Profitable Tools (Legacy)

The Best Pop-up Builder For Ecommerce

Discover the top pop-up builders for e-commerce: Compare ConvertBox, OptiMonk, Elementor, and Convert Pro to find your perfect lead generation tool.

Dave Swift

Aug 18, 2021 — 15 min read

Introduction

In the world of e-commerce, pop-ups play a crucial role in capturing leads and driving conversions. With up to 40% of e-commerce revenue coming from email lists, finding the right pop-up builder can significantly impact your business’s success. This article explores four popular pop-up builders: ConvertBox, OptiMonk, Elementor, and Convert Pro. We’ll dive deep into their features, usability, and effectiveness in recreating a real-world pop-up from the wedding dress e-commerce brand, Revelry. By comparing these tools, we aim to help you make an informed decision on which pop-up builder best suits your e-commerce needs. Whether you’re looking for a hosted solution, a WordPress plugin, or a lifetime deal, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each option, helping you optimize your website for lead generation and increased revenue.

Convertbox [01:30]

ConvertBox is a popular hosted solution for creating pop-ups that integrates with various platforms. Its key features and characteristics include:

Wide compatibility: ConvertBox works with most website platforms, including Shopify, WordPress, and Squarespace.
Lifetime deal: Users can purchase a one-time license for $500, which allows usage on up to 10 websites with 250,000 page views per month.
User-friendly interface: ConvertBox is designed for ease of use, making it accessible for non-technical users.
Advanced marketing features: The tool offers A/B testing and integrations with many email service providers.

Pros of ConvertBox

One-time payment for lifetime usage
Easy to use for beginners
Integrates with numerous platforms
Built-in A/B testing functionality

Cons of ConvertBox

Limited design customization options
Lack of advanced styling features
Restricted font choices
No option for button outlines or hover effects

Use Case Scenarios

Small businesses looking for a cost-effective, long-term solution
E-commerce stores needing quick and easy pop-up creation
Marketers prioritizing A/B testing and integration capabilities
Multi-site owners seeking a single tool for multiple websites

Pricing Comparison

ConvertBox’s $500 lifetime deal can be more economical in the long run compared to monthly subscription models
For new businesses, the upfront cost might be a drawback compared to free or low-cost monthly options

Get ConvertBox

Optimonk [02:11]

OptiMonk is a hosted solution similar to ConvertBox but offers a monthly subscription model. Key features and characteristics include:

Flexible pricing: OptiMonk provides a free plan for single sites with up to 3,000 page views per month, with paid plans starting at $29/month.
Scalable options: As your business grows, you can upgrade to higher-tier plans that accommodate more websites and page views.
Advanced design capabilities: OptiMonk offers more customization options compared to ConvertBox.
Comprehensive integrations: The tool integrates with numerous email service providers and marketing platforms.

Pros of OptiMonk

Free plan available for small websites or beginners
More advanced design and customization options
Flexible pricing structure for scaling businesses
Preview feature showing pop-ups on your actual website

Cons of OptiMonk

Monthly recurring cost can add up over time
Branding on lower-tier plans
Steeper learning curve due to more advanced features
Some features like A/B testing only available on higher-tier plans

Use Case Scenarios

New e-commerce stores looking to start with a free option
Businesses requiring highly customized pop-up designs
Marketers needing detailed analytics and A/B testing capabilities
Companies with multiple websites requiring different levels of pop-up functionality

Pricing Comparison

OptiMonk’s monthly model allows for lower initial costs but may exceed ConvertBox’s lifetime deal price over time
Higher-tier plans can be costly for small businesses but offer more features and capacity

Get OptiMonk

Elementor [03:13]

Elementor is primarily a WordPress page builder that includes pop-up building functionality. Key features and characteristics include:

WordPress-specific: Elementor only works with WordPress websites.
Dual-purpose tool: It can be used for both website building and pop-up creation.
Cost-effective: Pricing starts at $49 per year, making it cheaper than some dedicated pop-up builders.
Limited pop-up analytics: Elementor lacks built-in analytics specifically for pop-ups.

