Boost Your App Engagement: Powerful Push Notification Examples

With a staggering 1.8 million apps on the App Store alone, grabbing users' attention is a constant battle. With countless notifications competing for a place on our lock screens, it's crucial for businesses to craft app push notifications that are not just relevant but also engaging.Push notifications can be an effective tool to boost user engagement, drive conversions, and cultivate loyalty. They serve as a direct communication channel that allows you to connect with users in real-time, keep them informed, and encourage them to take valuable actions within your app.However, crafting the perfect push notification can be challenging. You want to be informative without being intrusive and helpful without appearing spammy. In this article, we will help demystify the world of app push notifications, equipping you with innovative examples and best practices to inspire your strategy.

Push Notifications for Different Apps.

The content and tone of your push notifications will vary depending on the type of app you have. Let's explore some common app categories and how push notifications can be used effectively within each:

Notifications for SaaS Apps.

SaaS apps, like project management tools or productivity apps, rely on user engagement to maximize their value. Push notifications can be used to:

• Stay on Top of Deadlines: Life gets busy, and important tasks can sometimes slip through the cracks. Timely push notifications can act as gentle nudges, reminding users of upcoming deadlines within projects they're involved in. This helps ensure projects stay on track and fosters a sense of accountability.
• Boost Collaboration with In-App Activity Alerts: Keeping your users informed about activity within the app fosters a sense of collaboration and team spirit. Push notifications can alert users to mentions or comments in tasks, documents, or discussions they're involved in.
• Announce Exciting Updates and Keep Users Informed: New features and functionalities are a great way to add value to your SaaS app. Use push notifications to announce exciting updates and keep users informed about the app's evolution. Highlight the benefits of these new features and encourage users to explore them. This demonstrates continuous improvement and keeps users engaged with the latest offerings within your app.

Notifications for Publishers.

News apps, streaming services, and other entertainment apps leverage push notifications to keep users informed and engaged with their content.

• Be the Bearer of Breaking News: In a world obsessed with staying informed, timely notifications about breaking news or trending topics can be a game-changer.
• Personalize Recommendations: Leverage user data and viewing history to curate personalized recommendations that resonate with each user's interests. This could involve notifying users about new releases in their favorite genre, suggesting documentaries based on their recent movie choices, or recommending podcasts aligned with their listening preferences.
• Spark Anticipation with Event Reminders: Don't let users miss out on exciting events or live streams happening within your app. Strategic push notifications can build anticipation and encourage participation.

E-commerce Notifications.

E-commerce apps face stiff competition and need to constantly remind users about their products.

• Reclaim Abandoned Carts: It happens to the best of us – we add items to our carts but get sidetracked before completing the purchase. Timely notifications can be lifesavers. Send a gentle reminder about abandoned carts, highlighting the saved items and offering a discount code as an extra incentive.
• Personalize Offers, Spark Interest: Leverage user data and purchase history to craft personalized offers and discounts. Recommend products based on their browsing behavior or offer deals on items from their wishlist.
• Keep Users Informed: Utilize push notifications to keep users informed throughout the purchase journey. Send notifications about order confirmations, shipping updates, and estimated delivery timeframes. This reassures users about their purchase and keeps them in the loop.
• Create a Sense of Urgency with Limited-Time Deals: Flash sales and limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency and excitement around your products. Use push notifications to highlight these deals, showcasing exclusive discounts or limited-quantity items.

Different Types of Push Notifications.

Now that we've explored how push notifications can be used across different app types, let's delve into the various formats you can leverage:

Personalized Notifications.

Personalization is the magic ingredient for crafting engaging push notifications. By tailoring content to individual user preferences and behavior, you can significantly boost impact.

• Target Smartly: Go beyond demographics. Analyze user interests, app usage, and purchase history to send targeted notifications about relevant products, upcoming events, or content aligned with their passions.
• The Personal Touch Matters: Add a human touch with user names or purchase history references in notifications.

Transactional Notifications.

