Mobile Game Push Notifications: Ready to Re-Engage Players?
Mobile game apps have no specific seasons to bloom. Instead, they demand consistent efforts to grab players' attention every day. That said, your gaming app should be capable of managing user engagement and user retention as well. The most effective way to achieve this is to leverage mobile push notifications for everyday communication. You can use email or web push, but push notifications are more effective for mobile game players.
We understand that many of you encounter this issue, but don't worry—these tips will help you fix it. If you're curious to learn how this blog is for you, let's get started!
Why Use Push Notifications in Mobile Games?
Gaming apps work differently. Unlike shopping apps, they need to be used every day, which takes time for users to make a habit. However, once a player is onboard, the focus shifts to retaining them, which becomes much easier with the right strategy.
Research shows that the cost of acquiring new customers is 7x higher than the cost of retaining existing customers.
In the gaming industry, your existing users are a real asset. Especially those who have been engaged with your game for a long time.
The push notification acts as a bridge between the user and the brand. So, if used right, it can potentially boost the players' re-engagement and experience with your app.
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What Should You Not Do When Using Push Notifications?
Since you can implement mobile game push notifications, you shouldn’t overuse them. Players will expect some privacy and will not want to hear from you all the time.
Your urge to send them push notifications without putting a cap on them can have negative results for your business. Users may get frustrated or annoyed and either opt out of notifications or, worse, uninstall the app.
To prevent such situations, you must plan wisely.
- Use a frequency cap so no player’s phone buzzes more than they want.
- You can use the push notification centre to learn what users want. It lets users control notifications, giving you reliable data on how often they want to receive them and what types they prefer.
Further, the approach of sending daily notifications is feasible for certain categories. Also, the push notifications are about reaching the right users at the right time, not all the time.
How to Use Mobile Game Push Notification to Re-engage Users?
Consider these points before you start sending push notifications. These tips will help you understand your player and improve your strategy.
Take their consent with reasoning
Start by asking players if they want to receive notifications. Their consent should be your top priority. Especially if they are iOS users, you must be smart when prompting for permission.
As Apple suggests, developers should provide some context when asking for permission. It can increase the chances of users granting permission.
Just asking for permission will not encourage users; rather, telling them why will. For example, in your permission prompts, share how receiving notifications helps them play the game better.
Time analysis
Monitor the time your players spend on your game, identifying periods of inactivity for targeted notifications. Avoid sending messages immediately after they've played or within a few minutes.
Push notifications aim to re-engage dormant players, making it beneficial to remind them of games during their inactive periods. While analysing their engagement patterns, ensure it doesn't disrupt their work. Sending notifications after work hours or during lunch is preferable.
If you're unsure how to analyse this data, utilize Notifly's intelligent reports for comprehensive insights into user behaviour. It specifically assists with a crucial aspect of timing—location-based timing—enabling you to automate push messages for different times and locations.
Offer relevancy and value to users
The phone usage scenario is changing with the value they provide to users. According to a Leanplum survey, 78% of Millennials delete apps when overloaded with notifications.
Hence, you must be clear about what you want to achieve with your notifications. The content should convey your message and add value to your player.
At this point, leverage segmentation to re-engage players by reminding them of what they can achieve and how. Simply categorise players by their levels in the game and create relevant content that encourages.
Apart from this, use rewards and challenges or notify them of upcoming events. All in all, the content of your notification should mean something and not just a push button.
Personalisation is the key
When you use personalisation, the message becomes more effective as it directly connects with the user. Whether it is using their name, progress, or changes, players pay attention to such notifications.
Here are some examples:
- Achievement Unlocked: "Congratulations [Player's Name]! You've just unlocked the 'Master Strategist' achievement. Can you conquer even more challenges in the next level?"
- Special Power-Up Offer: "Hey [Player's Name], we noticed you're a fan of power-ups! Enjoy a limited-time offer: Buy one power-up, get the second free. Level up with unstoppable abilities!"
- Daily Challenge Reminder: "Good day, [Player's Name]! Don't forget to tackle today's challenge. Conquer it, and exclusive rewards await you. Ready to take on the challenge?"
Bottom Line
Leveraging push notifications in mobile games can be a powerful tool, but only with the right strategy. With strategy, you also need a tool that gives you the data you need to strengthen it. Notifly is a powerful tool for analytics. It helps you understand your users' behaviour and re-engage them effectively.