Pros of Elementor

Affordable yearly pricing
Familiar interface for WordPress users
Can be used for entire website design, not just pop-ups
Access to all Google Fonts and ability to upload custom fonts

Cons of Elementor

Limited to WordPress websites
Lack of dedicated pop-up analytics
Some design limitations compared to specialized pop-up builders
A/B testing requires third-party tools

Use Case Scenarios

WordPress website owners looking for an all-in-one solution
Designers who prioritize overall website design flexibility
Budget-conscious businesses needing basic pop-up functionality
Users already familiar with Elementor for page building

Pricing Comparison

Elementor’s yearly cost is significantly lower than ConvertBox’s lifetime deal or OptiMonk’s higher-tier plans
Consider the long-term value if you need Elementor for overall website design, not just pop-ups

Get Elementor

Convert Pro [03:57]

Convert Pro is a WordPress plugin focused specifically on lead generation and pop-up creation. Key features and characteristics include:

WordPress-specific: Like Elementor, Convert Pro only works with WordPress websites.
Dedicated pop-up builder: Unlike Elementor, Convert Pro is designed specifically for creating pop-ups and lead generation forms.
Flexible pricing: Offers both yearly subscriptions and a lifetime license option.
Advanced features: Includes A/B testing, analytics, and numerous integrations.

Pros of Convert Pro

Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
Extensive customization options
Built-in analytics and A/B testing
Wide range of integrations with email service providers

Cons of Convert Pro

Limited to WordPress websites
Some users may find the interface occasionally frustrating
Requires separate add-ons for certain features (though included in the package)
Learning curve for utilizing all advanced features

Use Case Scenarios

WordPress website owners needing advanced pop-up functionality
E-commerce stores requiring detailed pop-up analytics
Marketers focusing on extensive A/B testing and optimization
Businesses looking for a balance between customization and ease of use

Pricing Comparison

Convert Pro’s yearly subscription is competitive with Elementor
The lifetime license option provides long-term value similar to ConvertBox
Consider the added value of dedicated pop-up features compared to general page builders

Get ConvertPro

Copying Assets [04:44]

Before recreating the Revelry pop-up in each tool, it’s crucial to gather the necessary assets and information. This process involves:

Inspecting the original pop-up using browser developer tools
Identifying and downloading required images (main image and background patterns)
Noting the dimensions of the pop-up
Analyzing typography, colors, and other design elements

Key Steps in Asset Gathering

Use browser inspection tools to find image files
Download main images and background patterns
Measure pop-up dimensions for accurate recreation
Use tools like WhatFont to identify typography details

Importance of Accurate Asset Copying

Ensures faithful recreation of the original design
Allows for fair comparison between different pop-up builders
Helps identify limitations or strengths of each tool
Provides a consistent baseline for evaluating each builder’s capabilities

Tips for Effective Asset Gathering

Organize downloaded assets in a dedicated folder
Note down exact color codes and font details
Consider creating a simple style guide for reference
Pay attention to subtle design elements like button styles and form field appearances

Building in Convertbox [05:42]

Creating the Revelry pop-up in ConvertBox reveals both its strengths and limitations:

User-friendly interface: ConvertBox offers a straightforward process for adding elements and basic styling.
Limited customization: The tool lacks advanced design options, making it challenging to recreate pixel-perfect designs.
Preset templates: While helpful for quick setups, these can be restrictive for custom designs.
Integration focus: ConvertBox prioritizes marketing functionality over design flexibility.

