OptinMonster Review 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis of All Features
OptinMonster is a popular lead generation and conversion optimization tool used by organizations and email marketers. This software is designed to help businesses convert website visitors into email subscribers and customers. If you plan to use email marketing to grow your customer base, such a tool could be indispensable.
With OptinMonster running on your website or landing page, you have the opportunity to convert every visitor into a lead/customer. You can also use OptinMonster to redirect customers to a product page or an external link. For all of these activities, the platform offers you different kinds of modules it calls — campaigns. So, the OptinMonster campaign should be understood more broadly than the email campaign, native to our own platform.
OptinMonster supports these tools and campaign types:
Campaign/tool type | How they function |
---|---|
Popup campaigns | Popups that appear over content and are based on triggers like time, exit intent, or scroll. |
Floating bar campaigns | Bars that appear at the top/bottom of a webpage. |
Fullscreen welcome mats | Campaigns that take over the entire screen. |
Scroll boxes | Small boxes that slide into view as the user scrolls down the page. |
Inline forms | Embedded forms within the content of a webpage. |
Slide-in campaigns | Small windows that slide in from the corner of the webpage. |
Gamified campaigns | Interactive elements like spin-to-win wheels or scratch-off cards. |
Can OptinMonster be a great ally in your lead-generation efforts? In this review, we’ll examine this popular lead-capture tool and assess its value.
OptinMonster: A Popular Lead Generation Tool
Here’s what OptinMonster helps you with:
- Capture leads from your website,
- Convert website visitors into paying customers,
- Target visitors who are about to leave your page,
- Target specific visitors with relevant forms based on behavior.
OptinMonster targets businesses of all sizes, as well as bloggers, marketing agencies, and e-commerce websites. It helps them grow their email list, increase conversions, and improve their marketing ROI.
Below are the features that help you achieve these goals.
OptinMonster: Full Feature List
OptinMonster is equipped with a variety of features to help you with your lead-generation activities:
Feature | What it does |
---|---|
Drag-and-drop builder for campaigns | Lets you create and customize campaigns without coding skills. |
Campaign types | Make pop-ups, floating bars, slide-ins, fullscreen welcome mats, inline forms, and more. |
Targeting options | Target website visitors based on page-level, geolocation, device-based, and behavioral information. |
Exit-Intent technology | Triggers campaigns as visitors are about to leave the site to capture abandoning visitors. |
A/B testing | Allows you to test different versions of campaigns to determine the most effective one. |
Integrations | Seamlessly integrate with email marketing services, CRM software, and e-commerce platforms. |
Analytics | Track campaign performance, conversion rates, views, and other key metrics. |
Behavioral triggers | Trigger campaigns based on user behavior like time on page, scroll depth, and click events. |
Yes/No forms | Offer “Yes/No” choices to engage users and improve conversion rates. |
Content locking | Locks content behind an opt-in form to encourage subscriptions before granting access. |
Pre-designed campaign templates | Customizable templates to match branding and campaign goals. |
Onsite retargeting | Displays targeted messages to returning visitors based on their previous interactions. |
Countdown timers | Creates urgency with countdown timers to drive immediate action. |
Coupon wheels | Engages users with interactive gamified elements like spin-to-win wheels to offer discounts. |
Mobile-friendly templates | Ensures all campaigns are optimized for mobile devices. |
Referrer detection | Lets you display targeted messages depending on where the user comes from. |
Compliance support | Ensure campaigns comply with data privacy regulations. |
AI popups | Use the built-in AI copywriter to improve your copy. |
What do the users have to say about this versatile tool?
OptinMonster Reviews: Do Users Like It or Not?
OptinMonster is laser-focused on lead capturing and doesn’t add features randomly. This is why the platform is well-liked by its users.
Still, we combed through various reviews to find out what its problems were. We found some — but we’ll get to that after the good stuff.
Here’s the Positive Feedback on OptinMonster
This OptinMonster review is a positive one, with the customer highlighting the ease of use of this tool. They’re also satisfied with the number of design options available but would like to see OptinMonster add more mobile-responsive templates.
Here we have another review that talks about how simple OptinMonster is. This customer also uses custom CSS code to customize the popups further. The customer also adds that OptinMonster offers a variety of targeting options. The customer does not like the view limits on the basic plans, either.
