How do you use SMS and push notifications to communicate with your mobile audience?

1 What are SMS and push notifications?

SMS stands for short message service, and it is a text message that you can send to your mobile users. Push notifications are messages that pop up on your users' mobile devices, even when they are not using your app. Both SMS and push notifications can deliver timely, relevant, and personalized information to your users, such as offers, reminders, updates, or alerts.

2 How to choose between SMS and push notifications?

SMS and push notifications have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on your goals, audience, and budget. SMS has a higher open rate and reach, as it does not require internet connection or app installation. However, SMS also has a higher cost and regulation, as you need to pay per message and comply with opt-in and opt-out rules. Push notifications have a lower open rate and reach, as they depend on internet connection and app permission. However, push notifications also have a lower cost and more flexibility, as you can send unlimited messages and customize them with rich media and interactivity.

3 How to segment your mobile audience?

Segmentation is the process of dividing your mobile audience into smaller groups based on their characteristics, behaviors, and preferences. Segmentation can help you tailor your SMS and push notifications to the needs and interests of each group, and increase their relevance and effectiveness. You can use various criteria to segment your mobile audience, such as demographics, location, device type, app usage, purchase history, or feedback.

4 How to craft your SMS and push notifications?

The content and tone of your SMS and push notifications should match your brand voice and your audience expectations. To make your messages clear, concise, and compelling, you should use a catchy and informative headline that captures attention and summarizes the main message, as well as a clear and specific call to action that tells your users what to do next and why. Moreover, you can use personalization and urgency to create a sense of value and exclusivity, as well as emojis, images, videos, or sounds to enhance your message and appeal to emotions. Furthermore, A/B testing can help you compare different versions of your message and optimize your performance.

5 How to schedule your SMS and push notifications?

The timing and frequency of your SMS and push notifications can have a significant impact on your user engagement and retention. When scheduling your messages, you should consider factors such as user behavior and preferences, message type and purpose, as well as industry and seasonality. Analyze when your users are most active and responsive, and make sure the message is relevant to their context and intent. Additionally, adapt the message to industry trends and seasonal events to take advantage of opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?