct Marketing Update, the trusted newsletter for company presidents and marketing directors looking to maximize ROI with cutting-edge, accountable advertising strategies.

Unlock Your Business Potential with CDMG, Inc. 

Boost Your Brand. Maximize Your ROI. Drive Measurable Growth. 

At CDMG, Inc., we don’t just run ads—we drive results. Our award-winning, data-driven strategies are designed to elevate your business, increase your leads, and maximize your bottom line. Led by marketing experts Craig and Caleb Huey, we’ve helped transform startups into multimillion-dollar powerhouses and scaled industry leaders to new heights. 

Whether you need expert media buying, compelling copy, targeted D2C strategies, or cutting-edge testing, CDMG is your go-to partner in success. 

Why Choose CDMG? 

• Proven Success: With over 120 prestigious awards in 2024 alone, we know what works. 

• Customized Strategies: Our data-driven approach ensures that every campaign is tailored to drive results. 

• Expert Team: Tap into the expertise of seasoned veterans who’ve launched products, repositioned brands, and created e-commerce success stories. 

• Let us help with your video needs!
  We produce:
  • Pre-roll videos
  • Video sales letters (VSLs)
  • TV commercials
  • Infomercials
  • Addressable TV
  • Videologs
  …and much more! 

We’re not just another agency. We’re your growth partner—focused on delivering measurable results and long-term success. 

Ready to Supercharge Your Business? 

Don’t settle for ordinary. Let’s talk about how CDMG can help you accelerate your growth and achieve your marketing goals. 

Contact Michael Oppenheimer today at 615-933-4647 or [email protected]. 

Start transforming your marketing today with CDMG, Inc.—where strategy meets success.