Can You Send Web Push Notifications on Mobile Devices?
Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, and as marketers, tapping into this platform is essential. Statistics reveal that mobile users spend a significant portion of their time on apps. Hence, it makes mobile prime channel for businesses to reach their target audience.
With the right approach, web push notifications on mobile devices can serve as a direct line of communication. Further, it offers unparalleled opportunities for user engagement.
So, if you are eager to learn more about this, read the blog to the end. Let's get started!
Understanding Web Push Notifications
Web push notifications, also called browser notifications are brief messages sent from a website to a user’s browser. These notifications prompt the latest news, feature updates, blog posts or offers.
Unlike app notifications, web push notifications do not require users to install an app as they work directly through the web browsers.
How are Web Push Different from Mobile Push Notifications?
Businesses need to understand these differences to use notification strategies effectively across different user interactions.
1. Delivery Platform:
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Web Push Notification: Sent from a website to a user's browser, they are platform-agnostic and work on both desktop and mobile browsers.
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Mobile Push Notification: Typically associated with mobile applications, these notifications are sent directly to a user's device through the operating system.
2. Installation Requirement:
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Web Push Notification: Users do not need to install a specific app to receive web push notifications; they are browser-based.
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Mobile Push Notification: Requires users to have a specific mobile app installed to receive push notifications.
3. Opt-In Process:
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Web Push Notification: Users opt-in to receive notifications when they visit a website and are prompted to allow or block notifications.
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Mobile Push Notification: Users opt-in during the app installation process or can adjust notification settings within the app.
4. User Consent and Permissions:
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Web Push Notification: Relies on browser permissions; users can manage notification preferences in browser settings.
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Mobile Push Notification: Governed by the app's permissions, which users grant or deny during installation or through app settings.
5. Notification Handling:
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Web Push Notification: Displayed even when the website is not open (but browser should be open on mobile), providing real-time updates to users.
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Mobile Push Notification: Users receive notifications regardless of whether the app is open, enhancing communication and engagement.
6. Customization and Personalization:
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Web Push Notification: Limited customization options compared to mobile push notifications; may vary across different browsers.
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Mobile Push Notification: Offers more extensive customization, allowing businesses to tailor messages based on user behaviour and preferences.
7. Interaction Capabilities:
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Web Push Notification: Limited interactivity; users can usually click to open the associated website.
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Mobile Push Notification: Supports richer interactions, allowing users to take actions directly within the notification (e.g., reply to a message, like a post).
Are Web Push Notifications Compatible with Mobile Devices?
The most significant advantage of web push notifications is that they are compatible with not only Android but also iOS devices. Major browsers such as Google Chrome for Android, Safari for iOS, Firefox for Android, and Microsoft Edge for Android, support web push notifications.
Benefits of using web push on a mobile device:
- Instant Communication: Businesses can instantly reach their mobile audience with timely information, such as flash sales, breaking news, or event updates.
- Increased Visibility: Web push notifications appear on the user's device screen, making them hard to miss. This increased visibility can lead to higher click-through rates compared to traditional email marketing.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Unlike developing and maintaining a mobile app, implementing web push notifications is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to engage their mobile audience.
How to Send Web Push Notifications on Mobile Devices?
As mentioned above, the web push notifications are sent to the user’s web browser. Unlike mobile push notifications which you can directly send to your business-specific app, the user must open their browser.
So, to begin with, sending web push notifications on mobile devices, you need to integrate API with a web push service provider. An API for web push will enable you to send notifications on browsers on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet).
There are various service providers, but Notifly is one such API platform that facilitates you to send multiple notifications using a single platform. It supports web push for all browsers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and more including Safari for iOS users.
Integrating API is an easy and quick process. Web push notifications can now be sent to iOS mobile devices on iOS 16.4 or above devices.
Key Takeaway:
Utilizing web push notifications on mobile devices is both powerful and budget-friendly. It enables businesses to connect with users across various devices and browsers, and the absence of app installations simplifies user opt-ins. This direct communication channel facilitates timely updates and promotions, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
