Is using popunders to gain extra web traffic a good idea?

Using popunders to gain extra web traffic can be a controversial strategy, and its effectiveness depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

User Experience: Popunders can be intrusive and disruptive to the user experience. They open in new browser windows or tabs behind the user’s current window, which can be seen as an unwelcome interruption. Intrusive popunders may lead to a negative perception of your website, potentially driving users away.

Ad Quality: Popunders often have a reputation for hosting lower-quality ads, such as those promoting scams, misleading offers, or irrelevant content. Associating your website with such ads can harm your brand reputation and credibility.

Ad Blockers: Many users utilize ad-blocking software that can block popunders, rendering them ineffective in reaching their intended audience. This can significantly reduce the potential impact of popunders as a traffic generation strategy.

Conversion Rates: While popunders may generate additional traffic, their ability to convert that traffic into meaningful actions (such as sign-ups, purchases, or engagement) is often lower compared to other less intrusive methods. Users who encounter popunders may be more likely to close them without engaging with the promoted content.

Audience Perception: Popunders are generally seen as an outdated and annoying advertising format. They may elicit negative reactions from users, potentially leading to a decrease in user trust and loyalty.

Mobile Experience: Popunders can be particularly disruptive on mobile devices, where screen real estate is limited. They may negatively impact user experience, resulting in higher bounce rates and lower engagement.

Considering these factors, it is generally recommended to prioritize user experience and opt for less intrusive and more user-friendly advertising methods. Instead of relying on popunders, focus on strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media promotion, targeted advertising, and creating compelling and shareable content to attract and retain high-quality web traffic.

Building a sustainable and engaged audience requires providing value and a positive experience. By focusing on user-centric strategies, you can foster long-term growth and create a loyal user base that willingly engages with your content and advertisements.

Whilst we only ever recommend popunders to certain clients that we know will find them beneficial, and after a consultation with ourselves we do, and can recommend PopAds as the best we have worked alongside. Their rates are very low and they do what they say they do. You can reach traffic numbers up to 1 million with little more than $1,000.

If you’re not sure whether popunders are right for you then either get in touch or continue reading.

Using popunders as a publisher comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore them:

Advantages of Using Popunders as a Publisher:

Revenue Generation: Popunders can potentially generate additional revenue for publishers. Since they are often considered high-impact ad formats, they may attract advertisers willing to pay higher rates for the increased visibility and potential engagement.

Fill Rate: Popunders can help increase the overall fill rate of your ad inventory. When implemented correctly, they can serve as a backup or supplementary ad format to fill any unsold or remnant ad space, ensuring that fewer impressions go unsold.

Monetization of Exit Traffic: Popunders can be effective in monetizing exit traffic, which refers to users who are about to leave your website. By displaying a popunder ad as users are navigating away, you have an opportunity to capture their attention and potentially generate additional revenue before they leave.

Disadvantages of Using Popunders as a Publisher:

User Experience: Popunders can be intrusive and negatively impact the user experience. They can interrupt browsing sessions, open in new browser windows or tabs, and disrupt the flow of the user’s interaction with your website. This can lead to user frustration, decreased engagement, and even abandonment of your site.

Brand Perception: Implementing popunders that display low-quality or irrelevant ads can harm your brand perception. Users may associate these ads with your website and view your site as less credible or trustworthy. Careful consideration must be given to the quality and relevance of the ads displayed through popunders to maintain a positive brand image.

Ad Blockers: Popunders are often blocked by ad-blocking software, which is increasingly utilized by internet users. This limits the reach of your popunder ads and reduces their effectiveness in reaching your target audience.

Mobile Experience: Popunders can be particularly disruptive on mobile devices, where screen real estate is limited. They may negatively impact user experience, causing frustration and potentially leading to higher bounce rates or lower engagement.

User Perception and Retention: Popunders are generally seen as intrusive and annoying advertising formats. Users may develop negative associations with your website and be less likely to return or engage with your content if they encounter intrusive popunders.

Advertiser Demand: Popunders may not attract the same level of demand from advertisers compared to other ad formats. Some advertisers may avoid popunders altogether due to concerns about user experience, brand perception, or ad viewability.

Overall, while popunders can generate additional revenue for publishers, they come with significant drawbacks related to user experience, brand perception, and ad-blocking challenges. It’s crucial to carefully consider the trade-offs and potential impact on your audience before implementing popunders as an advertising strategy. Striking a balance between revenue generation and user satisfaction is essential for long-term success as a publisher.