Why Push Notifications Matter
Push notifications are short, timely messages sent directly to a user’s device—even when they’re not actively using your app. Used properly, they can:
• Increase user engagement by bringing people back into your app.
• Drive specific behaviors like completing a booking or checking out a cart.
• Improve retention by reminding users of your app’s value over time.
• Enable real-time communication, like alerts or updates.
According to industry research, push notifications can boost app retention by up to 180%. But they only work when they’re relevant, timely, and personalized.
Introduction
In today’s noisy digital world, knowing how to grab your user’s attention without being a nag is a tightrope to balance. That’s where push notifications come into the mix: an incredibly powerful tool for boosting engagement, increasing retention, and even driving revenue when done right.
The catch is: bad push notifications are worse than none at all. We have helped scores of clients-from hospitality innovators to real estate disruptors-develop smart, scalable push strategies that actually work.
So, how can your business leverage push notifications the right way? This guide walks you through the best practices, common pitfalls, and actionable strategies to get it right.
Push Notification Strategies That Work
1. Begin with a Clear Strategy
Before you send your first push, ask yourself:
• What are you trying to achieve?
• Who do you target?
• What do you want the users to do?
At Appricotsoft, we never just add push for the sake of adding pushes; they are implemented as part of an entire custom mobile application development strategy that fully integrates with your business goals.
Some common use cases:
• Onboarding nudges: Guide users to complete their profile setup.
• Transactional alerts: Confirm bookings, orders, or check-ins.
• Behavioral triggers: Remind users of an unfinished task.
Promotional messages notify about discounts, upgrades, or events.
2. Segment Your Users
Not all of your users want the same messages; that’s why user segmentation is so crucial. Segment your users by:
• Behavior; e.g., last visit, in-app actions.
• Demographics.
• App usage frequency.
• Preferences – e.g. notification categories.
This allows you to craft highly relevant messages. For instance, a hotel guest who has just booked a stay may receive a push regarding upsell options like spa treatments or room upgrades, while the first-time browser receives a discount nudge.
3. Time It Right
Timing can make or break your notification.
When to send?
• Avoid early mornings or late nights.
• Consider and respect different time zones.
• Consider “micro-moments” – like right after app opens or a period of inactivity.
⏱ How often?
Don’t spam. People uninstall apps that send them too many irrelevant push messages. We’ve found that 1-2 relevant pushes per week can be a good sweet spot to engage users without annoying them.
4. Write Clear, Compelling Copy
Push notifications need to be short-but impactful. The best messages:
✅ Clear language
✅ Create urgency, yet do not overdo it.
✅ Please personalize where possible.
✅ Include a direct call-to-action (CTA)
Examples:
• “Your table’s ready! Tap to check in now.
• “Still looking for a weekend getaway? Book with 20% off!
• “Make your stay even better with a rooftop view; last rooms available.”
At Appricotsoft, we often conduct A/B testing of push content in the context of our product development cycles to understand what resonates best with users.
5. Employ Rich Notifications When Appropriate
Modern push notifications aren’t just text. You can include:
• Images
• Buttons
• Carousels
• Deep links into particular app screens
These can greatly enhance engagement, especially in hospitality apps where visuals of things like room upgrades or food specials can drive decision-making.
6. Integrate with Analytics for Better Targeting
Push notifications shouldn’t be a guessing game. With integrations to mobile analytics platforms, you can:
• Track users’ actions and trends
• Define custom user segments
• Measure push open rates and conversions
We recommend using tools like Firebase, Mixpanel, or OneSignal to connect push activity to real outcomes like bookings, purchases, or active sessions.
7. Respect User Preferences
Consent and control are everything. Allow users to:
• Opt-in to specific types of notifications
• Set quiet hours or do-not-disturb periods
• Easily unsubscribe
Respect begets trust – and keeps users from deleting your app.
8. Test, Learn, and Iterate
No push strategy is perfect from day one, which is why continuous testing is so important:
• A/B test titles, content, and timing
• Analyze click-through and conversion metrics
• Iterate based on real user feedback
Push is not a “set it and forget it” feature. It’s a living, evolving part of your app’s engagement engine.
Common Push Notification Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Over-sending or sending irrelevant messages.
✅ Focus on value-driven and personalized content
❌ Disregarding user opt-in flow
✅ Make permission prompts part of the onboarding journey
❌ No measurement or iteration
✅ Track and analyze everything-from open rates to goal conversions
❌ One-size-fits-all messaging
✅ Segment users and use contextual triggers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I really need push notifications in every app?
Not necessarily, but if the app is based on user engagement, reminders, or real-time alerts, then yes.
What platforms support rich push?
iOS and Android both support rich notifications, although their implementations differ. The native apps will typically provide the most options.
Can I use push in web apps?
Yes, Progressive Web Apps can also push notifications with proper permissions.
Are push notifications GDPR-compliant?
They can be, as long as the users consent and you respect their privacy preferences.
Real-World Example: Appricotsoft's Approach
In building a hotel reservation application or a B2B platform, our push notification strategy will always start with the user.
• We align with the client’s business goals.
• Define target user personas
• Design notification flows that are personalized and considerate.
• Engage with monitoring post-launch metrics.
• Periodically refine based on behaviour data
Take, for instance, our myREST project. We employed behavioral triggers to notify restaurant guests about personalized promotions, which increased in-app table bookings by 3x.
This level of strategic thinking is what we bring to every product, every client, every time.
Final Thoughts
If implemented correctly, push notifications can be one of your most valued engagement tools for apps. But they have to be relevant, respectful, and rooted in real user behavior. At Appricotsoft, we craft push strategies for businesses that drive results, not uninstalls. Be it a new product launch or enhancement of an existing one, our team can guide you from planning to implementation and beyond. Ready to make your push notifications work smarter? Let’s talk.