The Too Long: Didn’t Read of Pop Ups
This article on Pop Ups by Lauren Minning of ActiveCampaign is worth a read but it is pretty long so here’s a summary with the main points. I encourage you read the full article to find out more but I know we don’t all have the time for that.
TL:DR
Pop Ups are annoying
But Good Pop ups convert really really well compared to other placements
Pop ups need context, they work best when they show after a relevant action
No Pop up should come up as soon as you enter a website, nobody goes to a website to see their pop ups
Good Email sign up forms should be Prominent, Promise useful benefit and provide Proof of benefit.
Entrance and Exit Intent Pop-ups, Overlay/Modal/Lightbox pop ups, Slide-in boxes and sticky forms are all good types of pop ups that can work for you.