Challenges Encountered

Unable to remove padding around pop-up edges
Limited font options and typography customization
No option for button outlines or hover effects
Restricted form field styling options

Workarounds and Solutions

Utilize available Google Fonts to approximate desired typography
Leverage inherit font option to match website’s existing font family
Focus on overall layout and functionality rather than exact design replication
Use ConvertBox’s strength in integrations and A/B testing to compensate for design limitations

Time and Effort Considerations

Quick initial setup due to user-friendly interface
Additional time needed to work around design limitations
Consider time saved on integration setup and A/B testing configuration

Convertbox Results [07:11]

After attempting to recreate the Revelry pop-up in ConvertBox, the results highlight both the tool’s strengths and weaknesses:

Ease of use: ConvertBox proves to be user-friendly, allowing for quick setup of basic pop-up elements.
Design limitations: The tool falls short in recreating pixel-perfect designs due to restricted customization options.
Marketing focus: ConvertBox excels in providing advanced marketing features like A/B testing and integrations.
Template reliance: While helpful for beginners, the reliance on templates can be limiting for custom designs.

Aesthetic Comparison to Original

Overall layout resembles the original, but lacks precise styling
Unable to remove padding around pop-up edges, affecting the full-bleed design
Font options don’t match the original exactly, impacting typography accuracy
Button styling limited, missing outline and hover effects

Functionality Assessment

Form fields and submit button work as intended
Easy integration with various email service providers
Built-in A/B testing functionality readily available
Tracking and analytics features easily accessible

User Experience Considerations

Intuitive interface makes it easy for non-designers to create pop-ups
Limited design options may frustrate users seeking exact design replication
Quick setup process beneficial for rapid deployment of marketing campaigns
Focus on marketing features aligns well with e-commerce conversion goals

ConvertBox Pros [10:04]

Despite its limitations in design customization, ConvertBox offers several advantages that make it a compelling option for many e-commerce businesses:

User-friendly interface: The tool is designed for ease of use, making it accessible to non-technical users.
Lifetime deal: The one-time payment option provides long-term value and predictable costs.
Multi-platform compatibility: ConvertBox works across various website platforms, offering flexibility.
Built-in A/B testing: This feature allows for easy optimization of pop-up performance.

Marketing-Focused Features

Seamless integration with numerous email service providers
Advanced targeting options for personalized pop-up displays
Easy setup of multi-step pop-ups and funnels
Comprehensive analytics for tracking pop-up performance

Cost-Effectiveness

One-time payment eliminates ongoing subscription costs
Ability to use on multiple websites increases value for multi-site owners
No need for separate A/B testing tools, saving additional costs

Time-Saving Aspects

Quick pop-up creation process ideal for rapid campaign deployment
Pre-designed templates speed up the initial setup
Intuitive interface reduces learning curve and setup time
Automated A/B testing saves time on manual optimization efforts

Scalability

Supports up to 250,000 monthly page views, suitable for growing businesses
Can be used across multiple websites without additional costs
Easy to create and manage multiple pop-ups for different campaigns or products

Building in Optimonk [10:26]

Creating the Revelry pop-up in OptiMonk showcases the tool’s advanced design capabilities and user-friendly features:

Flexible canvas: OptiMonk allows for easy resizing of the pop-up canvas, though it lacks precise pixel measurements.
Advanced image handling: The tool offers both floating and regular image options for versatile design.
Extensive typography options: OptiMonk provides a wide range of fonts and custom font upload capabilities.
Detailed element control: Users can adjust padding, margins, and alignment for each element individually.

Design Process Highlights

Drag-and-drop functionality for easy element placement
Ability to adjust column widths and padding for precise layouts
Advanced options for button styling, including hover effects
Detailed control over form field appearance, including individual border styling

Customization Capabilities

Option to upload custom fonts for exact typography matching
Ability to adjust overlay color and opacity for background images
Fine-tuned control over element spacing and alignment
Advanced options for responsive design adjustments

Challenges and Solutions

Initial learning curve due to numerous options and settings
Workaround required for some specific styling effects
Time investment needed for precise recreation of complex designs
Balancing between using pre-built templates and custom designs for efficiency

