Steps to Use Website Push Notifications in Your eCommerce Store

Table of Content

1. What are Web Push Notifications & Their Characteristics?
2. How do Web Push Notifications Work in eCommerce?
3. Examples of eCommerce Push Notifications
4. How to Implement Web Push Notifications for eCommerce?
5. End Notes
6. FAQs on eCommerce Push Notifications

As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, push notifications are emerging as a key tool for eCommerce businesses to connect with customers. With an estimated 41% of global retail purchases expected to happen online by 2027, now is the perfect time to refresh your marketing strategy and attract new shoppers.

Not familiar with eCommerce push notifications or unsure how to use them? No problem! We’ve created this guide to explain what web push notifications are and how eCommerce development companies use them to grow revenues. Let’s get started on accelerating your eCommerce success!

What are Web Push Notifications & Their Characteristics?

Web push notifications are short, clickable messages that pop up on your browser, even when you’re not actively browsing a website. They are a direct line of communication between your online store and the customers, designed to capture attention and deliver timely information.

Here are some key characteristics of web push notifications:

• Instant Reach: Web push notifications appear instantly on a user’s screen, making them an effective tool for grabbing attention and driving immediate action. Whether it’s encouraging a purchase, reminding someone about an abandoned cart, or announcing a limited-time offer, these notifications ensure that the message is delivered promptly.
• Non-Intrusive Nature: Unlike pop-ups or banners, web push notifications don’t disrupt the user experience. They appear in a subtle, non-invasive way, usually at the corner of the screen, making them less annoying while still being effective.
• Personalization: Web push notifications can be tailored based on user behavior, preferences, and location. For example, if a customer browses a specific product category, they might receive a notification highlighting a sale on similar items. This level of personalization helps create a more relevant and engaging shopping experience.
• Easy Opt-In/Out: Users can subscribe to notifications with a single click and unsubscribe just as easily, giving them control over the notifications they receive. This simplicity encourages more users to opt-in, increasing the potential reach for businesses.

How do Web Push Notifications Work in eCommerce?

Now that you know the importance and potential of eCommerce push notifications, you might ask how they work.

Here’s a standard process of push notifications in eCommerce:

• User Opt-in: The process starts when a visitor lands on your eCommerce site. They’ll see a prompt asking if they’d like to receive notifications from your site. If they agree, they become a subscriber.
• Creating Notifications: Once you have a list of subscribers, you can start crafting your notifications. These can be about new product arrivals, special offers, abandoned cart reminders, or even order updates. The key is to make these messages concise, relevant, and engaging.
• Sending Notifications: After your notifications are ready, you can send them out to your subscribers. These notifications are delivered directly to the user’s device, appearing on their screen, whether they’re browsing other websites or even if their browser is closed.
• Instant Engagement: Web push notifications work in real-time, making them perfect for time-sensitive offers or updates. When a user clicks on the notification, they’re taken directly to your website, which can drive immediate action like making a purchase or completing a checkout.

By delivering timely, relevant messages directly to your customers, you can create a more personalized shopping experience that keeps them coming back.

If you don’t have much knowledge about marketing and personalization, you can rely on digital marketing agencies to ensure the best results.

Examples of eCommerce Push Notifications

When it comes to using browser push notifications for eCommerce, there are several types you can consider to engage your customers effectively.

Here are the most common types of eCommerce push notifications:

Abandoned Cart Notifications

Abandoned cart notifications are among the most effective tools for recovering potentially lost sales. Statistics show that the average cart abandonment rate is nearly 70%, making it crucial to have a strategy to bring customers back.

• Purpose: Remind customers to complete their purchase.

Content Ideas:

• Mention the items left in the cart.
• Offer incentives like a discount or free shipping.
• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) to return to the cart.

For example, a notification might contain the message, “Don’t forget about the [item name] in your cart! Complete your purchase now and get 10% off your order with code SAVE10.”

Product Recommendations

Personalization is key in eCommerce, and push notifications for product recommendations allow you to tailor messages based on individual customer preferences and behaviors. By sending targeted suggestions, you can increase the likelihood of additional purchases.

• Purpose: Suggest related products based on customer behavior.

Content Ideas:

• Recommend items similar to previous purchases.
• Highlight trending products in categories of interest.
• Provide personalized suggestions, such as “You may also like…”

For example, if a customer bought a camera, a follow-up notification might recommend a camera bag or additional lenses, encouraging them to explore more related products.

Flash Sale Alerts

Flash sales are a great way to create urgency and drive immediate action. These time-sensitive notifications should be crafted to grab attention and convey the scarcity of the offer.

• Purpose: Drive quick sales through limited-time offers.