Transactional notifications are important for apps involving purchases or account management as they keep users informed of crucial events. They act as a digital communication channel to ensure transparency and trust, keeping users in the loop.

• Order Confirmations and Shipping Updates: Let users know their order is confirmed and provide estimated delivery timeframes. Send updates on shipment progress with tracking information.
• Payment Confirmations and Reminders: Provide digital receipts for purchases and alert users about upcoming subscription renewals or bill payments to avoid late fees.

Promotional Notifications.

Promotional notifications are powerful tools for driving user engagement. Crafting compelling messages that entice users with exciting offers can encourage them to explore an app's potential.

• Discounts & Deals: Offer enticing discounts, coupons, and limited-time deals to incentivize purchases and spark user interest. Motivate them to take advantage of these exclusive offers within the app.
• Flash Sales & Loyalty Rewards: Announce exciting flash sales, clearance events, or loyalty program rewards. Generate a sense of urgency and exclusivity, motivating users to act fast and capitalize on these limited-time opportunities within the app.
• Contests & Giveaways: Spark user engagement with contests, giveaways, or exclusive app-only promotions. The prospect of winning prizes or unique rewards can significantly increase user participation within your app.

Informational Notifications.

Informational notifications are a two-way street, keeping users informed about your app or service while fostering a sense of transparency. Use these messages to share important updates.

• Maintenance & Downtime Announcements: Clearly communicate upcoming maintenance or brief app downtime periods. This minimizes inconvenience and sets user expectations.
• Educational Content & Helpful Tips: Share valuable educational content or helpful tips related to your app's functionality. This enhances the overall user experience.
• Transparency Through Updates: Inform users about changes to your terms of service or subscription plans in a clear and concise manner. Transparency builds trust and allows users to make informed decisions.

Geolocation-based Notifications.

Geolocation-based notifications leverage the power of location to deliver targeted messages. By understanding a user's whereabouts, you can craft highly personalized experiences and incentivize them to engage with your app.

• Nearby Discoveries: Alert users about interesting stores, restaurants, or events happening near their current location. This can be particularly useful for travel apps, suggesting local attractions, or for restaurant discovery apps, highlighting nearby dining options.
• Location-Specific Deals: Entice users with location-specific discounts or promotions. For example, a retail app notifies users about a flash sale happening at their nearest store, or a food delivery app offers a special discount on local cuisine. This leverages proximity to create a sense of urgency and drive in-app activity.
• Personalized Recommendations on the Go: Provide users with personalized recommendations based on their current location. A fitness app might suggest a scenic running route nearby, or a music streaming service might recommend artists playing at a local venue. This tailors the app experience to the user's physical location, making it more relevant and engaging.

Behavior-triggered Notifications.

Behavior-triggered notifications can help you re-engage inactive users, reward loyal customers, and nudge them toward completing actions within the app based on their past behavior.

• Rekindle the Spark with Inactive Users: Use behavior-triggered notifications to re-engage inactive users with personalized recommendations or special offers. This could involve suggesting products they might be interested in based on their past browsing behavior or offering exclusive discounts to entice them back into the app.
• Rewarding Loyalty: Loyal users are the backbone of any successful app. Recognize and reward their dedication with exclusive content or early access to new features. This could involve notifying them about upcoming product launches before the general public, offering them exclusive discounts on in-app purchases, or granting them access to beta versions of new functionalities.
• The Gentle Nudge of Completion: Sometimes, users get sidetracked, leaving tasks unfinished within the app. Behavior-triggered notifications can be your gentle nudge to get them back on track. This could involve reminding users about abandoned shopping carts with a personalized message or offering helpful tips to complete an unfinished signup process.

Push Notification Examples to Boost Engagement.

Now that you're familiar with the various types of push notifications, let's explore some key strategies to maximize their effectiveness and boost user engagement:

Personalized Content.

