What is a slide-in?
A slide-in is a small message box that appears on a webpage, sliding in from the side or corner without fully covering the main content. It gently prompts users to take an action.
Key points
- Slide-ins are less intrusive than traditional pop-ups, appearing from the side or corner.
- They are often triggered by user actions like scrolling or time spent on a page.
- Slide-ins are effective for lead generation, promoting offers, and sharing updates.
- Good timing and clear messaging are crucial for their success.
A slide-in is a type of website message that appears on a webpage without taking over the entire screen. Instead, it typically slides into view from the bottom, side, or corner of the browser window. Think of it as a friendly nudge rather than a full-screen interruption.
These subtle messages are designed to grab a visitor's attention for a specific purpose, such as asking them to sign up for an email newsletter, promoting a special offer, or directing them to related content. Because they don't block the user's view of the main content, slide-ins are often seen as less intrusive than traditional pop-up windows, making them a popular choice for marketers looking to engage visitors without causing frustration.
They usually appear based on certain triggers, like how long a visitor has been on a page, how far they have scrolled, or even when they seem like they are about to leave the website. This smart timing helps ensure the message is shown at a moment when it's most likely to be relevant and well-received.
Why slide-ins matter for your marketing
Slide-ins are a valuable tool in a marketer's toolkit for several reasons. They help you connect with your audience and encourage them to take desired actions without being overly aggressive. Here's why they are important:
- Gentle engagement: They offer a way to communicate with visitors that feels less pushy than full-screen pop-ups. This can lead to a better user experience and higher engagement rates.
- Lead generation: Slide-ins are excellent for collecting email addresses. You can offer something valuable, like an e-book, a discount code, or exclusive content, in exchange for a visitor's email.
- Promoting offers and content: Use them to highlight sales, new products, important announcements, or popular blog posts. This helps guide visitors to specific parts of your site or encourage purchases.
- Increased conversions: By presenting relevant offers at the right time, slide-ins can significantly boost conversion rates for sign-ups, downloads, or sales.
- Versatility: They can be customized to match your brand's look and feel, and their content can be easily changed to suit different campaigns or visitor segments.
How to use slide-ins effectively
To get the most out of your slide-ins, it's important to think about their design, content, and when they appear. A well-planned slide-in can be a powerful conversion tool.
Timing and triggers
- Scroll depth: Show a slide-in after a user scrolls 30-50% down a page. This means they're engaged with your content.
- Time on page: Display a slide-in after 15-30 seconds. This gives visitors time to get acquainted with your site before being prompted.
- Exit intent: Trigger a slide-in when a user's mouse movement suggests they are about to leave your site. This is a last-chance effort to keep them engaged or capture their information.
- Specific page views: Only show certain slide-ins on particular pages where the offer is highly relevant, such as a product discount on a product category page.
Content and offer
- Clear value proposition: Make it obvious what the user will gain by interacting with the slide-in.
Real-world examples
E-commerce discount sign-up
An online shoe store website uses a slide-in that appears from the bottom left after a visitor has viewed three product pages, offering a '15% off your next purchase' coupon in exchange for their email address.
Content upgrade for a blog
A financial blog shows a slide-in from the top right after a reader finishes an article about investing, inviting them to download a free guide titled 'Your First Steps to Smart Investing' by entering their email.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Making slide-ins appear too quickly or too frequently, which can annoy visitors.
- Using unclear or confusing messages that don't clearly state the offer or call to action.
- Not testing different designs, offers, or trigger timings to see what performs best for your audience.