How to Create a Popup in Sitecore?

I have been using Sitecore for a while and deployed it for many of my marketing strategies. Its robust features and seamless integrations have made it a cornerstone of my digital strategy.

I’ve heard that popups can help grow your email list and improve click-through rates (CTRs).

I also found that Sitecore also offers popups! There are two ways to create a Sitecore popup: using Sitecore’s built-in tools and a dedicated popup tool like Picreel. We’ll also discuss the differences between Sitecore’s popup builder and Picreel as a standardized popup tool.

In fact, here’s how my Picreel popup looks within Sitecore:

Before we get into that, here’s the difference between using Sitecore’s own popup vs. a standardized popup tool.

Based on my experience, I recommend using Picreel for the following reasons:

• Multi-platform support: Picreel works across multiple platforms, making it versatile if you decide to switch from Sitecore in the future.
• Better customization options: Picreel offers extensive customization options, allowing you to create highly engaging and personalized popups.
• Advanced targeting options: Picreel provides advanced targeting and segmentation, ensuring your popups reach the right audience at the right time.

Nevertheless, in this tutorial, we will answer the question of how to create a popup using both methods.

Method 1: Using Sitecore’s Built-in Popup

Sitecore offers a built-in popup maker. Here’s how to create it:

1. Navigate to the Sitecore login page and enter your credentials to access your dashboard.

2. Once logged in, go to the Experience Editor by selecting it from the main menu.

3. Choose the specific page on your website where you want the Sitecore popup to appear.

4. In the Experience Editor, click the ‘Insert’ option in the top navigation menu.

5. From the dropdown menu, select the ‘Promotional Popup’ option. This will open the popup creation interface.

6. Use the editing tools to customize the appearance of your Sitecore popup. Add images, text, and call-to-action buttons as needed.

7. Define when and where the popup will appear. You can set conditions such as time on page, scroll percentage, or exit intent.

8. Choose the audience segments you want to target with your popup. You can select criteria based on user behavior, demographics, or other attributes.

9. After customizing the Sitecore popup to your satisfaction, click on the ‘Save’ button to save your changes.

Method 2: Using Picreel Popup Builder

Picreel is a popup maker that works across multiple platforms, providing you with a versatile solution for creating popups. Here’s how you can create a Sitecore popup using Picreel:

1. Sign up for a Picreel account and log in.

2. Go to the “Campaigns” menu and click “New Campaign” from the top right. You can select the templates option from the drop-down or start from scratch.

3. From the templates menu, choose the type of popup you want to create.

4. Once you select the design, customize it according to your preferences.

5. Configure your targeting and trigger options to specify when and where you want your popup to appear.

6. Click “Save” to activate your popup.

Embedding Picreel HTML Code Inside Sitecore

To embed a Picreel popup on your Sitecore website, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to campaigns and click “View Code.”

2. Click on the code to copy it.

3. Log in to your Sitecore account and select the Experience Editor from the main menu.

4. Choose the specific page on your website where you want to add the custom HTML code.

5. Find the location on the page where you want to add the HTML code. Click on the desired placeholder and choose ‘Add here‘. From the available options, select ‘Content Block’.

6. After inserting the content block, click on it to open the editing interface.

7. In the content block editor, locate the HTML editing option. This is usually represented by an HTML icon or a ‘Source’ button.

8. Paste your custom HTML code into the content block in the HTML editor.

9. After embedding your HTML code, click ‘Accept’ to apply the changes.

Which Is a Better Method: Method 1 or 2?

Keeping a long-term view, Picreel is probably better because your popup tool remains intact despite changing platforms; you get more sophisticated popup options and more triggers.

Additionally, Picreel comes with a forever-free plan for startups and small businesses and allows you to create unlimited popups with all premium features. The free version does the job, but you can always explore paid options starting as low as $9.99/month.

On the other hand, if you prefer to use the limited options available with Sitecore’s built-in popup without incurring any additional integrations, it can still serve your needs just fine.

Remember, the goal is to create compelling popups that drive user engagement and conversions, regardless of your chosen method. Ultimately, the choice is yours.