Time and Effort Considerations

More time-intensive than ConvertBox for initial setup
Additional time required to explore and utilize advanced features
Potential for faster iterations and design changes once familiar with the tool
Time saved in the long run due to extensive customization options reducing the need for compromises

Optimonk Results [14:38]

After recreating the Revelry pop-up in OptiMonk, the results demonstrate the tool’s strengths in design flexibility and customization:

Design accuracy: OptiMonk allows for a much closer recreation of the original pop-up compared to ConvertBox.
Customization depth: The tool offers extensive options for tweaking every aspect of the pop-up design.
Responsive design: OptiMonk provides robust features for creating both desktop and mobile versions of pop-ups.
Integration capabilities: Like ConvertBox, OptiMonk offers a wide range of integrations with email service providers and other marketing tools.

Aesthetic Comparison to Original

Achieved a very close match to the original pop-up design
Accurate typography replication, including font styles and sizes
Precise control over layout, including proper spacing and alignment
Successful recreation of button styles, including hover effects

Functionality Assessment

Form fields and submit button function as intended
Easy setup of radio button options and field validation
Smooth integration with various email marketing platforms
Built-in A/B testing capabilities for performance optimization

User Experience Considerations

More complex interface may require a learning curve for new users
Extensive customization options provide flexibility for designers
Preview feature allows for easy visualization of pop-up on actual website
Responsive design options ensure consistent appearance across devices

Limitations and Workarounds

OptiMonk branding on lower-tier plans may be undesirable for some users
Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Occasional interface quirks when fine-tuning element positions
Monthly pricing model may be less appealing for long-term use compared to lifetime deals

Building in Elementor [15:41]

Creating the Revelry pop-up in Elementor highlights the tool’s strengths as a versatile WordPress page builder with pop-up capabilities:

Familiar interface: Users of Elementor for page building will find the pop-up creation process intuitive.
Quick setup: Elementor allows for rapid pop-up creation, especially for those familiar with the platform.
WordPress integration: The tool seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing for easy use of existing assets and styles.
Font flexibility: Elementor provides access to all Google Fonts and allows for custom font uploads.

Design Process Highlights

Drag-and-drop functionality for easy element placement
Ability to use existing Elementor widgets in pop-up designs
Easy application of global styles from the main website to pop-ups
Quick adjustment of responsive breakpoints for mobile optimization

Customization Capabilities

Access to full range of Elementor design options
Ability to add custom CSS for advanced styling
Use of Elementor’s built-in form widget for easy form creation
Integration with WordPress theme customizer for consistent styling

Challenges and Solutions

Limited pop-up-specific features compared to dedicated pop-up builders
Workarounds needed for some advanced pop-up behaviors
Lack of built-in A/B testing requires third-party solutions
Balancing between using Elementor’s general features and pop-up-specific needs

Time and Effort Considerations

Quick initial setup for users familiar with Elementor
Additional time may be needed to replicate advanced pop-up features
Efficient for WordPress users already utilizing Elementor for site building
Potential time savings by leveraging existing Elementor templates and styles

Elementor Results [17:07]

The results of recreating the Revelry pop-up in Elementor showcase both the strengths and limitations of using a general page builder for pop-up creation:

Design flexibility: Elementor provides a good range of design options, allowing for a reasonably close recreation of the original pop-up.
WordPress integration: The seamless integration with WordPress themes and plugins is a significant advantage.
Speed of creation: For users familiar with Elementor, the pop-up creation process is quick and intuitive.
Limited pop-up-specific features: As a general page builder, Elementor lacks some specialized pop-up functionalities found in dedicated tools.