This customer writes positively about the different types of popups that OptinMonster offers. They use different styles for different pages, which can make the lead-capture process seem less intrusive on a website. There is a bit of feedback about the lack of mobile-formatted popups, as they’d like to see OptinMonster offer more options.
We found this positive review for the customer care team from a customer who also thinks highly of the triggering options. They add that there is a bit of a learning curve with OptinMonster.
What Do the Negative Reviews Say?
The review starts off positively, mentioning how the customer was able to grow their email list considerably. What aggravated this customer was the lack of transparency in pricing — they ended up paying a lot more than they thought they would. They also complain every additional feature costs extra.
Here, we see another negative review that brings up billing problems with OptinMonster. This customer discovered their monthly charges had been hiked with no intimation whatsoever. They tried discussing the matter with customer care but that was a dead end.
This customer feels that OptinMonster is okay for basic use but wouldn’t impress power users. They highlight shortcomings in form fields and the issues with adding custom fields. They do mention that customer care was responsive and took care of them.
According to this user, OptinMonster has a steep learning curve. Their requirement was basic, but they didn’t find the visual builder intuitive and they feel like it didn’t work well with their WordPress blog.
We reviewed multiple reviews to get a clear picture of what customers thought.
This table sums up our findings:
OptinMonster does this right | OptinMonster gets this wrong |
---|---|
Ease of use | Billing issues |
Range of templates/popup styles | Buggy and slow |
Targeting options | Needs more mobile-friendly templates |
A/B testing | Limited fields |
OptinMonster gets a lot of things right, but it does have certain problems. What’s the consensus, though?
OptinMonster Reviews: More Good than Bad
While OptinMonster has annoyed some customers, we didn’t notice any consistent issues in online reviews that could be dealbreakers. Most users seem happy with what the platform offers.
Ease of use is a factor many online reviews mentioned — this is a smart strategy by OptinMonster, as it can help marketers achieve results faster. OptinMonster also offers numerous targeting options as well as triggers to choose from, which can be useful in different scenarios. There are also ways to segment the leads.
On to the problems. OptinMonster needs to address the billing and pricing issues mentioned in the online complaints. Some advanced features are also available only at higher pricing levels, which may be a drawback for users on a budget.
Similarly, mobile responsiveness is another aspect customers complained about. Given the rising use of smartphones over computers for browsing, OptinMonster should ensure all templates work efficiently on mobile devices.
Time to analyze what OptinMonster’s customers love and hate about the platform.
OptinMonster: Highlights
What are OptinMonster’s biggest strengths and weaknesses? This section gives you the insight you’re looking for.
Ease of Use
Using OptinMonster is a breeze, even for someone without a technical background. The tool features a drag-and-drop builder that allows you to create and customize opt-in forms without any coding knowledge. This visual interface makes it easy to add elements like text, images, buttons, and forms to your campaigns.
And if you’re stuck, you have access to extensive documentation, tutorials, and the customer support team. This helps ensure even those new to lead generation can quickly learn how to use the tool effectively.
Variety of Form/Popup Templates
The platform offers a wide range of pre-designed templates for different types of campaigns, such as pop-ups, floating bars, or slide-ins. These templates can be easily customized to match your brand’s look and feel.
Note that the customization options are somewhat limited; you might not be able to achieve a highly unique design that goes beyond the templates.
Targeting Options are Versatile
You can target specific pages or sections of your website to display your opt-in forms. For example, you could show a discount popup on product pages or an email newsletter signup form on blog posts. You can also target visitors based on their actions.
You can use different targeting methods, such as:
- Exit-intent: When a visitor indicates they might be leaving the site.
- Scroll depth: When a visitor scrolls down to a specific point on a page
- Time on site: Target visitors who have been on your website for a certain amount of time.
Additionally, you also get Referral Targeting, Geo-Location Targeting, and Device Targeting capabilities.
A/B Testing is a Game Changer
OptinMonster lets you test various aspects of your opt-in form, including:
- Headlines: Check which ones grab attention and compel visitors to sign up.
- Copywriting: Experiment with the copy and CTAs (call-to-action) to find what resonates best.