Personalization is no longer a perk; it's the cornerstone of creating engaging content within your app. By tailoring content to individual user preferences and behavior, you can unlock a deeper level of engagement and transform passive app users into active participants. Here's how to leverage user data to craft truly personalized content:

• Segmentation: The first step is understanding your user base. Segment your audience based on a combination of factors like demographics, interests gleaned from browsing behavior, and app usage patterns. This allows you to create targeted content categories and ensure your messages resonate with specific user groups.
• Data-Driven Content Curation: Analyze purchase history to suggest complementary products or recommend accessories that pair well with recent purchases.

Timing.

Timing is a crucial (yet often overlooked!) aspect of crafting effective push notifications. An unimportant message sent at 3 AM is unlikely to resonate with users. Here's how to ensure your notifications reach users when they're most receptive and ready to engage:

• Know Your Users' Habits: Understanding user behavior is key. Analyze data to identify peak usage times within your app. This could involve weekdays vs. weekends, mornings vs. evenings, or even specific times of day based on user demographics. Schedule notifications to arrive during these optimal engagement windows for maximum impact.
• Tailored Delivery Based on Time Zones: Factor in user time zones when scheduling notifications. There's no point in sending a lunchtime deal to a user who's just waking up. Utilize time zone features within your notification platform to ensure your messages arrive when users are most likely to be active within the app.

A/B Testing.

When it comes to push notifications, A/B testing is your secret weapon, allowing you to experiment and continuously refine your notifications for optimal user engagement. Here's how to leverage A/B testing to unlock the full potential of your messages:

• The Power of Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment! Test different notification formats, such as text-based alerts, image-rich messages, or even videos. Play around with headlines, crafting clear, concise messages that pique user interest and encourage them to open the app. Test different calls to action. Will a simple "Learn More" button outperform a more action-oriented "Shop Now"? A/B testing allows you to compare the performance of these variations and identify which elements resonate most with your user base.
• Data-Driven Decisions: A/B testing isn't just about experimentation; it's also about data-driven decision-making. Utilize A/B testing tools to track key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates for each notification variation. Analyze the data to identify the winning elements and continuously refine your approach based on what resonates best with your users.

Clear Call-to-Actions.

A clear and concise call to action in every notification is the final push that transforms passive awareness into active engagement. This is your chance to tell users exactly what you want them to do after reading the notification. Here's how to create the perfect CTA:

• Clear Direction: Use strong verbs that leave no room for confusion. Instead of generic phrases, go for action-oriented language like "Shop Now," "Learn More," "Claim Offer," or "Download Today." This tells users exactly what step to take next and motivates them to interact with the app.
• Brevity is Key: Keep your CTAs short and sweet. Long, convoluted phrases can overwhelm users and hinder their decision-making. Opt for concise language that is easy to understand at a glance.
• The Power of Placement: Strategic placement of your CTA within the notification can also play a role in its effectiveness. Consider user behavior and position the CTA in a natural place for them to click or tap after reading the message.

Value-Oriented Messaging.

Cut through the noise by focusing on value. Craft messages that resonate with your users' needs and highlight how your app can improve their lives. Here's how to prioritize value in your push notifications:

• Focus on the Benefits: Ditch overly promotional language that can sound spammy. Instead, focus on the benefits users will receive by engaging with your notification. Are you offering a discount that saves them money? Is there a new feature that streamlines their experience? Frame your message in a way that emphasizes how your app solves a problem or fulfills a need they have.
• Solutions, Not Sales Pitches: Think of your notifications as helpful nudges, not sales pitches. Highlight how your app can make their lives easier, more convenient, or more enjoyable.

Segmented Targeting.

Segmented targeting allows you to deliver tailored messages that resonate with specific user groups, dramatically increasing their relevance and effectiveness. Here's how to leverage segmentation for impactful notifications:

• Tailored Messaging: Don't blast the same generic message to everyone. Craft targeted notifications that speak directly to the needs and preferences of each user segment. This targeted approach ensures your message is relevant and valuable to each user, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
• Segmentation for Personalization: Segmentation is the foundation for personalization. By segmenting your user base, you create smaller groups with more specific characteristics. This allows you to delve deeper into personalization tactics within each segment.

