So how exactly do you convince users to opt in to your push notifications? It all comes down to clearly showing them that your push notifications are extremely useful and valuable.
Here are four ways you can do just that:
- Provide push notifications so valuable, your users can't afford to miss themYour users need to know that your push notifications are a must have. Focus on providing timely information or services that helps your users and that makes their lives easier.
If your notifications are seen as a waste of time or just another way to send promotions, users will opt out.
- Help users; don’t try to sell them
According to market reasearch, users are far more likely to get annoyed by promotional push notifications. On the other hand, they are more likely to approve of push notifications that they believe will help them out and provide useful information.
For example, that means users of a mobile banking app are likely to opt in for push notifications that tell them about transactions on their account, but not for notifications that try to sell them on opening a new savings account.
Build your push notification strategy on utility, and make sure your users know to expect this.
- Communicate the value early on
You can't expect your users to understand the value of your push notifications without clearly communicating it to them.
Consider using an interactive walkthrough during user onboarding that explains the types of messages you will send.
On top of that, customize the message your users see. Don't just show the default iOS message. If users see the same generic message the first time they open your app, it's far more likely that they won’t opt in.
- Don't overdo it
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't send more than 2 3 push messages per week.
There are exceptions. If your users have requested notifications for specific business processes or services you should send them as often as necessary. But if you bombard your users with push notifications too frequently, you risk annoying them.
Just because a user opted in, doesn't mean they won't change their mind and opt out at a later date.
When all else fails
So how do you communicate with the group that refuses to opt in to push notifications, despite your best efforts just because they do that with all new apps?
Download now the full white paper about How to Optimize your Opt-In
