I recently started working on a project using Umbraco CMS and realized I really need popups to boost user engagement and conversion.
There are native methods, but also tools like Popupsmart, Picreel, and POWR. I’m curious:
What’s the easiest way to add popups to Umbraco?
Which popup tool has worked best for you?
Do I need to code a lot?
If you’ve got a favorite method (or horror story!), I’m all ears. 
Hey RockTheScale4! Love that you’re exploring popups for Umbraco — it’s super underrated when it comes to boosting conversions.
Popupsmart for Umbraco
You can use Popupsmart for Umbraco popups, and it’s been incredibly smooth with Umbraco. No coding background needed!
1. Sign up on Popupsmart.
2. Select your business objective in designing the popup.
3. Customize the popup according to digital marketing goals.
4. Embed the script code to your website source code.
5. Click on Save & Publish and enjoy engaging more visitors!
ecesanan hit the nail on the head 
I’m a developer and tested various options on client sites. If you’re not comfortable with Umbraco’s document types and controllers, third-party tools are the way to go.
Built-in Method (Advanced Users Only)
If you really want to do it natively inside Umbraco:
Create a Document Type
Set up a Template
Inject the popup with HTML/CSS/JS
Optionally build a controller to manage behavior
BUT… it’s a lot of work for basic functionality.
That’s why I recommend Popupsmart or Picreel — way less effort, way more features.
This is awesome, thanks tugrul!
I tried both methods. Here’s my honest comparison 
| Feature | Umbraco Native | Popupsmart | Picreel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coding Required |  Yes |
 No |
No |
| A/B Testing | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Targeting |  Basic |
Advanced (geo, device, behavior) |
Advanced |
| Integrations | Umbraco Only |
Works on any CMS |
Multi-platform |
Popupsmart is best for marketers. You get:
Smart triggers (scroll, exit-intent, time on page)
Easy integration with CRMs
Fast load speeds
Pre-built templates for ecommerce, lead-gen, promos, etc.
Chiming in with another option: POWR Modal Popup App
What I like:
Add it anywhere: sidebar, footer, homepage, etc.
Works with embed code – just paste into any HTML block in Umbraco
Free version available
Great support + high security
BUT: Customization is a bit limited unless you upgrade.
POWR was ideal for a small business site I helped build — we boosted time-on-site by 2.5x just by adding a first-visit popup.
A little warning for beginners using Umbraco:
If you try to create a popup from scratch and forget to handle the display logic correctly with JavaScript, your popup could:
Show too often
Conflict with mobile UX
Slow down your page
So if you’re not confident in JS, just go with Popupsmart or POWR — they take care of that for you. I personally use Popupsmart for my blog, and I love the exit-intent trigger — it feels natural and non-invasive.
Hey all, I’m running a wellness e-commerce store and just moved to Umbraco from Shopify!
I added Popupsmart for first-time visitor discounts and cart reminders. It was:
Effortless to set up (even for a non-tech person)
Beautifully designed
Effective — my bounce rate dropped 20% in 2 weeks
My tip: Use multi-step popups — ask a question first (“Are you into Pilates or Physical Therapy?”) → then offer an incentive in step 2.
Keep your popups clean and branded:
Match your fonts and button styles
Use subtle animations
Avoid full-screen modals on mobile — use sticky bars or slide-ins instead
Popupsmart lets you customize everything down to the CTA color and border radius, which is a win for brand consistency!
¡Hola amigos!
For anyone using Popupsmart with Umbraco and wants to connect email leads to their CRM or Mailchimp — you can do that easily using Zapier.
How to set it up:
Create a popup with email capture field on Popupsmart
Go to Zapier → Set up a “Zap” to send leads to Mailchimp, HubSpot, etc.
Map fields, turn on the zap, and done!
I automated my whole workflow this way. 
And I’m working from Thailand right now — zero tech drama.
Hey all 
Thanks for all the amazing feedback about Popupsmart here!
For Umbraco users, we also recommend enabling:
Geo targeting: great if you sell in multiple regions
Cookie-based targeting: avoid showing popups repeatedly
Exit-intent triggers: especially powerful on desktop
We’re constantly improving our integrations, so if you ever need help, feel free to chat with support or check out our help center.
Happy converting! 
Late to the party, but had to say — this thread saved me HOURS 
I used the info here to set up Popupsmart on my Umbraco poetry site. I offer a free eBook to new subscribers via a timed popup. Simple, classy, works great.