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How to Use Push Notifications and In-App Messages to Drive User Action and Loyalty


Mobile apps are everywhere. They have become an essential part of our daily lives, whether we use them for entertainment, education, communication, shopping, or productivity. But with millions of apps available on the Google Play and Apple App Store, how can you make your app stand out from the competition and create a loyal user base?

The answer lies in implementing your mobile app’s best features and functions and using effective marketing strategies to communicate with your users. One of the most potent ways to do that is by using push notifications and in-app messages.

Push notifications and in-app messages are brief messages that speak directly to app users. They can deliver important information, remind users of your app’s value, encourage them to take action or reward them for their loyalty. However, they are not the same thing. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Push notifications are messages the user sees without opening the app, typically on the lock screen. They can be sent anytime, even when the app is not running. They require the user’s permission to be enabled.

  • In-app messages are messages that the user gets inside the application after opening it. They can only be sent when the app is active. They do not require the user’s permission to be enabled.

Both push notifications and in-app messages have their advantages and disadvantages, and they should be used for different purposes and scenarios. Here are some examples of how you can use them effectively:

  • Use push notifications to re-engage users who have not opened your app for a while or to notify them of time-sensitive events or offers. For example, you can send a push notification to remind users of an upcoming deadline, a flash sale, or a breaking news story. Push notifications can also deliver personalized content based on the user’s preferences, location, or behavior. For example, you can send a push notification to recommend a product, a service, or a content that the user might be interested in.

  • Use in-app messages to guide users inside your app or to highlight new features or content. For example, you can use an in-app message to welcome new users, show them how to use your app, or ask them for feedback. In-app messages can also be used to cross-sell or upsell your products or services or to reward users for their loyalty. For example, you can use an in-app message to offer a discount, a free trial, or a loyalty point.

However, more than using push notifications and in-app messages is required. You must also follow some best practices to ensure your messages are relevant, timely, and engaging. Here are some tips to help you craft a successful push notification and in-app message strategy:

  • Use in-app messages to highlight the value of push notifications. If your app user has not enabled push notifications, you can use in-app messages to remind them to opt-in. Explain the benefits of receiving push notifications and how they can enhance the user’s experience. For example, you can use an in-app message to say, “Don’t miss out on our exclusive offers and updates. Enable push notifications now and get 10% off your next purchase.”

  • Keep your messages short and precise. Your notes should be concise and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon, slang, or abbreviations. Use simple and direct language that conveys your message effectively. For example, instead of saying, “You have been selected to participate in our beta testing program. Please click here to confirm your participation and download the latest version of our app.” you can say, “You’re in! Test our new app and get early access to awesome features. Tap here to start.”

  • Segment your users and personalize your messages. Your messages should be tailored to your users’ needs, interests, and behavior. Use data and analytics to segment your users based on various criteria, such as demographics, location, app usage, purchase history, etc. Then, use these segments to send personalized messages that resonate with your users. For example, you can send a push notification to users who have added items to their cart but have not completed their purchase, saying, “Hey, you left something in your cart. Don’t let it get away. Buy now and get free shipping.”

  • Test and optimize your messages. Your messages should be tested and optimized to ensure they deliver the desired results. Use A/B testing to compare different versions of your messages, such as the wording, the timing, the frequency, the design, etc. Measure the performance of your messages based on key metrics, such as open rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, retention rate, etc. Then, use the insights from your tests to improve your messages and increase their effectiveness.

Push notifications and in-app messages are powerful tools that can help you drive user action and loyalty. Following these best practices can create engaging and relevant messages that will make your app stand out and grow.


If you are looking for a no-code mobile app development and management platform to help you implement push notifications and in-app messages quickly and effectively, you should check out Appabrik. Appabrik is a mobile app platform that offers everything you need to create, launch, and manage high-quality apps. With Appabrik, you can design your app’s UI, add features and functions, integrate with third-party services, and send your users push notifications and in-app messages. You can also monitor and analyze your app’s performance and update your app without coding. Appabrik is the ultimate solution for anyone who wants to create amazing apps without hassle. Try it for free today and see for yourself.

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