Understanding Web Push Notifications and How They Work?

Web push notifications are another communication method for marketers/businesses to connect with users who have opted for them. These notifications can appear on desktop web browsers or mobile browsers even if the user is inactive or scrolling to other websites. The motive of sending web push notifications is to engage, re-engage or retain users on a website.

Here, we will learn how web push notifications work, what devices support them and their pros and cons.

How exactly does a web push notification work?

Web Push notification was introduced after the Google Chrome version 42 update. Since then, almost all mainstream web browsers such as Safari, Firefox, Opera and Edge have supported web push notifications.

But, to send push notifications on the web, you need to sign up for a web push notification service.

What is a web push notification service?

A web push notification service is a method that allows you to deliver a notification on your user's browser at a specific time in a specific zone.Once you sign up for the push notification service, it sends notifications to users' browsers.

There are some major reasons to use web notifications, some of which are:

• connect with targeted users

• increase user engagement

• retain users

• convert visitors into consumers

• build brand value among users

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Which devices do web push notifications support?

To get started with web push notifications, it's important to understand which devices allow these notifications and which do not.

Operating system | Devices | Browser ----------- | --------- | ---------- Mac| Computer/laptop | Chrome 48+, Safari 7+, Firefox 44+, Opera 42+ Windows| Computer/laptop | Chrome 48+, Edge 17+, Firefox 44+, Opera 42+, Safari 7+ Windows| Tablet | Chrome 48+, Edge 17+, Firefox 44+, Opera 42+ iOS| Mobile/Tablet| not supported Android| Mobile/Tablet | Chrome 50+, Firefox 44+, Opera 46+

Note: Please remember that the web push notification may vary in appearance on different devices and browsers.

Pros and cons: Web push notifications

Let's understand more about web push notifications and their pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Instant delivery, easy to send and supported by several browsers and devices.

2. They can be personalised by tracking user behaviour.

3. With one tap, users can subscribe to web push notifications.

4. These notifications can appear on both mobile and desktop.

5. Unlike email or social media forums, it doesn't ask for any personal details of the user.

6. You can share the latest updates, news, discounts, coupons, or anything even if the user is inactive.

7. Highly effective for user engagement.

8. They are secure.

Cons:

1. Some web browsers and devices such as iOS don't support web push notifications. as a result, it limits your reach.

2. Frequent web push notifications may annoy users.

Nonetheless, with an optimised strategy, you can get the most out of these notifications. Notifly is one such notification API service that allows you to schedule web push notifications, control frequency and time and provides analysed reports for better performance of notifications.

Who can use web push notifications and how?

Now that you are aware of web notifications working, and their usage, you must be curious if you can also use them.

Well, there is a good news! Anyone can use it who owns a business whether it's a small business or a large-scale organization. Web push notifications are extremely effective and useful for all sectors.

Let's have a quick glance, at how you can use them:

1. Transactional notifications such as confirmation of purchase, delivery, shipping etc.

2. Promotional notifications such as promos, special offers on festivals etc.

3. Educational notifications such as news updates, new blog alerts, key events etc.

4. Welcome notifications to new users.

5. Retarget existing customers by personalising web push notifications for them.

6. Segmentation notifications based on user behaviour, interest, pattern etc.

Want to start sending web push notifications?

With that all said, any business should definitely consider web push notifications. They can provide a boost to any product's engagement, and also generate an influx of sales and revenue. Hence, pushing relevant information to people at the right time and place can be a revolutionary tool for marketing purposes.

If you're convinced with web push notifications, you can also get started with them anytime with Notifly.

Get started with Notifly- today.