Aesthetic Comparison to Original

Achieved a close approximation of the original pop-up design
Typography options allowed for accurate font matching
Layout and spacing control provided good overall structure
Some limitations in precise styling of form elements and buttons

Functionality Assessment

Form fields and submit button work well within the WordPress ecosystem
Integration with WordPress forms and user data is straightforward
Lack of built-in A/B testing for pop-ups is a notable drawback
Limited analytics specific to pop-up performance

User Experience Considerations

Familiar interface for existing Elementor users reduces learning curve
Consistent design experience between website and pop-ups
Responsive design controls ensure proper display on various devices
Potential for performance impact if using complex Elementor features

Limitations and Workarounds

Need for third-party plugins to achieve advanced pop-up behaviors
Limited options for targeting and triggering pop-ups compared to specialized tools
Workarounds required for some specific styling effects, like centering text in form fields
Additional coding may be necessary for advanced customization

Building in Convert Pro [18:14]

Creating the Revelry pop-up in Convert Pro demonstrates the tool’s strengths as a dedicated WordPress pop-up builder:

Intuitive positioning: Convert Pro allows for precise element placement on the canvas without relying on complex padding or margin adjustments.
Flexible canvas: Users can easily resize the canvas and specify exact pixel dimensions for the pop-up.
Advanced styling options: The tool offers detailed control over element styling, including borders, backgrounds, and hover effects.
WordPress-specific features: Convert Pro integrates seamlessly with WordPress themes and plugins.

Design Process Highlights

Direct manipulation of elements on the canvas for intuitive design
Ability to set exact dimensions for the pop-up and individual elements
Detailed control over form field styling, including individual border adjustments
Easy implementation of hover effects and transitions

Customization Capabilities

Option to inherit global font settings from WordPress theme
Advanced background controls, including overlay options
Precise control over element spacing and alignment
Built-in responsive design features for mobile optimization

Challenges and Solutions

Occasional interface quirks when fine-tuning element positions
Learning curve for utilizing all advanced features effectively
Some limitations in styling options for close buttons
Balancing between using pre-built templates and custom designs for efficiency

Time and Effort Considerations

Quick initial setup for basic pop-up structures
Additional time required to explore and utilize advanced features
Efficient for creating multiple pop-ups with consistent styling
Time saved in the long run due to extensive customization options reducing the need for compromises

Convert Pro Results [22:03]

The results of recreating the Revelry pop-up in Convert Pro highlight the tool’s capabilities as a specialized WordPress pop-up builder:

Design accuracy: Convert Pro allows for a very close recreation of the original pop-up, rivaling OptiMonk in terms of design fidelity.
WordPress integration: The tool’s seamless integration with WordPress provides advantages in terms of consistency and ease of use.
Advanced features: Convert Pro offers a robust set of features specific to pop-up creation and lead generation.
User-friendly interface: The tool strikes a balance between powerful features and ease of use.

Aesthetic Comparison to Original

Achieved a highly accurate recreation of the original pop-up design
Precise control over typography, including font styles and sizes
Exact matching of layout, spacing, and alignment
Successful replication of form field styles and button effects

Functionality Assessment

Form fields and submit button function seamlessly within WordPress
Easy setup of custom form validations and submissions
Smooth integration with various WordPress-compatible email marketing platforms
Built-in A/B testing and analytics for performance optimization

User Experience Considerations

Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy element placement
Preview feature allows for visualization of pop-up on actual website
Responsive design controls ensure consistent appearance across devices
Familiar environment for WordPress users

Limitations and Workarounds

Limited to WordPress websites, not suitable for other platforms
Some advanced features require separate add-ons (though included in the package)
Learning curve for utilizing all advanced features effectively
Occasional interface quirks when fine-tuning element positions

A/B Testing [22:38]

A/B testing is a crucial feature for optimizing pop-up performance. Here’s how the four tools compare in terms of A/B testing capabilities:

ConvertBox: Offers built-in A/B testing functionality out of the box.
OptiMonk: Provides A/B testing features, but only on paid plans starting at $29/month.
Elementor: Lacks native A/B testing for pop-ups, requiring third-party tools for this functionality.
Convert Pro: Includes A/B testing capabilities, though it requires a separate add-on (included in the package).