- Images/Videos: Test out different visuals to see which ones convert more.
- Design/Layout: Try variations in form design, color schemes, and button placements to find the most effective combination.
- Targeting rules: Experiment with different targeting rules to see which opt-in forms/popups perform the best.
The platform offers comparative reports that make it easy to see which variation is performing better. You can view A/B testing data side-by-side to make informed decisions.
OptinMonster: Challenges
Let’s now check out where OptinMonster is slipping up.
Billing Issues
OptinMonster has faced criticism regarding billing issues and non-transparent pricing practices.
Some users have reported that additional fees were not clearly disclosed upfront — this can include charges for add-ons or upgrades that were not anticipated when initially subscribing.
Another issue with OptinMonster is multiple pricing tiers, each with varying features. It can be difficult for users to determine which tier is best suited for their needs, especially if they are not fully aware of the limitations of each tier.
Bugs and Slow Speed
OptinMonster campaigns can sometimes load slowly on websites. This delay can negatively impact the user experience, as visitors may leave the site before the opt-in forms or pop-ups appear.
This laggy behavior is also present on the OptinMonster dashboard. This can be frustrating for users, especially when trying to set up or modify campaigns quickly.
The good news is that OptinMonster is actively rolling out updates that address these issues.
Issues with Mobile-Responsiveness
Not a glaring issue, but one that needs to be mentioned.
Some OptinMonster templates aren’t fully responsive, meaning they do not properly adjust to different mobile screen sizes. Sometimes, you may need to manually adjust settings or create separate campaigns for mobile and desktop.
Shortcomings in Customization
Users may need to rely on custom CSS to achieve more intricate design changes on OptinMonster. This requirement can be a significant hurdle for those without advanced coding skills.
Similarly, customization options, such as adjusting the spacing, alignment, and detailed styling of elements, can feel a bit restricted.
OptinMonster: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Studying OptinMonster’s features and online reviews have brought us to these conclusions:
OptinMonster: Pros | OptinMonster: Cons |
---|---|
Simple and user-friendly software | Charges need to be more transparent |
Rich catalog of form types/popups to choose from | More mobile-responsive templates needed |
Wide range of targeting options and trigger types | The platform can be slow or glitchy at times |
Split testing works well | Adding new fields in forms is not always possible |
Verdict: The positives of OptinMonster far outweigh the negatives. The platform does a solid job of capturing and managing leads and can be transformative for a business looking to build a pool of subscribers.
OptinMonster: Do Customers Feel the Pricing is Right?
OptinMonster does not have any free plans for interested customers to try out the software. However, the entry-level plan is priced at just $6 a month, so it’s not completely inaccessible.
That said, a lot of the features and limits only open up once you start paying for any of the three tiers above the basic one.
OptinMonster Plans
Pick from these tiers:
OptinMonster Plan | Price per month | Features |
---|---|---|
Basic | $15/month or $71/year | ‣ No Subscriber Fees ‣ 2,500 Pageviews ‣ Unlimited Campaigns ‣ Unlimited Subscribers ‣ Lightbox Popups ‣ Floating Bars ‣ Inline Forms ‣ Scroll Boxes ‣ Fullscreen Overlays ‣ 700+ Designed Templates ‣ AI Popups ‣ Custom Fonts ‣ Custom Styles ‣ WordPress Plugin ‣ Monster Leads ‣ Subscriber Management ‣ List Segmentation ‣ Subscriber Recognition ‣ Success Messages ‣ Conditional Redirects ‣ Basic Analytics ‣ Page Level Targeting ‣ Time on Site ‣ Scroll Tracking ‣ Third-party integrations ‣ Complimentary VIP Campaign ‣ OptinMonster University ‣ Webinars ‣ Inner Circle ‣ Standard Customer Support |
Plus | $25/month or $120/year | ‣ All of the above + ‣ Use on 2 Sites ‣ 10,000 Pageviews ‣ A/B Testing ‣ Device Targeting ‣ Content Locking ‣ Attention Activation ‣ MonsterEffects ‣ MonsterSounds ‣ Yes/No Forms ‣ Full Analytics Reporting ‣ InactivitySensor ‣ Anchor Tag Targeting ‣ Campaign Archives |
