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Getting Started with Popl

Learn more about why Popl supports your event workflow, how to use it, and the basics of setting up your account

Updated this week

Overview

Required Subscriptions: Popl has three main subscription tiers: Free, Pro, Pro+, and Teams (learn more about the different tiers within Popl Teams here).

This guide is built for members of a Team who are new to Popl. Whether you’re scanning badges at conferences or collecting business cards in the field, Popl simplifies lead capture and connects directly to your everyday workflows.

This article answers the question: "Why is my team choosing Popl, and how does it make my job easier?"

In essence, Popl helps you capture more leads with less effort and fewer tools- while also making a stronger impression on the people you meet. Learn more below!


Why Popl? What Is It?

Popl is your new universal lead capture tool. It replaces outdated, event-specific scanners with a single platform that you can use across all in-person events. When used correctly, Popl streamlines lead collection and connects the data directly to your team’s CRM, reducing manual work and lead loss.

Key benefits of Popl:

  • It's the last event lead capture tool you'll need to download, and its easy to use.

  • Capture more leads, from any source- badges, business cards, forms, and QR codes

  • Standardize and instantly enrich lead data, so sales and marketing can follow up faster

  • Make a modern, professional impression that helps you stand out

"Popl helps you focus on the conversation- not the data entry."

Keep in mind: Every lead you capture with Popl is complete with a standardized set of information and can be sent instantly to your CRM.


How It Works: Lead Capture Methods

Popl supports multiple ways to capture a lead, so you’re ready for any event setup.

Here are the four key methods to capturing a lead:


Badge Scanner

Introducing the world's first AI-powered event badge scanner. Say goodbye to expensive badge scanning kits and clunky event apps that make you pay for leads. Welcome to the future of conferences, trade shows, and events.

Here's how to use it:

  • Take a picture of the entire badge from the Popl app

  • Add lead qualifiers and notes to enrich the context

  • Let Popl’s AI pull key contact details (name, email, title, etc.)

  • Works in offline mode; syncs once you're back online

Keep in mind: Since enrichment may not always find an email- especially offline- we recommend asking the lead for their email or having them enter it before saving.

Common issue: when the wifi is really slow, but the standard cell service is quite good, turn OFF wifi and try the cell service instead.

Tip: Learn more about the Universal Badge Scanner by reviewing the following article:


Paper Business Card Scanner

Use the Popl Paper Card Scanner to quickly capture information from any paper business card. When possible, after scanning a paper card, save a tree and give that card right back to the person who gave it to you!

Here's how to use it:

  • Snap a photo of any business card

  • AI extracts contact info automatically

  • Fill in qualifiers and save the lead in one step

Keep in mind: In addition to taking images in realtime, you can also upload an existing image of a business card from your camera roll to the Popl card scanner for enrichment.


Lead Capture Form

The Popl Lead Capture Form is a great way to capture a lead when someone doesn’t have a badge or business card to scan, or when you want new leads to submit their information without having to talk to another team member.

Share your Lead Capture Form with one step:

  • Show your Popl QR code to a lead and let them fill out their info directly into your lead capture form

  • Works without wifi and can sync later

  • Learn more about customizing your lead capture form here

Note: Your admin will need to turn on Lead Capture Mode in order for the lead capture form to appear immediately after scanning your QR code. If Lead Capture Mode is off, the lead will instead see your digital business card first and will need to tap the “Save Contact” button in order to view the lead capture form.

Tip: Learn more about Lead Capture by reviewing the following articles:


QR Code Scanner

  • Use Popl to scan any QR code (LinkedIn, websites, digital cards)

  • Store the contact data in one place

Keep in mind: Always scan or collect a lead’s info early in your interaction to keep things seamless.

If you're wondering how to set up your account, create your digital card and share it with new leads, keep reading.


Getting Set Up in Popl

Getting started takes just a few minutes. Here are the steps to complete your setup:

Step 1: Log into the Dashboard or Popl App

Keep in mind: You can manage your profile from the Popl App or Popl Dashboard. We recommend starting with the Popl Dashboard as it has more customization options for your digital cards.

  • Log into your account on the Popl Dashboard.

  • Use your work email to log in (or check for an invite email if provided by your admin)

  • When ready, download the Popl App from the App Store or Google Play

    • You will typically use the Popl App when sharing your digital card

    • You can make changes to your digital card using the Popl App when you can't access your dashboard on a computer (i.e. on the floor at a conference)

Tip: Learn more about how to create and sign into your account by reviewing these articles:

Step 2: Customize Your Digital Card

  • Log into your account on the Popl Dashboard

  • Click on your card to open the editing interface

  • Use the "About" tab to update your headline, bio, and company info

  • Adjust layout style (centered, left-aligned, portrait) in the Card Layout dropdown

    • Example of Left Aligned card layout:

  • Review your design settings including card theme, link color and font

  • Example card with custom card theme with matching link icons:

  • Click on the 'link' section to add featured links (a few example links below)

    • LinkedIn

    • Email

    • Contact Card

    • Calendly

Note: Team admins can create or edit templates from the dashboard and apply them across subteams. This may apply layout restrictions to your cards.

Tip: Learn more about how to build and edit your digital business card by reviewing these articles:

Step 3: How to Share Your Digital Card

There are several ways to share your Popl digital business card as shown in the matrix below:

Keep in mind: When sharing your card with new leads, you will likely be using your PopCode (Popl QR Code). Learn more about your PopCode and its various forms here.

Phone to Phone

Social Media

Other Ways

QR Code (PopCode and Offline QR Code)

LinkedIn

Card link

Text message

Instagram

NameDrop

X (formerly Twitter)

Email

WhatsApp

Add QR to Lock Screen

Sharing your digital card via the Popl App

  • Open the mobile Popl app and navigate to your home page

    • Your main digital card will be displayed first

  • Tap on the Share Tab and select which sharing method you prefer

Sharing your card with your PopCode or Offline QR code

  • PopCode

    • Share with your in-app QR code or learn how to create a QR code widget here

  • Offline QR Code

    • Select "Share Card Offline" in the share tab of your Popl app when you have no internet or data

Keep in mind: When your turn on "Share Card Offline" in your share tab, this pulls up a unique QR code that shares your contact card only.

Tip: Learn more about how to share your digital business card by reviewing the following article:

Step 4: Check Your Leads and Activity

Tip: You can view your leads in the Popl Dashboard or the Popl App. At a conference, we recommend visiting the Leads Tab of the Popl app to make quick updates (e.g. add notes) to newly saved leads.

Keep in mind: As an individual user or Teams member, you are only able to view your leads or contacts. As a Teams admin, you can view all leads made by the team.


To view and manage leads:

  • Access the Popl Dashboard

    • Click Leads or Contacts on the far-left navigation panel

  • Access the mobile Popl App

    • Tap the Leads or Contacts icon on the bottom menu

Tip: Learn more about lead management by reviewing the following article:


Common Questions

What happens if I'm offline?

You can still scan badges and business cards while offline. Popl will save your lead locally and complete enrichment once you're reconnected.

Can I edit leads after the event?

Yes, all saved leads are editable. You can return to any lead to add notes or update information.

Where do my leads go?

Leads are viewable in the Popl app and the dashboard. If your admin has integrated a CRM, leads will automatically sync.

Do I need admin access to use Popl?

No. Most users will not be admins. You can use all core functionality with standard user access.

What if enrichment doesn’t find an email?

You’ll be prompted to confirm one of several AI-predicted emails, or to manually enter an email before saving.


💡 Tip

Need more help? Get support from our team

Chat with us or email us at [email protected]

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