Exit-intent triggers

An exit-intent trigger displays a message at the moment a visitor seems about to leave. On a desktop computer, the tool notices the cursor moving quickly towards the top of the browser, where the tabs and the close button are. On a phone there is no cursor, so tools rely on other signals, such as a quick scroll back up the page or pressing the back button. The message might offer a guide in return for an email address or a reminder about the basket. Justuno, OptinMonster and Privy are examples of tools that offer it.

Most visitors leave without doing anything, and by that point an extra message costs you nothing in terms of interrupting them. It gives you a last chance to capture an email address or answer a question, instead of interrupting people while they are still reading.

It is useful for blogs, pricing pages and shops with plenty of traffic and little conversion. It is less useful where the page already has a clear single action, and the mobile version can be unreliable, so do not expect it to behave exactly like the desktop one.

Be aware of search engine rules on intrusive pop-ups for mobile pages, and keep the message short.

• How does the tool detect intent on mobile, and is that included or limited to desktop.
• Can you limit how often one visitor sees it, so returning people are not shown it repeatedly.
• Can you combine it with targeting, for instance only for new visitors on certain pages.
• Does it close easily and work with keyboard and screen readers.