Best Practices to Increase Conversions.

Effective push notifications are more than just informative updates – they can be powerful tools for driving conversions within your app. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Craft Compelling Headlines: Your headline is the first impression, so make it count. Use strong verbs, create a sense of urgency, or spark curiosity to entice users to open the notification.
• Emojis are Your Friend: Emojis can add personality and visual interest to your notifications. However, use them sparingly to avoid appearing unprofessional.
• Maintain a Consistent Brand Voice: Ensure your push notifications align with your overall brand personality and messaging.
• Optimize for Different Devices: Ensure your notifications display correctly across various mobile operating systems and screen sizes.
• Don't overdo it: Avoid bombarding users with notifications. Aim for quality over quantity and prioritize sending relevant and valuable messages.

Push notifications can be a powerful tool to drive user engagement and conversions within your app, but they are a double-edged sword. Poorly crafted notifications can annoy users and lead to app uninstalls. Let's take a look at some of the best push notification examples that can help boost conversions.

1. Netflix

This Netflix push notification is a masterclass in building anticipation for a new season of a popular show. The notification caps it all off with a clear call to action, "Watch the Trailer," which makes it easy for users to engage with the content.

2. The Bump

The Bump's push notification personalizes the message with a friendly "Hi Mom!" greeting, instantly connecting with the user. It then dives into informative and engaging content, which caters to a pregnant woman's natural curiosity about her baby's growth. By providing valuable and timely information, the notification implicitly reinforces the app's purpose: keeping moms informed about their baby's journey.

3. ASOS

This ASOS notification is a well-crafted example of post-purchase engagement. By combining personalization, positive reinforcement, and a clear request with a benefit, the notification effectively encourages customer engagement in a concise and non-intrusive manner.

4. Airbnb

Airbnb's push notification cleverly combines a timely reminder with social proof and a touch of urgency to nudge users toward completing their booking.

5. Amazon

Amazon's delivery notification prioritizes clear and concise delivery confirmation. It informs the user of exactly what was delivered. This detailed description offers transparency about the contents, which can be helpful for some users who might appreciate knowing precisely what arrived at their doorstep.

6. Duolingo

By combining friendliness, informative content, and a clear next step, Duolingo's notification effectively motivates users to engage with language learning within the app.

7. TheLADBible

The push notification from TheLADBible aims to re-engage dormant users by using a humorous approach. The message uses a lighthearted tone with the question "Have you got a side app or something?" This playful inquiry adds humor to the message, which could potentially disarm users and make them more receptive.

8. Dunkin’ Donuts

This timely notification effectively uses a weather event to promote relevant products and position Dunkin' Donuts as a helpful solution, making it a strong example of a location-aware and urgency-driven push notification.

9. H&M

H&M's push notification cleverly leverages a recent purchase to nudge users towards potentially making additional purchases. While the effectiveness might depend on individual shopping habits and the initial interest in completing an outfit, H&M's notification offers a well-executed example of using a strategic after-purchase suggestion to drive further sales within the app.

10. Google

Google's appointment notification is designed to prioritize both timeliness and user convenience. It serves as a clear and actionable reminder for users.

11. Headspace

Headspace's notification offers a relatable perspective on meditation and suggests the app as a solution for achieving inner peace.

12. Songkick

Songkick's notification offers a personalized location-based concert discovery experience. It notifies users that "9 of your tracked artists" are playing nearby, which piques their interest in potential upcoming shows. The notification includes a clear call-to-action (CTA) to "Check them out!" which makes exploring concerts within the app effortless. Overall, the combination of personalization, urgency, and a clear CTA makes this notification very effective.

13. CBS

CBS capitalizes on the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl with a push notification designed to drive viewership for their streaming platform and sports channel. While its effectiveness hinges on the user's interest in football, for fans of the sport, this notification effectively leverages a timely sporting event to drive viewership toward CBS's platforms.

14. Hinge

Hinge's push notifications use social validation and a clear call to action to encourage engagement in their dating app.

