A push notification is a message, sent from an app to a users device that suddenly pops up even when the app is sitting idle – think of that banner, alert, or badge that shows up on your phone or browser. Unlike SMS text messages, it travels over the internet to the users device through their device’s push service – and it only works if the user has actually installed the app and given permission to send them notifications.
How does a Push Notification work
When someone installs an app and chooses to receive notifications, the app gets the users device registered with a push service – like Apple’s APNs for iOS or Firebase Cloud Messaging for Android – and gets a unique key for that device. To send a notification, the business-side of things sends the message & that key to the push service, and the service delivers it straight to the users device – even if the app is closed. Push notifications can be triggered by events, scheduled, personalised to make them feel super relevant, or sent in bulk to a group of users who fit a certain profile. They hit your device in seconds – and cost nothing per message – but to work they need to be permitted, so only opt-in app users get them.
How Onextel helps with Push Notification
Onextel lets you incorporate push notifications as just one part of a bigger engagement strategy, delivered to both iOS and Android devices via their respective push services, as part of a multichannel setup. Because Onextel combines push with SMS, WhatsApp and email on one platform, you can use push for the app-users and fall back to SMS or another channel for anyone who hasn’t opted in – so you reach your customers on the best route possible rather than relying on push alone.
Why it matters
Push notifications get through instantly, are free per message, and land right on the device your customers are holding. Perfect for re-engaging customers, sending updates, or nipping in to remind them of something – but they only work for people who’ve actually installed and opted in to your app. So they work really well as part of a mix, rather than being the only channel. By combining push with SMS & other channels, you make sure your message gets through even when push isn’t an option.