Pro | $57/month or $275/year | ‣ All of the above + ‣ Use on 3 Sites ‣ 25,000 Pageviews ‣ Mobile-Specific Campaigns ‣ Countdown Timers ‣ Smart Tags ‣ MonsterLinks ‣ Multi-Step Campaigns ‣ Lead Sharing ‣ Revenue Attribution ‣ Exit Intent Technology ‣ Click to Load ‣ Referrer Targeting ‣ Cookie Targeting ‣ JS Variable Targeting ‣ UTM Targeting ‣ Query Parameter Targeting ‣ Date & Time Targeting Cart & Form Abandonment ‣ Campaign Scheduling ‣ Campaign Folders ‣ Remove OptinMonster Badge ‣ Sub-Accounts ‣ User Access Control ‣ Live Chat Support ‣ Optional add-ons such as Lead Verification, Social Proof Widget, Custom Domains |
Growth | $100/month or $480/year | ‣ All of the above + ‣ Use on 5 Sites ‣ 100,000 Pageviews ‣ Coupon Wheel Campaigns ‣ Scratch ‘N’ Win Campaigns ‣ Success Scripts ‣ Smart Success Views ‣ ManyChat Integration ‣ Custom Branding ‣ Custom JavaScript ‣ Geolocation Targeting ‣ New vs. Returning Visitor ‣ Real-Time Personalization ‣ OnSite Retargeting ‣ Follow-up Campaigns ‣ Adblock Detection ‣ eCommerce Targeting ‣ Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more ‣ Unlimited Sub-Accounts ‣ Activity Logging ‣ Client Logins ‣ Done-For-You Setup |
OptinMonster isn’t more expensive than most of its popular alternatives, which we shall investigate next.
OptinMonster: Does it Beat Out the Competition?
OptinMonster may be the most popular forms/popups software, but is it the best choice for your business?
Consider the alternatives below; you might find something more suitable for your needs. You can also check out our detailed comparison of OptinMonster against its top competitors.
Poptin: OptinMonster’s Closest Rival
Poptin is a user-friendly platform designed to create popups and opt-in forms to capture leads and boost conversions on your website. It offers features like A/B testing, exit-intent popups, and scroll depth targeting, making it a good option for businesses seeking an affordable and easy-to-use lead generation tool.
Compared to OptinMonster, Poptin might lack some advanced features, but it excels in simplicity and affordability.
OptiMonk: More Customization Options
OptiMonk is a conversion optimization powerhouse that goes beyond just popups and opt-in forms. It provides a comprehensive toolkit with features like A/B testing, personalization options, and even landing page creation.
While both OptiMonk and OptinMonster excel at lead generation, OptiMonk offers a broader range of tools for a more strategic approach. However, it comes with a potentially steeper learning curve and a higher price tag.
Unbounce: Doubles Up as a Landing Page Builder
Unbounce is a landing page builder with the added benefit of creating popups + opt-in forms. It comes with features like drag-and-drop editing, pre-built templates, and integrations with marketing platforms. These make it a strong choice for businesses seeking a one-stop shop for landing pages and lead generation.
Compared to OptinMonster’s focus solely on lead capture tools, Unbounce offers a wider approach. If your primary goal is simple lead capture forms, Unbounce might be overkill with its focus on landing pages.
OptinMonster + Campaign Refinery: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
Using OptinMonster to capture leads and then running email campaigns through Campaign Refinery is the ultimate power move. While OptinMonster is elite at lead generation, Campaign Refinery matches its energy by offering you the best email deliverability in the market.
There are other tools and methods to help you build a list of enthusiastic subscribers. You can learn about them on the Campaign Refinery blog, a great learning resource for email and digital marketing.
These in-depth features should get you started:
- ClickFunnels Review 2024: In-Depth Analysis of Features and User Ratings
- Email Marketing CRM vs. CRM vs. ESP: Choose the Best Option!
- How to Get Email Subscribers: 10 Proven Strategies to Explode Your Email List
- GoHighLevel Review 2024: Features, Pros and Cons, and Analysis
- The Business Owner’s Roadmap to Customer Lifecycle Email Marketing
Ready to see your campaign performance skyrocket? Sign up to become a Campaign Refinery user today!