AppsGeyser

Amidst raging competition in the mobile app development domain, you might be finding it increasingly challenging to engage mobile users with push notifications. With fleeting attention spans and a plethora of apps on handsets, it’s imperative to strategize your approach. Unleashing the power of push notifications can be a game-changer for developers and marketers.

A study reveals that push notifications have an average click rate of just 10.3%. So, how do you plan to effectively use push notifications to deliver relevant and timely information to users’ devices?

Forward-thinking marketers are leveraging the personalized nature of push notifications to take their messages to the fingertips of users. Let’s explore the tried-and-tested strategies that should help digital marketers, developers, and UI designers maximize the impact of push notifications.

Unleashing the power of push notifications: Key statistics

Personalized and contextual push notifications go a long way in engaging your audience. With the right approach, marketers should expect a higher opt-in rate for these messages on mobile handsets. Before we delve into the secrets of engaging and retaining mobile app users, let’s take a look at the key statistics.

• A US smartphone user, on average, receives 46 push notifications per day.
• The opt-in rates for Android and iOS devices stand at 81% and 51%, respectively.
• In the retail sector, opt-in users tend to retain apps 90% longer than opt-out users.
• Increasing the frequency of push notifications leads to higher retention. According to a study, sending push notifications consistently on a daily basis for 90 days led to 50% retention on iOS devices and 38% retention on Android devices.
• Sending push notifications about topics users care about helps in boosting engagement. With the right balance, marketers can engage 68% of Android users and 47% of iOS users.

With the right mix of timing and relevance of push notifications, you can keep your users engaged, onboard new customers, and even bring back old users.

The above chart reveals the average opt-in rates of push notifications across different industries.

5 push notification strategies to boost user engagement

Now that you know how impactful push notifications can be for user engagement, let’s take look at the most impactful strategies to use these personalized messages.

1. Ask for permission when it matters

With a plethora of apps on their handsets, users hate being bombarded by push notifications. Being a marketer, it’s imperative for you to seek consent from your target users before sending push notifications. Nobody likes unwanted messages popping up on their devices. 

Ask for permission at the outset to earn their trust. For instance, when users place an order at your eCommerce store, simply pitch your request to inform them about your merchandise through push notifications.

 Don’t forget to explain the value of your push notifications to users, which serve as real-time alerts. Established eCommerce sites such as Ubuy have been effectively using push notifications to boost their engagement.

2. Personalize push notifications and be relevant

As a marketer, you know that customers tend to be more sensitive when they find information relevant to them. Why not target your users with personalized notifications? It’s important to address the individual by name, and craft the message around the person’s interest. Rather than being generic with your approach to marketing, it pays to customize these notifications.

To make your messages relevant, segment your users based on their respective in-app behavior, demographics, gender, and other parameters. This approach should help developers and marketers grasp the user attention.

3. Be precise and concise with your wording

Leverage on the power of words when it comes to creating an impact with push notifications. An upbeat or motivating tone in your catch line can compel them to read your message. It’s imperative to work with experienced wordsmiths to develop a compelling message. Using the right words appeal to the interest of the user, prompting them to opt in for the message and click through it.

For instance, using the words ‘one-time deal’ can motivate your users to click on the push notification.

Also, try not to be too lengthy with your message. Remember, users might be using lock screens or banner alerts that push the message at a limited number of characters. Being concise with your text allows you to reach out to the audience with maximum information.

4. Offer value to your customers

Try to maximize the value you offer to your customers through your apps. Use your push notifications to bridge the gap that might be preventing your users from capitalizing on this value. 

For instance, if you are running an eCommerce platform and offer discounts on specific products, your push notification should read ‘Save up to 35%’ or whatever discount you are giving. Thus, your push notification would be informing customers how to save money, thereby offering value. When your users start benefitting from these messages, they would use your app more frequently.

5. Provide instant support

One of the most strategic ways to make your push notifications relevant is to connect to users and address potential bugs. In case there’s an issue with your app and you engage your developers to fix the same, inform your users about the inconvenience and express your apology. This way, they would retain their trust in the app, while making informed decisions when the system remains down. 

Besides, integrating push notifications as a part of your customer support mechanism would also ensure timely communication with your users.

EndNote

While you deploy a compelling push notification strategy to engage current users, don’t overlook reaching out to lapsed users too. With a robust approach, you can re-engage them with powerful messaging. 

Before you finalize your push notification strategy, it’s imperative to carry out A/B testing. This tactic will help you tweak your messages for maximum impact.