Back when websites were digital brochures, announcement bars weren’t a thing.
You loaded a page, scrolled through some text, maybe clicked a flashing GIF, and that was it.
But e-commerce has grown up.
Now, we have sticky bars, floating bars, and website notification bars that stay in view as users scroll.
We use them to share free shipping offers, promote sales events, or drive clicks to separate landing pages.
These aren’t just flashy strips of color. Announcement bars are one of the simplest tools for encouraging customers, boosting customer engagement, and increasing conversion rates.
Some of the most effective e-commerce stores use notification bars to improve customer loyalty, inform visitors about special promotions, and even influence average order value with clear messages like, “Spend $75 to unlock free shipping.”
Let’s look at 9 real-life announcement bar examples showing what works and why.
Build urgency
Add floating offers with countdown timer & coupon code.
1. SKIMS
Copy: “Free shipping on domestic orders $75+”
This is a textbook example of a free shipping bar done right.
It’s short, clean, and upfront about what’s required, no guesswork for the shopper.
Why it works:
Uses a fixed sticky bar for constant visibility.
Tells shoppers how to reach the threshold for free shipping, which can increase average order value.
Perfect example of a simple announcement bar that still drives action.
2. Made for Queens
Copy: “FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $60 AND UP (US Residents Only)”
This website announcement bar sets clear shipping expectations.
It also includes a location-specific condition (“US Residents Only”), which avoids confusion for international visitors.
Why it works:
Combines free shipping with a purchase threshold.
Adds geo-targeted clarity, which improves customer satisfaction and reduces cart abandonment.
Build trust & FOMO
Highlight real-time activities like reviews, sales & sign-ups.
3. Lunar Beauty
Copy: “FREE U.S. SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $75!”
This floating bar is not loud or pushy, but it’s still hard to miss. With all caps and generous spacing, it stands out without being disruptive.
Why it works:
Aligns with the brand’s aesthetic tone.
Sets a clear free shipping threshold.
It doesn’t compete with the main content, so it is an ideal user experience.
4. Coconut Cloud
Copy: “Don’t forget your 25% OFF! Use code: THANKS25”
This one doubles as a discount reminder and website notification bar. It feels helpful, not salesy. The “don’t forget” tone acts like a friendly nudge.
Why it works:
Adds urgency without pressure.
It displays a discount code, so there is no hunting around.
Boosts repeat purchases by rewarding attention.
5. Gisou
Copy: “LIMITED OFFER – GET FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR ORDER USE CODE FS984 AT CHECKOUT”
Gisou uses its sticky announcement bar to promote free shipping as a limited-time offer, a smart way to encourage visitors to act now instead of waiting.
Why it works:
Combines urgency (“limited offer”) with incentive (free shipping).
It shows the exact discount code and where to use it, which is frictionless.
Boost Conversion Instantly
Add Social Proof & Urgency to your website
6. WishGarden Herbs
Copy: “25% OFF SITEWIDE EXPIRES IN: [Countdown] COUPON CODE: PTV25”
A visual countdown timer in a sticky bar is hard to ignore. It’s a classic conversion booster that uses FOMO to increase visitor engagement.
Why it works:
Countdown triggers urgency, especially when paired with a sitewide discount.
Keeps the coupon code visible the whole time.
Great use of a website announcement bar to support flash sales.
7. Acer
Copy: “Get Star Wars Outlaws™ with purchase of qualifying Intel® Core™ 14th gen products!”
This bar is built to motivate customers without being overly promotional. It promotes a special offer tied to select products, which is a great way to direct visitors.
Why it works:
Drives traffic to a specific campaign.
Uses brand tie-ins (Star Wars) to build curiosity.
Delivers a clear benefit for upgrading.
8. Artlogo
Copy: “Summer Sale –60% 0 Days 19 Hours 36 Minutes 4 Seconds UNTIL SALE ENDS”
This one checks all the boxes: limited-time offer, discount, and urgency. It’s a reminder to act now—or miss out.
Why it works:
Live countdown bar creates pressure to convert now.
A considerable discount makes it worth paying attention.
An effective announcement bar that fits sales events and product launches.
9. Jenna Kutcher
Copy: “Like my new site? My designer Jen’s made some killer website templates just for you! SAVE 15% WITH CODE JENNASKENTME”
This announcement bar example blends personal storytelling with a promotion. It makes the message feel less like a banner ad and more like a helpful tip.
Why it works:
Tells a personal story to keep the tone conversational.
Uses a discount code with a clear benefit.
Ideal for online stores that rely on personal branding.
How to create an announcement bar
Type of Widgets:
- Anncoment Bar Widgets
- Recent Activity Notifications
- Reviews and Ratings Widgets
- Countdown Timer Widgets
- Form Submission Notifications
- Inline Widgets
- Exit-Intent Pop-Ups
- Live Visitor Count Widgets
Customizable Design
- Adjust colors, fonts, and styles to align with your brand.
Real-Time Updates
- Automatically display live or dynamic data like visitor counts or recent
activities.
Targeted Messaging
- Personalize bars for specific audiences or user segments.
Urgency and Scarcity Elements
- Include countdown timers or stock alerts to drive quick action.
A/B Testing
- Experiment with different designs and messages to optimize performance.
Multi-Language Support
- Customize announcement bars in various languages for global reach.
Behavioral Triggers
- Show bars based on user behavior like exit intent or time spent on a page.
Compliance-Friendly
- Includes options for GDPR and cookie consent notifications.
Integration with Social Proof Widgets
- Combine with social proof notifications to amplify trust and engagement.
Adding an announcement bar to your site with WiserNotify is seamless. Sign up for a free plan to explore its features, then log in to your dashboard. Add your site to generate a unique pixel code for integration.
To add an announcement bar to your website, create a widget in WiserNotify. Follow these straightforward steps.
1. Create an Announcement Bar
- Log in to the WiserNotify dashboard.
- Navigate to the Create Notification section and select the Announcement Bar template.
- Customize the design by:
- Adding a compelling message such as “Exclusive Discount! Limited Time Only.”
- Choosing the appropriate font, colors, and background to align with your branding.
- Including a clear Call-to-Action (CTA) button like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”
- Preview the design to ensure it matches your preferences.
- Save the widget design and press Next.
2. Set Display Rules
- Configure display settings, such as showing the bar on specific pages or targeting users based on location or behavior.
- Schedule the announcement bar for a particular timeframe if needed.
Here’s a real-life example of how an announcement bar will look on a website.
3. Preview and Activate
Wrap up
A simple bar at the top of your site can quietly do a lot of heavy lifting.
It’s not just there to look nice or fill up space. A smart, well-timed announcement bar can:
Increase average order value with free shipping thresholds
Improve customer engagement with relevant, real-time messages
Push sales events, discount codes, or product launches
Direct visitors to a separate landing page
And yes, even boost customer loyalty by keeping your audience informed
Clarity, timing, and intent separate the best website announcement bars from the average ones.
You’re not trying to shout, you’re simply giving people the nudge they need to act.
Use the examples above as inspiration. Keep your message focused, make it mobile-friendly, and test what works best for your audience.
Because while most notification bars sit quietly at the top, the results they drive can speak volumes.
Now make yours count.