ConvertBox A/B Testing

Integrated A/B testing available on all plans
Easy setup process for creating test variations
Automatic traffic distribution between variants
Built-in analytics for tracking test performance

OptiMonk A/B Testing

Available on paid plans only
Comprehensive testing options for various pop-up elements
Advanced targeting and segmentation for tests
Detailed performance analytics and reporting

Elementor A/B Testing Limitations

No native A/B testing functionality for pop-ups
Requires integration with third-party WordPress plugins for testing
Potential compatibility issues with some testing plugins
Additional learning curve for setting up and managing tests

Convert Pro A/B Testing

Robust A/B testing features available as an add-on
Seamless integration with WordPress environment
Ability to test multiple variations simultaneously
Detailed analytics and conversion tracking

How To Decide Which Is Right For You [23:20]

Choosing the right pop-up builder depends on various factors specific to your business needs and technical requirements:

Platform compatibility: Ensure the tool works with your website platform (WordPress, Shopify, etc.).
Integration needs: Check if the pop-up builder integrates with your email service provider and other marketing tools.
Design requirements: Consider the level of design customization you need for your pop-ups.
Budget considerations: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each tool based on your long-term usage plans.

Key Decision Factors

Website platform: WordPress users have more options, including Elementor and Convert Pro
Design flexibility: OptiMonk and Convert Pro offer more advanced design options
Ease of use: ConvertBox provides a user-friendly interface for quick setups
Analytics and A/B testing: Consider the importance of built-in testing and performance tracking

Use Case Scenarios

Multi-platform business: ConvertBox or OptiMonk for wide compatibility
WordPress-focused site: Convert Pro or Elementor for seamless integration
Design-centric approach: OptiMonk or Convert Pro for extensive customization
Marketing-driven strategy: ConvertBox or OptiMonk for advanced targeting and integrations

Budget Considerations

Long-term use: ConvertBox’s lifetime deal may offer the best value
Scaling business: OptiMonk’s tiered pricing allows for growth
WordPress-specific: Elementor or Convert Pro provide cost-effective options
Trial period: Utilize free trials or lower-tier plans to test before committing

Final Thoughts [24:01]

After comparing ConvertBox, OptiMonk, Elementor, and Convert Pro, it’s clear that each tool has its strengths and ideal use cases:

ConvertBox excels in ease of use and offers great value with its lifetime deal, making it suitable for businesses looking for a straightforward, cost-effective solution across multiple platforms.
OptiMonk provides the most extensive design customization options and is ideal for businesses requiring highly tailored pop-ups and advanced marketing features.
Elementor, while primarily a page builder, offers a good balance of functionality for WordPress users who need basic pop-up capabilities alongside website design tools.
Convert Pro stands out as a dedicated WordPress pop-up builder, offering a great mix of design flexibility, integration capabilities, and marketing features.

Key Takeaways

Platform compatibility is crucial: Ensure the tool works with your website before committing.
Design needs vary: Consider how important pixel-perfect design is for your pop-ups.
Marketing features matter: Look for tools that offer robust integration and A/B testing capabilities.
Budget for long-term use: Consider lifetime deals vs. monthly subscriptions based on your business growth projections.

Final Recommendations

For multi-platform use and ease of setup: ConvertBox
For advanced design and marketing features: OptiMonk
For WordPress users needing an all-in-one solution: Elementor
For WordPress-specific, advanced pop-up creation: Convert Pro

Remember, the best pop-up builder for your e-commerce business depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and long-term goals. Consider taking advantage of free trials or lower-tier plans to test these tools before making a final decision.

By choosing the right pop-up builder, you can significantly enhance your lead generation efforts and ultimately drive more revenue for your e-commerce business. Keep in mind that pop-ups are just one part of a comprehensive marketing strategy, and their effectiveness should be regularly evaluated and optimized.

For more insights on e-commerce tools and strategies, visit ClientAmp or join the discussion in our Facebook group. Stay updated with the latest tips and tricks by following us on Twitter.