What are Push Notifications? A Complete Guide

Over time, Push notifications have gained momentum and are now the most effective tool up marketers’ sleeves. It all started when Apple launched its first push notifications service, APNs, in June 2009.

So, what are push notifications? 

They are clickable messages that pop-up on users’ screens, even when they are not using your site or application. They are a fascinating tool for digital marketing.

The Most Effective Communication Tool

They are ten times better than any traditional communication tool (emails and text messages). 

• Push Notifications have a higher click-through/opening rate.
• They are absolutely free. Text messages might be chargeable, depending on the user’s phone plan.
• Have a higher scope of customization.
• Easy opt-in and opt-out process.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Push notifications have countless other benefits.

Idea Usher is here to go through these benefits with you!

Why Should You Use Push Notifications?

They are an indispensable part of your app. Providing consumers with relevant information even without having to visit the app. Let’s dive in and learn what are push notifications useful for?

Better User Experience

It only takes a little effort and a well-crafted message to draw users’ attention.

Timely and valuable updates about your service work excellently for both customers and you (in the form of promotions).

Cab booking apps like Uber, use this strategy well by providing the user’s notifications regarding their current booking, latest discounts and offers, or even alert about rate hikes.

Drive Immediate User Action  

They do a lot more than “just communication.” What are push notifications even good for if not for driving immediate action?

By swiping or clicking the notification, users can reach your app and perform the desired action in a matter of minutes, hiking up your conversion rate.

Social media apps like Instagram, send notifications about the latest posts or trending hashtags to draw users’ attention instantly.

Improve Retention

People might forget you after visiting your website or app once. It is your job to remind them that you are still present in their service!

And Push Notifications are a blessing. Reports suggest that a simple onboarding notification to a new customer can lead to a 71% increase in app retention rate.

Keep your users hooked with personalized messages and constant updates. This strategy works with web push notifications like a charm.

Enhance User Engagement

The millennials have a low attention span, and just an interactive app interface is not enough to engage them anymore.

In 2013, Google push notification added interactive images and action buttons to their “Rich Notifications,” making them almost as interactive as the app. 

Users can now reply to a text, view a GIF, or even videos on a notification. It saves their time, and builds you a loyal customer base that loves you!

Provide Personalized Experience 

Your app has access to the users’ personal information and usage history. So, what are push notifications good for if not for personalized effect? 

For instance, for a food delivery service provider like PostMates, a simple notification advising the user to repeat an order they had placed in the past enhanced their conversion rate.

Personalized notifications are an excellent tool for enhancing engagement and retention rates.

Measure Your Performance 

As a business owner, you often wonder, what are push notifications doing for your business? Are they helping enough?

Don’t worry! These metrics will help you know where you are and where you need to go.

• The opt-in rate helps you determine how many people want to receive push notifications.

• Click-through/ opening rate shows the percentage of people who are clicking on the notifications.

• The conversion rate reflects the percentage of people who visit your website or app and complete the desired action.

These metrics can come in handy in determining the performance of your push notifications and highlight the areas that need improvement.

How to Build a Strategy 

Merely having a push notification in place won’t do the deal. Build an incredible marketing strategy to draw the most out of this latest tool of digital marketing. Let’s discuss how. 

Craft A Compelling Message

Craft a short and clear message for your notification. The user must get a clear idea of what you are trying to convey. Don’t over-do by adding complex words or unnecessary graphics.

Empower the user to click on the notification instantly. Messages like, “Hurry! Only a few pieces left!” create urgency and compel users to open the app immediately.

Schedule Your Notifications 

As critical as it is to send users relevant information, it is also essential to share it timely. A notification at odd timings is either bound to go unnoticed or, worse, annoy your users.

You must also make use of personal statistics to see at what time your user is most likely to respond. It will enhance your engagement.

Make Use of Metrics to Track Engagement  

Generic metrics for using push notifications are helpful. Make use of your user data to build a strategy that works best for you!

Know what your customers are doing on the app, what is the opt-in rate. Also, examine the click-through and conversion rate of your notifications. The only way to maximize output is by using personalized data and analytics.

Where to Start?

We have outlined how a push notification will empower your business. Now, it is time for you to get started!

Do you already have push notifications, but they aren’t as effective? Do you want to discuss this further and get the best strategy in place?

We have helped you get here, and we won’t abandon you now.

Idea Usher is Your One-stop Solution

Idea Usher is a team of tech developers working with a passion for innovating and empowering businesses all over the world. 

We will help you get a robust push notification system in place and even build a mobile application from scratch if you require it. Our tech experts are highly efficient in delivering customized IT services. 

Reach out to us for a free consultation session today!