Alongside pop-ups, a banner is an effective format to collect WhatsApp and RCS/SMS opt-ins directly on your website. Less intrusive than a pop-up, it stays visible at all times (usually at the top or bottom of the page) and catches visitors who wouldn't necessarily interact with a modal window.
Always visible: unlike a pop-up that appears and then disappears, the banner stays available throughout the visit.
Less intrusive: it doesn't interrupt browsing, which keeps the dismissal rate low.
Complements your pop-up: it acts as a safety net for visitors who closed a pop-up without opting in, whatever the channel (WhatsApp or RCS/SMS).
How a collection banner is built
Goal: get the visitor's phone number (for a WhatsApp and/or RCS/SMS opt-in) in a single step, directly from the banner.
Design:
A short, engaging text, visible right away.
Example: "Get 10% off your order when you sign up on WhatsApp / SMS"
A phone number field + a CTA button (e.g. "Sign up" / "Get my code")
If you offer both channels, tell visitors clearly which channel (WhatsApp and/or RCS/SMS) they'll receive your messages on.
Incentive: as with pop-ups, a concrete benefit significantly increases the conversion rate, whatever the channel.
Incentive examples:
"Get an exclusive discount on your first order, on WhatsApp or by SMS."
"Be the first to hear about our private sales and new arrivals."
"Track your order in real time, directly on WhatsApp or by SMS/RCS."
Tips to maximize conversions
Placement: go for the top of the page (header) or the bottom (sticky footer) for maximum visibility without getting in the way.
Timing: a banner can be displayed as soon as visitors land on the site, unlike a pop-up, which often triggers after a few seconds or on exit intent.
Clarity and transparency: state clearly which channel (WhatsApp and/or RCS/SMS) will be used, what visitors get in exchange for their number, and reassure them about how it will be used.
Simplicity: a single field to fill in (the phone number), so the experience stays lighter than a two-step pop-up.
Consistency with your other collection points: the banner can work alongside an existing two-step pop-up without replacing it, for both WhatsApp and RCS/SMS.