Why Entry Banners Are a Smart First Step in Onsite Personalization
Not every visitor needs the same welcome. But many online shops still serve the same static homepage to everyone – whether it’s a first-time visitor from a paid ad or a loyal customer returning to reorder. That’s where entry banners come in.
Entry banners are visual elements placed on your homepage (or other landing surfaces) that greet users with relevant, tailored messaging. Unlike static hero sections, these banners adapt based on traffic source, location, or user behavior – often powered by personalization platforms like trbo.
They’re one of the simplest ways to start with onsite personalization: visible, measurable, and quick to implement. And when done right, they make a powerful first impression.
In this post, we’ll look at the three best types of entry banners to start with – and how each one helps you create relevance, engagement, and conversions without requiring a full-site redesign.
1. Source-Based Banners: Match the Message to the Click
Where a user comes from tells you a lot about what they expect. Someone clicking a sale email wants different content than someone arriving via organic search. Source-based banners let you reflect that intent right from the start.
When to use: When your traffic comes from a variety of campaigns, channels, or referrals.
What to show:
- “Welcome back, email subscriber – your exclusive picks are here.”
- “Saw us on Instagram? Here are the styles trending with our followers.”
- “You searched for ‘sustainable sneakers’? Browse our eco collection.”
Why it works: It creates continuity between entry channel and landing page, which lowers bounce rates and improves trust. Instead of seeing a generic homepage, with onsite personalization visitors feel like their click was recognized – and rewarded.
With trbo: Source-based targeting can be set up with just a few rules in trbo personalize, letting you tailor banners based on UTM parameters, referral URLs, or even specific campaigns – no developer time needed.
2. Location-Based Banners: Make Geography Work for You
Context isn’t just digital – it’s local. By adapting banners to a visitor’s location, you can instantly improve relevance and trust.
When to use: For region-specific promotions, shipping info, or seasonal messaging.
What to show:
- “Free 2-day shipping to New York!”
- “Only available in Germany: our new local line.”
- “Cold snap in Chicago? Here are your winter essentials.”
Why it works: Location-based messaging feels timely and helpful – especially when connected to weather, availability, or shipping times. It’s onsite personalization that doesn’t rely on personal data.
With trbo: trbo allows for geotargeted banners based on location or connected weather APIs – no login required, and fully GDPR-compliant.
Context isn’t just digital – it’s local. By adapting banners to a visitor’s location, you can instantly improve relevance and trust.
3. Interest-Based Banners: Re-Engage Based on Behavior
Returning users don’t need a generic homepage – they need a shortcut to what they care about. Interest-based banners use past session data to pick up where users left off.
When to use: For users with browsing history, especially returning visitors.
What to show:
- “Still interested in travel backpacks? Here’s what’s new.”
- “Your top-rated skincare – back in stock.”
- “Welcome back! Ready to complete your look?”
Why it works: Instead of restarting the journey, interest-based banners continue the conversation. They reduce friction, boost recall, and increase the chance of conversion without offering a discount.
With trbo: Behavioral data from past sessions – like product views or time spent in categories – can trigger relevant entry banners in real time. Combine this with trbo personalize for product-focused journeys or trbo bundle for tailored offers.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink Your First Step
Onsite personalization doesn’t need to be complex to be effective. Entry banners are a low-effort, high-impact way to get started with onsite personalization – and see results fast.
Choose a simple rule: based on source, location, or interest. Craft a clear message. Launch, test, learn – and expand. And when you’re ready, you can go beyond banners with overlays, product recommendations, and more.
With trbo, getting started with entry banners takes less than you think – and delivers more than you expect. At your hand: Our experts that manage your campaigns! Reach out!