Popups are often used in ecommerce and SaaS businesses, but can they be effective when it comes to donations? The answer is a resounding yes. Popups are not just about convincing users to make a purchase or subscribe; they can also draw attention to charity.

There’s a strategy that makes popups even more powerful—gamification. In this article, we’ll discuss how gamified popups can help drive more donations.

What Are Gamified Popups?

Gamified popups contain a game or require interaction. They blend entertainment with effective engagement strategies to drive higher popup conversions. Such popups go beyond traditional methods, offering users an enjoyable way to connect with your organization.

To create a gamified popup, there’s no need to involve developers. Some popup builders offer ready-made solutions. For instance, the Claspo Pop-up Maker features a library of popup templates, including gamified ones. You can customize these templates or create your own popup from scratch and easily add a pre-designed gamified element using the convenient drag-and-drop editor.

Here are some examples of gamified popups:

1. Spin-the-Wheel Popup. Lucky wheel, wheel of fortune, spin-to-win… This popup adds a thrill of anticipation for visitors. Users click to spin a wheel for a chance to win a reward. The interactive nature of this format keeps visitors engaged while also fostering curiosity about what they might win. Spin-the-wheel popups can be a powerful tool for increasing participation and creating a memorable user experience.

1. Pick-a-Gift Popup. This popup allows visitors to choose from a selection of gifts, adding an element of surprise and delight. The act of choosing gives users a sense of control, and makes them more invested in the interaction. This heightened engagement is a great way to encourage donations.

1. Scratchcard Popup. Modeled after traditional scratch cards, this popup invites visitors to “scratch” a digital card to reveal their prize. The instantaneous feedback, combined with the fun visual element of scratching, creates a unique and rewarding experience.

Why Gamification Works for Donations

Here’s how gamification helps organizations connect with supporters and increase donations.

Tailored Experiences for Every Visitor

Gamified popups can be personalized based on a visitor’s location or language. This feature is especially valuable for organizations with international or multicultural outreach, ensuring that every interaction feels relevant and meaningful. When potential donors see campaigns that resonate with them, they’re more likely to get involved. 

These display settings are available in Claspo. You can choose from various display rules, such as by geolocation, exit intent, percentage of page read, traffic source, and more. Additionally, Claspo offers multilingual functionality, allowing you to show popups in the appropriate language for visitors from different countries.

Keeping Visitors Engaged Before They Leave

Online businesses use exit-intent popups to retain customers and prevent lost sales. Nonprofits can implement the same approach to inspire action—whether it’s completing a donation or signing up for updates. By incorporating gamification into these popups, you motivate visitors to stay and participate in your mission.

Building a Community of Supporters

Gamified popups help to grow your email list and stay connected with potential donors and volunteers. By offering a dynamic and interactive experience, you can capture their attention and contact information. Regular updates through targeted newsletters can keep your audience informed and inspired to contribute to your cause.

Best Practices for Gamified Popups

Gamified popups success lies in thoughtful implementation. Here are some best practices to ensure your gamified popups deliver results.

1. Keep It Relevant

Match the game’s theme to your organization’s mission or campaign. For instance, during a fundraising drive for community development, a spin-the-wheel popup could feature symbolic rewards like “Build a Brick” or “Plant a Tree.” This alignment not only captures attention but also strengthens the connection to your cause, making the interaction more impactful.

2. Make It Simple

Simplicity is key. Your gamified popup should be quick and easy to understand—visitors shouldn’t have to figure out complicated instructions. For instance, a scratchcard popup where users reveal their “reward” in one simple motion is engaging without being confusing. A straightforward experience encourages more participation and ensures users stay engaged.

3. Offer Value

Offer incentives that truly connect with your audience. These could range from exclusive updates on your organization’s achievements to digital rewards like personalized thank-you badges or public recognition on your website or newsletter. When people see that their participation is both enjoyable and valued, they’re more likely to engage with gamified popups.

4. Optimize for Mobile

Ensure your gamified popups are mobile-friendly as many users visit your website from mobile devices. Popups created in Claspo’s drag-and-drop editor are mobile-friendly and function seamlessly across all devices. Ensuring accessibility on mobile helps you reach a wider audience and keeps interactions smooth, no matter how visitors access your site.

By following these best practices, you can create gamified popups that inspire your website visitors to contribute to your mission.