We receive dozens of notifications on our phones everyday. Some of the notifications come from different apps and some are also sent by specific apps like, WhatsApp. There are differences between in-app notifications and the notifications sent by WhatsApp. Let us examine what they are, but first, let us understand what is a app notification.
What are app notifications?
App developers send consumers messages from inside their apps and these are called in-app notifications. The app notifications are used to increase usage, retention, and lifetime value, they are frequently employed to point users in the direction of sites and areas of interest. In-app notifications can improve user satisfaction by assisting users in finding what they are looking for. If these app notifications are not properly used they can drive away consumers and lead them to discontinue using an app.
Types of app notifications
Importance of App notification
Personal recommendation
Personalization is the key to building customer loyalty. An app can collect the preferences and likes of the user. After collecting and analyzing this information, the app can offer personalized recommendations in form of app notifications. Offering recommendations based on real interests will prompt the user to use that app often.
Gamification elements
In-app notifications are the perfect choice to encourage users in certain ways. If a user has unlocked a new badge, an app notification can be sent to the user. This will allow the user to have a more inclusive experience.
An easy way to spread the message
Every company would want their users to spread the word about their app to their friends and family. App notifications offer the opportunity for just that. This means the user can share a certain experience they have gone through with their friends.
Short suggestions
Most users do not like reading long guidelines on how to operate the app. They rather prefer short messages or notifications that guide them at every step. In-app notification offers the best opportunity for small tips and short contextual instructions. This provides an immersive and better experience for the users. They can adopt the correct guidelines, without having to readthrough a bunch of lengthy material.
Way to get the user's consent to receive push notifications
App notifications can be used to ask for the permission of users. It can be used to ask whether they are willing to receive push notifications later on and explain to them the benefits they can receive by activating such notifications.
Perfect for asking for feedback
In-app notifications are perfect for asking for feedback from users. Feedbacks are the backbone of any app, that helps it improve and provide a better experience to its users and an in-app notification does just that.
What are the use cases of app notifications?
App designers need to make sure that app notifications are only used for special or useful messages that end up benefitting the user. Sending one too many unnecessary notifications and the user might disable notifications or abandon the app altogether.
What is a WhatsApp pop-up notification?
Push or pop-up notifications are messages received by mobile devices or other computing devices. Push notifications originate from a server and are delivered to users who have installed an app, like WhatsApp. The users have to opt-in to receive notifications from the app.
WhatsApp notifications are messages that users receive from the side of the app. WhatsApp notifications are mostly pop-up notifications that “pop up” even when you do not use the app. They are designed to grab the attention of the audience and engage them in some way. The sender's information is displayed on the pop-up notification. This kind of WhatsApp notification is perfect for people who do not feel like opening the app.
Importance of WhatsApp pop-up notification
To provide information
These messages are triggered by various actions and transactions that the user has made with the product or app.
To promote the app
Such notifications are also sent to promote the app. The pop-up notification can contain information about new features and guidelines.
To retain users
These notifications are sent to encourage users to stay and continue using the app.
Differences between App notifications and WhatsApp notification
The very name of the two types of notifications, app notification and WhatsApp notification (pop-up) implicate their primary differences. In-app alerts are visible only when the user is actively using the app and not otherwise. On the other hand, WhatsApp push notifications do not require the application to be active and messages are still displayed on the screen of the mobile, even when it is locked.
Moreover, users can choose to not receive WhatsApp push notifications because they can be highly intrusive. There is no mechanism for such kind of opt-in for in-app notifications. When used appropriately, app notifications are an excellent way to reach engaged consumers without incurring the expense of sending SMS or email communications.