7 Two-Step Popup Examples and Tips for Effective Use

What is a two-step popup?

A two-step popup is exactly what it sounds like: a popup that unfolds in two phases. Instead of bombarding visitors with a form right away, it starts with an enticing offer or question.

Only when the visitor interacts with the initial prompt does the second step—a request for their email, phone number, or another action—appear.

This is when the popup appears, dominating the screen and directing attention to the specific offer.

Think of it as a conversation rather than a cold sales pitch. First, you should get visitors to commit to a small, low-pressure action, which will prepare them for the main ask.

Why do two-step popups work?

It all boils down to a psychological principle. Two-step popups leverage the commitment and consistency principle, a concept popularized by psychologist Robert Cialdini.

Here’s how it works:

1. Micro-commitment: When visitors engage with the first step (e.g., clicking a button), they’re already saying “yes” to your brand. This tiny commitment makes them more likely to follow through with the second step.
2. Reduced friction: Asking for something upfront—like an email address—can feel abrupt. Two-step popups ease visitors into the process, making the request feel natural.
3. Engagement over interruption: These popups don’t feel intrusive because they focus on providing value before asking for anything in return.

7 two-step opt-in popup examples

Ready to see this strategy in action? Here are seven brilliant examples to inspire your next campaign.

1. Eterneva

Eterneva nails it with their heartfelt approach.

Their first popup step offers a $150 incentive and promises access to inspiring stories and ideas, making it more than just a discount—it’s a community invitation for loyal customers.

The CTA “Join the Community” is warm and inviting, setting up a seamless transition to the second step, where visitors canopt-in with their email.

2. Hero Pet Health

Hero Pet Health’sfull-screen popup seamlessly combines elegance and effectiveness. In the first step, it presents a 10% discount with a vibrant orange CTA button that captures attention.

Their messaging is perfectly aligned: the CTA complements the headline, ensuring a smooth user experience.

In the second step, visitors can effortlessly submit their email.

3. Nexus Sports Nutrition

Nexus Sports Nutrition captivates with an intriguing mystery discount offer. The initial popup step sparks curiosity by hinting at a welcome code, which is revealed only after visitors engage with the prompt.

In the second step, users are invited to join their SMS club, which unlocks exclusive perks like early sale alerts and updates on new product launches. This effectively harnesses SMS marketing strategies.

Finally, in step three, visitors receive their welcome discount code by providing their phone number.

This strategy is a win-win, benefiting both the brand and its customers by integrating text messages for immediate engagement and timely offers through SMS marketing.

4. Pixie Wing

Pixie Wing proves thatmulti-step popups can be glamorous. The first step teases an exclusive discount, which is revealed only after visitors take the next action.

This layered approach builds excitement while making the opt-in feel like unlocking a reward.

5. Seoulbox

Seoulbox takes personalization to the next level. Their two-step popup invites visitors to select what they’re shopping for—Korean snacks, K-pop, or K-beauty—during the first step.

This segmentation paves the way for highly tailored email marketing in the future, aligning perfectly with their marketing goals. Genius!

6. WelleCo

WelleCo keeps it simple yet effective with their multi-step popups. Their popup offers a €10 discount in exchange for an email address.

The uncluttered design and straightforward messaging make it hard to resist. Visitors need to simply click once on the CTA to begin the process, making it an effortless experience.

The minimalist approach proves you don’t need bells and whistles to capture attention.

7. Mott & Bow

Last but not least, Mott & Bow’s popup is a masterclass in incentive-driven marketing. Their first step poses an irresistible question: “Want to pay $26 less for our jeans?”

The aligned CTA—“Yes, please”—makes clicking almost automatic. Step two seals the deal with the promised discount and free shipping.

How to create high-converting two-step popups to boost conversion rates?

Now that you’ve seen the potential of two-step popups, let’s explore how to create irresistible two step popups that collect information, and build customer loyalty.

1. Use exit-intent triggering

Timing is crucial in popup success. By triggering your multi-step popups when visitors show exit intent—like moving their cursor toward the browser bar—you can re-engage them at the perfect moment.

This approach feels natural, as it doesn’t interrupt their browsing flow and gives them a compelling reason to stay.

2. Optimize for full-screen

Full-screen popups are hard to ignore. They eliminate distractions by taking over the entire screen, ensuring that your offer gets undivided attention.

This is particularly effective on mobile devices, where space is limited and users appreciate a clean, focused experience.

3. Make it mobile-friendly

With most web traffic coming from mobile devices, your multi step popups must be fully optimized for mobile visitors and smaller screens.

Use responsive designs, large touch-friendly buttons, and minimal text to create a seamless user experience.

Mobile-friendly popups make it easy for users to engage without frustration.

4. Add trust-building elements to personalized popups

Visitors are more likely to convert when they trust your brand.

Incorporate elements like customer reviews, security badges, or logos of media outlets that have featured your brand. These should be ideally positioned on the left-hand side for maximum visibility.

These trust signals establish credibility, helping to reassure users that they’re making a safe and smart decision.

5. Delay the closing ‘X'

A small but effective trick is to introduce a brief delay before the close button becomes clickable.

This 1–2 second pause encourages users to consider your offer before dismissing it entirely. It’s a subtle nudge that can significantly improve engagement.

Best two-step popup templates to get you started

Streamline the process with pre-designed templates from OptiMonk.

These customizable two-step popup templates are designed to fit your brand’s style, are mobile-friendly, and are optimized for maximum conversions.

OptiMonk makes it easy to create professional, high-performing popups in no time.

Wrapping up

Two-step popups aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a powerful tool for building your email list and boosting conversions.

By prioritizing value and guiding visitors through a seamless process, you create a win-win interaction that feels both authentic and effective.

Ready to take your strategy to the next level?

Create an OptiMonk account and get started with our easy-to-use templates to design your perfect two-step popup.