Notifications Your Users Will Actually Want to Receive

Push notifications are a powerful tool for re-engaging users and providing them with valuable information. When implemented correctly, push notifications can significantly boost user engagement. However, if done poorly, they can become a source of annoyance for users. In this article, we will discuss how to systematically send push notifications that are timely, and valuable, and enhance both your users' experience and your bottom line. It is essential to provide an easy way for users to manage their notification preferences. Allowing users to customize the types and frequency of notifications they receive can help prevent notification fatigue and ensure that users remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Unlike traditional forms of communication, push notifications do not require users to leave their current browser or app. Instead, these messages seamlessly slide into view, awaiting the user's attention. This means users can receive important updates, promotions, or reminders without interrupting their current online activities. The convenience and immediacy of push notifications make them a valuable tool for engaging users and driving action, all while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

What is Push Notification?

Push notifications serve as micro-messages that maintain communication with users even after they've exited your website or application. In today's landscape where marketers and designers are meticulously crafting personalized customer experiences, push campaigns have emerged as a go-to tool. They are favored for their non-intrusive nature, brevity, and hyper-targeted approach

The intersection of motivation, ability, and a well-crafted prompt is where behavior that benefits both the user and your business can be fostered. Let's break down each component:

Motivation: This refers to the user's desire or incentive to perform a certain behavior. Motivation can stem from various sources, such as intrinsic goals (personal satisfaction, enjoyment) or extrinsic rewards (discounts, recognition). Understanding what motivates your users is essential for crafting effective prompts. For example, if users are motivated by saving money, offering exclusive discounts can prompt them to engage with your app or website.

Ability: Ability refers to the user's capability to perform the desired behavior. This includes factors such as knowledge, skills, time, and resources required to complete the task. A prompt must consider the user's ability to take action. For instance, if your app requires users to complete a complex form, providing clear instructions and an intuitive interface can enhance their ability to do so.

Prompt: The prompt catalyzes action, nudging users towards the desired behavior. It should be well-timed, clear, and persuasive. A good prompt aligns with the user's motivation and enhances their ability to act. For example, a push notification reminding users of an ongoing sale with a direct link to the discounted items makes it easy for motivated users to make a purchase.

The intersection of these three elements occurs when the prompt capitalizes on the user's existing motivation and enhances their ability to perform the desired behavior. When done effectively, the behavior that results is not only beneficial for the user, fulfilling their needs or desires, but also advantageous for your business, driving engagement, conversions, or other desired outcomes.

Types of Push Notification

Here is a detailed overview of the different types of push notifications. Keep reading to get to know more:

Alert Notifications

Many successful apps have discovered the power of sending positive and motivational notifications. These messages uplift users and encourage them to continue using the app without feeling judged. Instead of highlighting their absence or perceived failures, these notifications should focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement. FitBit exemplifies this strategy well by sending push notifications that highlight how many steps users have left to reach their daily goal. This kind of message is motivating because it frames the task as an achievable challenge rather than a shortcoming.

By focusing on positive reinforcement and encouragement, you can foster a supportive environment that motivates users to stay engaged and committed to their goals. This approach not only enhances user experience but also promotes long-term loyalty and satisfaction with your app.

Engagement Notifications

In today's fast-paced world, where quick and efficient service is highly valued, maintaining clear and continuous communication with your users is essential. Regular updates on even the smallest details can significantly enhance the user experience. Here are some key updates to keep your users informed about:

Order Confirmation: Immediately notify users once their order has been received and confirmed. This reassures them that their purchase is being processed.

Package Delivery Schedule: Provide a detailed schedule for when the package is expected to be delivered. This helps users plan their day around the delivery.

Order Tracking Details or Live Tracking: Offer real-time tracking information so users can monitor the progress of their orders. Live tracking can alleviate any concerns about the order's status.

Ongoing and Upcoming Sales: Inform users about current promotions and upcoming sales events. This not only encourages additional purchases but also keeps them engaged with your brand.

The trend of ordering food online has become increasingly popular. As soon as a user places an order, they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their meal. To enhance their experience, it's crucial to provide real-time updates via push notifications. Inform them about every stage of their order, from preparation to dispatch, and finally, delivery. This constant stream of information not only keeps users engaged but also builds trust and satisfaction with your service.

Promotional Notifications

If you are running a limited-time promotion on your products, leveraging push notifications to announce it can be highly effective. These notifications not only drive sales but also provide valuable information to your users, enhancing their shopping experience. For example, you can send a push notification to inform users about a time-sensitive promotion, such as "Flash Sale! Enjoy 50% off on selected items for the next 24 hours!" Emphasizing the exclusivity and value of the offer can entice users, with messages like "Exclusive Deal! Save an extra 30% on our top-rated products today only."

Encouraging users to act quickly before the stock runs out can also be a powerful motivator. A notification saying, "Hurry! Limited stock available. Shop now and don’t miss out on amazing discounts!" can create a sense of urgency. Personalizing notifications based on user preferences and past purchases can increase their relevance and impact.

Helpful Tips for Sending Effective Push Notifications

People generally find notifications annoying only when they are not relevant to them. Consider your text messaging application: have you ever been annoyed when it pings you 30 or 40 times a day? Likely not, because each message is pertinent and significant to your life. Users appreciate being informed about opportunities that matter to them, such as a flash sale on items they've shown interest in or a personalized discount on frequently purchased products.

Push Notification Frequency

Determining the optimal frequency of push notifications is crucial for maintaining user engagement without overwhelming or annoying users. Sending notifications too frequently can lead to user fatigue and increased opt-out rates, while infrequent notifications may result in decreased user interaction. Finding the right balance depends on factors such as the nature of your app or website, user preferences, and the relevance of the content being delivered. A strategy that respects user preferences and delivers timely, valuable content is essential for maintaining a positive user experience.

Push Notification Timing

The timing of push notifications can significantly impact their effectiveness. Sending notifications at strategic moments when users are most likely to be receptive can increase engagement and drive desired actions. For example, timing notifications to coincide with users' daily routines or peak usage times can maximize their impact. Additionally, considering factors such as time zones and individual user preferences can further enhance the timing of push notifications, ensuring they are well-received and result in meaningful interactions. 

Push Notification Content

The content of push notifications plays a critical role in capturing users' attention and motivating them to take action. Messages should be concise, clear, and compelling, delivering value or relevant information to users. Whether it's announcing a new feature, promoting a sale, or providing personalized recommendations, the content should resonate with users and address their needs or interests. A well-crafted message that communicates the benefits or urgency effectively is more likely to elicit a response from users.

Push Notification Relevancy

 The relevancy of push notifications is paramount to their success. Users are more likely to engage with notifications that are personalized and tailored to their interests, preferences, and behaviors. Leveraging user data and segmentation techniques allows for the delivery of targeted notifications that resonate with specific user segments. Whether it's based on past interactions, location, or demographic information, ensuring that notifications are relevant to each user enhances their perceived value and encourages continued engagement with your app or website.