Smartphone apps are now non-negotiable in the world of marketing, and push notifications are non-negotiable in the world of apps and even websites. But, to entice new users, you’ll have to put some effort into it.
There’s a fine line between annoying your users and captivating them. Make sure your business is on the right side. These types of push notifications can help you enhance the user experience and earn loyal visitors or customers.
1. User-Subscribed Push Notifications
It’s best to let subscribers opt-in to receive notifications. This is a safe choice as you’re not pushing anything on them (pun intended) without their consent. This may even be more important when it comes to website notifications because they often seem to be more intruding.
Allowing your users to opt-in is something that can work with all types of notifications and messages. Moreover, they’ll work better if you allow your subscribers to choose what exactly they’ll be notified about.
2. Personalized Push Notifications
Again, this is something that can be used with multiple push features. Make sure you find out what matters to customers on a personal level. You can leverage your social media or platform analytics and user-generated content to find out more about your users.
You need the right type of data in order to tailor the messages accordingly. Send relevant messages on matters that matter to them. For example, if a customer has booked a hotel room in Barcelona, send them an interesting blog post on Gaudi’s footprint in the city.
3. Motivational Push Notifications
Re-engagement and catch up notifications aim to motivate users. If the user is using your app or website for some sort of personal growth, you can congratulate them on their progress. A pedometer can send messages like, “Congrats! You’ve walked 5 miles today!
Since the user will associate these notifications with accomplishments and feel-good moments, this is a great way to deepen the bond between your platform and its users.
This type can be suitable for music, fitness, beauty, e-commerce, and education apps. If a user has stepped away, you can employ this tool to keep them engaged.
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Keep in mind that you have to encourage the subscriber, not shame them, so be careful with the words and tone you use.
Perhaps Duolingo’s push features are the best example. When I had gone on a break from my German lessons, the anxiety-inducing bird sent me a message saying, “These reminders don’t seem to be working. We’ll stop sending them”.
That was surprisingly blunt, considering Duo’s typical passive-aggressiveness. Do you know that feeling when your parents almost give up on you because they’ve stopped feeling angry and just started feeling disappointed? Well, neither do I, but it seems that Duo really wants me to know what it feels like.
The company stuck to these messages because, according to their CEO, the system works well. Better than being nice.
So what’s the takeaway here? Personalization and subtlety. Know who you are preaching to. That will allow you to find the right motivational voice for your users.
4. Live Notifications
Many people like live notifications as they keep them updated with the latest info. Subscribers that like to receive relevant info in a concise manner may greatly benefit from an app that uses live notifications to bring them great value.
By sending out relevant information in real-time, you can significantly boost user satisfaction. Your services will be more desirable if you use this feature in a smart and clear-cut way. However, it is important to exercise restraint.
You wouldn’t want to overwhelm your users. Don’t bombard your audience with spammy and unnecessary messages. They’ll work best if you send out just the right amount of info.
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5. Trivia Notifications
Sending your users some love with funny and entertaining messages can get you far. These types of notifications require you to think outside of the box and unleash your creativity. If your messages are witty, users won’t think of them as intrusive.
Usually, news and info apps send notifications that start with the article’s headline. That’s not notable or original. BuzzFeed News is a great example of how to use push notifications creatively.
Let’s say you want to notify your users of an outcome of a certain match. Instead of sending a bland title just including the outcome of the game, you could start with, “What a game!” and include an interesting piece of trivia that has to do with the relationship between the two teams.
It’s essential to include some descriptive information and not make it look like clickbait. Aim for engaging, lighthearted messages that get the point across.
Final Thoughts
While all of these types of notifications can indeed do wonders when it comes to engaging your users, make sure to limit the info and frequency. It’s easy to get carried away. Experiment a little bit to find the perfect formula. What do your users respond to the best?
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Jessie Connor is a passionate writer and researcher from Brisbane, contributor at several business and lifestyle blogs, hooked on yoga and healthy living. She loves to spend her free time travelling, reading and of course – shopping!
