WordPress Push Notifications: Meaning, Types, Pros & Cons!
Last Updated on 11th March 2023 by Ajmer Singh
WordPress is one of the most popular website-building platforms in the world, with over 40% of all websites on the internet using the platform.
One of the many benefits of using WordPress is the ability to easily add new features and functionality to your website through plugins.
One such feature that has become increasingly popular in recent years is push notifications.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of push notifications available for WordPress websites, what they mean, and the pros and cons of using them.
We’ll also provide best practices for creating effective push notifications that drive user engagement, retention, and revenue.
Whether you’re new to push notifications or looking to improve your existing strategy, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to create effective push notifications for your WordPress website.
What are Push Notifications in WordPress?
1. Push Notifications Definition
Explanation of WordPress Push Notifications
WordPress push notifications are a type of alert system that sends updates to users’ devices, even when they’re not actively browsing your website.
This can include notifications about new content, promotions, updates, or other important messages.
Push notifications can help to keep users engaged with your website, even when they’re not actively using it.
Importance of Push Notifications in WordPress
Push notifications can be an important tool for websites built on the WordPress platform.
They can help to keep users informed and engaged, and can even help to improve conversion rates.
Additionally, push notifications can be used to re-engage users who may have stopped using your website or to encourage them to return.
Brief Overview of the Article
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of WordPress push notifications, their meaning and functionality, the pros and cons of using push notifications, and best practices for creating effective notifications.
2. Types of WordPress Push Notifications
Manual Push Notifications
Manual push notifications are notifications that are sent by a website owner or administrator manually.
This can include notifications about new content, updates, or promotions.
Manual notifications can be sent to all users, or can be targeted to specific user segments.
Automated Push Notifications
Automated push notifications are notifications that are sent automatically based on a user’s behaviour or website activity.
For example, an automated notification could be triggered when a user completes a purchase, signs up for a newsletter, or abandons a shopping cart.
Segment-Specific Push Notifications
Segment-specific push notifications are notifications that are targeted to specific user segments.
This can include notifications for users who have made a purchase, users who have visited a specific page, or users who have spent a certain amount of time on the website.
3. Meaning and Functionality of WordPress Push Notifications
How WordPress Push Notifications Work
WordPress push notifications work by sending a message to a user’s device using the browser’s built-in notification system.
When a user visits a website that has push notifications enabled, they are prompted to allow or deny push notifications.
If they allow notifications, they will receive updates when new content is added or other important events occur on the website.
Benefits of Push Notifications in WordPress
There are many benefits to using push notifications in WordPress.
They can help to keep users engaged with your website, even when they’re not actively using it.
Additionally, push notifications can be used to re-engage users who may have stopped using your website or to encourage them to return.
Push notifications can also help to improve conversion rates, by providing users with relevant offers or updates.
Common Features of WordPress Push Notification Plugins
There are many WordPress plugins that can be used to add push notification functionality to a website.
Common features of push notification plugins include the ability to create and send manual or automated notifications, the ability to target specific user segments, and the ability to track notification performance.
4. Pros of WordPress Push Notifications
Increased Engagement
One of the primary benefits of using push notifications is increased engagement.
Push notifications can help to keep users engaged with your website, even when they’re not actively using it.
This can lead to increased traffic, more pageviews, and a higher likelihood of conversion.
Improved User Retention
Push notifications can also help to improve user retention. By sending relevant and timely notifications, you can keep users coming back to your website.
This can help to build loyalty and keep users engaged with your brand.
Better Conversion Rates
Push notifications can also help to improve conversion rates.
By sending targeted and personalized notifications, you can provide users with offers and updates that are relevant to their interests.
This can lead to a higher likelihood of conversion and can ultimately help to drive more revenue for your website.
5. Cons of WordPress Push Notifications
Risk of Overwhelming Users
One potential drawback of using push notifications is that they can overwhelm users.
If you send too many notifications, or notifications that aren’t relevant to the user, they may choose to disable push notifications altogether.
To avoid this, it’s important to be mindful of the frequency and content of your notifications.
Potential for Spamming
Another potential risk of using push notifications is the potential for spamming.
If you send notifications that are irrelevant or unwanted, users may perceive them as spam and choose to disable notifications altogether.