15. Mobile banking apps

This mobile banking app prioritizes user security and awareness with a timely push notification geared toward travelers. This provides specific instructions on how to contact the bank and what information to share, making it easy for users to take action and potentially avoid any issues with their accounts while traveling internationally.

16. Minibar

Minibar has come up with an effective way to promote its alcohol delivery service by sending a push notification on Election Day. The notification directly mentions "#ElectionDay," which makes the user aware of the event and the emotions surrounding it. The notification then suggests a call to action, "choose bubbles," which encourages users to unwind after voting by selecting champagne or sparkling wine.

17. KAYAK

KAYAK entices travel enthusiasts with a price-focused push notification highlighting a discounted flight deal. The clear display of price reduction creates a sense of urgency for users who might be interested in booking at this lower price.

18. Swarm

Swarm's notification combines social connections with location awareness by mentioning a friend at an interesting location in the user's city, which can spark interest and FOMO.

19. Drizly

This notification is sent at an opportune moment and connects a current event with the user's interest in particular products. It subtly recommends a handpicked collection of products without directly stating it, implying a benefit for users who wish to explore this topic.

20. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video celebrates Black History Month with a push notification that goes beyond a typical one-month focus. Overall, Amazon Prime Video's notification is effective due to its timeliness, cultural awareness, and inclusive message that caters to a broad audience.

21. Words With Friends

Words With Friends uses a sense of urgency and social pressure to nudge users towards playing the game. Generally, Words With Friends' notification is a common strategy to boost user engagement.

22. House of Fraser

House of Fraser's push notification cleverly entices users with a playful message about their sale. A strong call to action is delivered with a simple ">>>," guiding users towards the sale seamlessly. This playful and informative approach can be a great way to engage users and drive traffic toward House of Fraser's sale.

23. Beauty Bay

Beauty Bay tempts beauty enthusiasts with a tiered discount promotion in their push notification. The structure clearly outlines the savings available, making it easy for users to understand the potential benefits. A strong call to action follows, "Use code: SAVENOW," which guides users on how to redeem these discounts. The confident tone, starting with "Just thank us later," adds a touch of playfulness to the message, potentially making the offer even more enticing.

24. Wired

Wired's timely news alert uses a captivating headline and technology focus to inform its target audience about the latest news in AI.

25. DoorDash

DoorDash keeps users informed and in control with a helpful push notification about their food delivery. The notification includes a photo, which adds value, especially when delivery instructions might be unclear, or the location could be ambiguous. Overall, the notification conveniently delivers all the necessary information within the app, saving users the hassle of searching for updates.

26. Starbucks

Starbucks extends a warm welcome with a personalized push notification reminding you about "Happy Hour today at 3 p.m." This friendly approach creates a sense of connection and makes users feel valued. The notification also highlights a specific promotion, "Happy Hour," which might be particularly enticing for users looking for deals or an afternoon pick-me-up.

27. BOXED

The combination of reminders, value highlights, discount offers, and a clear CTA creates a user-friendly push notification that can effectively drive sales for BOXED by recovering abandoned carts.

28. Peloton

Peloton's push notification leverages a strong value proposition with a free trial, a sense of urgency through the limited-time offer, and a concise and informative message. This combination can be effective in attracting new users and driving subscriptions to the Peloton App.

29. FurnFab

FurnFab's push notification is welcoming, offers a clear value proposition with a discount, and includes a specific CTA.

30. PizzaHub.

Pizza Hub's notification effectively combines personalization, a relatable prompt about cravings, and a clear value proposition with a discount and a straightforward CTA.

Final Thoughts…

From enticing discounts to timely news updates, well-crafted push notifications can enhance the overall user experience and further drive engagement.By following these best practices and leveraging a powerful push notification platform like Beamer, you can craft push notifications that are not only informative and engaging but also drive real business results. Beamer offers a suite of features designed to streamline the process of creating, managing, and scheduling your push notifications.Ready to create notifications that get noticed? Sign up for a free Beamer trial today and discover how our platform can help you unlock the full potential of mobile app communication.