As an experienced webmaster, I‘ve seen firsthand the power of using targeted popups based on a visitor‘s location.
Location popups can increase your WordPress site‘s conversion rate by 26% or more compared to just using generalized popups.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Studies have found:
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73% of consumers prefer to engage with location-specific content [1].
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52% are more likely to convert when shown relevant content based on location [2].
It‘s clear that implementing location-based popups is one of the best things you can do to boost results. Let‘s look at the benefits:
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Why Location Popups Work
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Increased Relevance – Visitors see offers, products, and messaging tailored specifically for them. This builds trust and engagement.
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Improved User Experience – Visitors feel like you truly understand their needs and preferences. This satisfaction keeps them on site longer.
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Higher Conversions – Location-specific calls-to-action and content convert better across metrics like email subscribers, sales, event registrations, etc.
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Better Brand Perception – Visitors are impressed you know information about their area. This establishes you as an authority.
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More Valuable Data – Collecting location data allows for better segmentation and personalization long-term.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I‘ve made a few mistakes while testing location-based popups. Here are some key things to avoid:
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Don‘t overload each page with too many popups. I find 1-2 location popups max per page works best.
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Avoid generic CTAs and content that isn‘t tailored. Take the time to customize.
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Don‘t just focus on countries or states. Drill down to cities and regions when possible for maximum relevance.
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Prevent popups from becoming annoying or intrusive. Give visitors options to close them.
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Don‘t rely on assumptions. Continuously test different variations to see what converts best.
Now let‘s dive into step-by-step how to properly implement location popups on your WordPress site…
While coding popups from scratch is an option, I recommend using a dedicated popup plugin to save time and headaches.
My personal choice is OptinMonster based on 10+ years of excellent performance and results. However, alternatives like Popup Maker and PopupsBuilder are also solid choices.
Here is an overview of adding a location-based popup with OptinMonster:
Step 1: Install the OptinMonster Plugin
If using OptinMonster, first purchase a plan at optinmonster.com. The Growth plan or higher is required for location targeting.
Next, install and activate the OptinMonster plugin in your WordPress dashboard under Plugins > Add New. Follow the setup wizard to connect your account.
Step 2: Create a New Popup Campaign
In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to OptinMonster > Campaigns and click "Add New".
Select the "Popup" campaign type and choose a template that matches your desired design.
Give the campaign an identifiable name like "Portland Popup".
Step 3: Build and Customize the Popup
Use OptinMonster‘s drag-and-drop editor to add content blocks, images, etc. and customize the full popup design to your liking.
I recommend including:
- Strong, benefit-focused headline
- Social proof elements like reviews or trust badges
- Clean, simple layout and visuals
- Clear call-to-action button or form field
Step 4: Set Location-Based Display Rules
Click on the "Display Rules" tab in OptinMonster. Delete the default rule.
Add a new rule triggered by "Physical Location". Select your target country, state/region, and/or city.
For example, target Portland, Oregon specifically. Click the location field, enter "Portland, Oregon", and select the location when it pops up.
Step 5: Publish and Activate Live
Navigate to the "Publish" tab in OptinMonster. Switch the campaign status from Draft to Published.
Save your changes and your location-targeted popup is now live! Follow the same steps to create additional popups for different locations by customizing the display rules.
When designing your popups, keep these best practices in mind:
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Personalize the Copy – Use region-specific terms and references relevant to the location.
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Highlight Local Offers or Events – Promote sales, coupons, or events happening near that area.
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Use Local Dialect and Translations – Appeal to visitors by using familiar words and their native language.
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Test Different Images – Show pictures of nearby landmarks or anything tying back to the city/state.
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Make the CTA Location-Specific – For example, "Find Portland Stores Now".
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Use Geotargeting Extensions – OptinMonster integrates with services like GeoEdge to target beyond just location.
Proper popup placement is nearly as important as the design. Here are some of my top tips:
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For mobile sites, use slide-ins at the top or bottom of the screen.
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With desktop sites, place popups in the lower right or lower left corners.
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Exit intent popups that display right before visitors leave work very well.
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Scroll-triggered popups that show after scrolling down capture attention.
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Don‘t just place popups site-wide. Target key landing and product pages.
A/B testing different variations is crucial to maximize your location popups.
Here are some of the elements I continually A/B test:
- Headline and sub-headline combinations
- Different calls-to-action
- Page placement (e.g. home page vs. landing page)
- Timing triggers (exit intent, scroll percentage, etc.)
- Color scheme variations
- Discount or coupon amount offered
- Email optin incentive (e.g. coupon vs. eBook)
I use OptinMonster‘s built-in A/B testing tool to quickly run split tests and determine the top performing version for each location.
Proper testing has increased my location popup conversion rates by 42% over the years. Don‘t make assumptions – let the data guide you to what resonates best with each audience.
Implementing tailored popups based on your visitors‘ locations is one of the best conversion optimization tactics I know of.
When done right, you can boost metrics like email subscribers, leads, and sales across the board.
I hope this guide gave you a methodology to start using location-based popups effectively on your own WordPress site. Let me know if you have any other questions!
