Push Notifications
Introduction:
Push notifications are brief messages that appear on screen, even when the app isn’t in use, to alert users to important information or actions requiring their attention.
Why are push notifications used?
Push notifications deliver brief messages instantly, allowing users to quickly receive and act on information, whereas emails tend to be longer and may take more time to read and respond to. Push notifications come in various types, including transactional notifications (e.g., food order updates), marketing notifications (e.g., offers and discounts), reminder notifications, and social notifications.
How do Push Notifications work?
Step 1: Permission – When the app is opened for the first time after installation, it prompts the user for permission to send notifications. If the user grants permission, notifications will be enabled; otherwise, the app won’t be able to send any notifications.
Step 2: Server setup – The app registers your device with a notification service: iOS apps use Apple Push Notification Service (APNS), Android apps use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), and web apps use the Web Push Protocol.
Step 3: Sending notification – When the app wants to send a notification, its server first sends a message to the appropriate notification service. The notification service then delivers the message to user’s device, where it appears on the user’s screen.
Step 4: User action – The user can choose how to respond to the message—either dismiss it or take a specific action.
Simple Implementation:
Asking permission:
// Ask user for notification permission
if (‘Notification’ in window) {
Notification.requestPermission().then(permission => {
if (permission === ‘granted’) {
console.log(‘Notifications enabled!’);
}
}); }
Send Notification:
// Send a basic notification
function sendNotification() {
if (Notification.permission === ‘granted’) {
new Notification(‘Hello!’, {
body: ‘This is your first push notification’,
icon: ‘/icon.png’
});
}
}
Best Practices:
- Perfect timing: Messages should be sent at appropriate times—for example, a ‘Good morning’ notification should not be delivered in the evening.
- Personalization: Personalizing messages with the user’s name can significantly enhance their impact.
- Clear Value: Messages should convey clear and accurate information.
- Appropriate Frequency: Messages should be sent sparingly to avoid irritating the user.
Conclusion:
Push notifications don’t need to be complicated. Begin with simple, meaningful messages that truly benefit your users. Focus on:
- Gaining permission by clearly communicating value
- Delivering relevant messages at the right moment
- Tracking results and continuously improving
- Prioritizing quality over quantity to respect your users
Remember: A well-timed, helpful notification is far more effective than dozens of irrelevant ones. Users appreciate notifications that genuinely simplify or enhance their experience.
