popup-generator

When the user wants to add, optimize, or audit popups or modals for lead capture or offers. Also use when the user mentions "popup," "modal," "lightbox," "overlay," "exit-intent," "popup form," "modal design," "lead popup," "popup timing," or "popup triggers." For CRO, use conversion-optimization.

Components: Popup / Modal

Guides popup and modal design for conversion. Well-designed popups can achieve up to 25% conversion; poorly timed or intrusive ones hurt UX and SEO. Google penalizes intrusive mobile popups.

When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment

Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read it for offers and audience.

Identify:

1. Goal: Newsletter, discount, lead magnet, demo
2. Trigger: Time delay, scroll %, exit intent, click
3. Mobile: Critical; smaller screens = easier to interrupt

Best Practices

Timing and Context

• Avoid: Popup on page load; users hate it
• Prefer: After engagement (scroll 25-50%, time on page, exit intent)
• Personalize: Returning visitors, cart abandoners, discount users
• Value-first: Offer genuine value; act as "helpful teammate" not spam

Design

• Short copy: Clear headline, one benefit, single CTA
• Visual hierarchy: Guide attention to CTA; don't distract
• Easy exit: Clear X, visible "No Thanks"; friction-free exit increases trust and conversion
• Brand consistency: Build instant comfort

Mobile

• Size: Fit screen; thumb-friendly close
• Lightweight: Avoid heavy assets; affects LCP
• SEO: Google penalizes intrusive interstitials; avoid full-page takeover on mobile

Avoid

• Dark patterns (fake close, hidden options)
• Too early or too frequent
• Multiple popups in one session
• Blocking content without clear value

Triggers

Trigger	Use
Time delay	5-15s typical; after some engagement
Scroll %	25-50% read; user invested
Exit intent	Mouse leaving viewport; last chance
Click	User-initiated; least intrusive

Output Format

• Offer and copy
• Trigger (timing, scroll, exit intent)
• Design (size, CTA, exit)
• Mobile checklist

Related Skills

• signup-login-page-generator: Full account signup → dedicated page preferred; popup for lightweight capture
• landing-page-generator: Lead capture popups on landing pages; popup as alternative to full-page form
• newsletter-signup-generator: Popup often contains signup form
• cta-generator: Popup CTA design
• top-banner-generator: Alternative to popup; less intrusive for announcements
• sidebar-generator: Alternative for CTAs; in-content often converts better
• brand-visual-generator: Popup styling