To avoid this, it’s important to only send notifications that are relevant and valuable to the user.
Limited Reach and Compatibility
Finally, it’s important to note that push notifications may not be compatible with all devices or browsers.
Additionally, some users may choose to disable push notifications on their devices altogether.
This means that push notifications may have a limited reach compared to other types of marketing and engagement tactics.
6. Best Practices for WordPress Push Notifications
Timing and Frequency
To ensure that your notifications are well-received, it’s important to be mindful of the timing and frequency of your notifications.
Only send notifications when you have something important or valuable to share, and avoid sending notifications too frequently.
Personalization and Relevance
Personalization and relevance are key to creating effective push notifications.
By targeting specific user segments and providing personalized offers and updates, you can improve the likelihood of conversion and improve user engagement.
A/B Testing and Optimization
Finally, it’s important to regularly test and optimize your push notifications.
Use A/B testing to test different messaging, targeting, and timing strategies, and use data to inform your optimization efforts.
7. Avoid These Mistakes When Using Push Notifications:
There is a fragile line in push notifications becoming annoying. You need to be very careful while using it.
Marketers need to avoid these mistakes while sending notifications to users.
They can go from useful to annoying in a matter of seconds.
Too Many Notifications
One thing that users despise the most is too many notifications. It is a prevalent mistake made by marketers.
Push notifications are useful but should only send at the right time or when it is really required.
Multiple unnecessary notifications can annoy and irritate users. You should send appropriate notifications at the right time.
Automating Notifications
Most of the time, companies opt for automated notifications. These notifications appear at any time on the user’s phone.
When automating notifications, the proper date, and time should be fixed.
The users should receive it at the right time, not at 5 am in the morning.
On-boarding Notifications
Onboarding notifications are essential.
When a new user clicks on the subscribe button, you have to use notifications to familiarize them with your site.
Most marketers avoid this vital step.
These notifications are handy and help the user feel welcomed and know more about the site.
Avoid Click-Baits
Users absolutely hate clickbait. You need to avoid clickbait notifications at all costs.
It will not only spoil the user’s experience but tarnish the reputation of your site as well.
Repeat Messages
Avoid sending the same notifications to the audience. Most of the time, companies send automated repeat notifications.
These notifications are really annoying and serve no purpose.
Conclusion
Summary of the Article
In summary, push notifications can be a powerful tool for keeping users engaged with your WordPress website.
By providing relevant and timely updates, you can improve user retention and drive more revenue for your website.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the frequency and content of your notifications, and to use best practices for creating effective notifications.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re considering adding push notification functionality to your WordPress website, be sure to choose a reputable plugin that offers the features and functionality that you need.
Additionally, be sure to regularly test and optimize your notifications to ensure that they’re effective and well-received by your users.
Some of the best and recommended push notifications for WordPress:
With these tips and best practices, you can create effective push notifications that drive engagement, retention, and revenue for your website.
Push notification plugins will slow down your site, so make sure you have a good host and a speedy theme.
My recommended ones are,
- Cloudways for hosting
- Themify Ultra for theme
Faqs about Push Notifications!
1. What are push notifications for WordPress?
Push notifications are messages that are sent to users who have opted-in to receive updates from a website or app.
In the context of WordPress, push notifications can be sent to users who have subscribed to a website’s updates via a plugin.
2. What are the different types of push notifications available for WordPress websites?
There are several types of push notifications that can be sent to WordPress website users, including updates on new blog posts, product launches, promotions, and more.
Some plugins also offer location-based notifications and personalized offers based on user behaviour.
3. What are the benefits of using push notifications for WordPress websites?
Push notifications can help to increase user engagement and retention by providing timely and relevant updates to users.
They can also help to drive revenue by promoting products and services to users who are more likely to convert.
4. What are the potential drawbacks of using push notifications for WordPress websites?
Push notifications can be overwhelming or perceived as spam if not used appropriately, leading users to unsubscribe or disable push notifications altogether.
Additionally, push notifications may not be compatible with all devices or browsers, which may limit their reach.
5. How can I create effective push notifications for my WordPress website?
To create effective push notifications, it’s important to be mindful of the timing and frequency of your notifications, as well as their relevance and personalization to the user.
Regularly testing and optimizing your notifications using A/B testing can also help to improve their effectiveness.