Content Ideas:

• Emphasize the duration of the sale (e.g., “24-Hour Flash Sale”).
• Highlight discounts (e.g., “Up to 50% off on selected items”).
• Include a countdown timer or urgency phrases like “Hurry while stocks last!”

An effective flash sale notification might read, “Our biggest sale of the year is live! Save 40% on all items, but only for the next 12 hours!”

Order Updates and Shipping Notifications

Keeping customers informed about their orders builds trust and enhances the overall shopping experience. These notifications serve as real-time updates that keep customers engaged throughout the post-purchase process.

• Purpose: Provide customers with real-time updates on their order status.

Content Ideas:

• Confirm order placement (“Thank you for your purchase!”).
• Notify when an order is shipped, including tracking information.
• Alert customers when their order is out for delivery.

For instance, a shipping notification might say, “Good news! Your order has shipped and is on its way. Track your package here [tracking link].”

Price Drop Alerts

Everyone loves a good deal, and price drop alerts are a perfect way to bring customers back to your site. These notifications can be personalized based on items customers have shown interest in or added to their wishlists.

• Purpose: Notify customers when the price of an item drops.

Content Ideas:

• Highlight the original price and the new, discounted price.
• Include a CTA to act quickly, such as “Shop now before the price goes back up!”
• Offer additional discounts to sweeten the deal.

For example, “The price of [item name] has just dropped! Get it now for $49.99 instead of $79.99. Don’t miss out!”

Back-in-Stock Notifications

When popular items go out of stock, customers often feel disappointed. Back-in-stock notifications can turn that disappointment into a renewed shopping opportunity, making sure customers are the first to know when their desired product is available again.

• Purpose: Inform customers when out-of-stock items are back in inventory.

Content Ideas:

• Mention the specific product that is back in stock.
• Encourage immediate purchase by highlighting limited quantities.
• Include a CTA like “Grab it before it’s gone again!”

A typical back-in-stock notification could read, “The wait is over! [Item name] is back in stock. Shop now before it sells out again.”

Loyalty Program Reminders

Loyalty programs are a fantastic way to keep customers coming back, and push notifications can play a significant role in reminding customers of the benefits they can reap. These notifications help nurture customer relationships and encourage repeat business.

• Purpose: Engage loyalty program members with updates and exclusive offers.

Content Ideas:

• Remind customers of their available points and how they can redeem them.
• Notify about exclusive offers for loyalty members only.
• Encourage engagement with reminders about upcoming rewards.

An example could be, “You have 200 points waiting to be redeemed! Use them on your next purchase to save big.”

New Product Launch Announcements

New product launches are always exciting, and push notifications are an excellent way to generate buzz and drive traffic to your site. These notifications should be visually appealing and create anticipation.

• Purpose: Inform customers about new arrivals and encourage exploration.

Content Ideas:

• Tease the new product with a catchy headline.
• Include high-quality images or a link to a product video.
• Offer an introductory discount to incentivize first-time buyers.

For instance, “Introducing our latest collection! Be the first to shop our new arrivals with a special 10% discount. Use code NEW10 at checkout.”

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to browser push notifications for eCommerce. You must choose the notification type based on the type of your business and future goals. Or hiring an eCommerce development company can also ease the process and take this burden off your shoulders.

How to Implement Web Push Notifications for eCommerce?

The average click rate of web push notifications is 12%, which can go even higher with automation and rich media. Amazing, isn’t it?

However, you will require a strategic plan and tools to achieve these numbers for your eStore. Here’s what to do:

1. Choose the Right Push Notification Service

The first and most crucial step is selecting a push notification service tailored to your eCommerce needs. The market offers several reliable options, such as:

• OneSignal: Known for its robust free tier and easy integration across various platforms.
• PushEngage: Offers advanced segmentation and A/B testing features, which are ideal for personalized campaigns.
• VWO Engage: Focuses on conversion optimization, with tools for recovering abandoned carts and targeting users with personalized offers.

When selecting a service, consider the following factors:

• Ease of Integration: Look for services that offer seamless integration with your eCommerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento).
• Customization Options: Ensure the service allows you to customize the look and feel of notifications to match your brand.
• Analytics and Reporting: Opt for a service that provides in-depth analytics so you can track performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Cost: Evaluate the pricing structure, especially if you plan to scale your operations.

2. Integrate the Service with Your Website

Once you’ve chosen a service, the next step is integration. Most push notification services offer plugins or APIs that make it easy to integrate with your eCommerce platform, whether you’re using Shopify or Magento, or another system. Follow the instructions provided by the service to install the plugin or API on your website.

For instance, if you’re using Shopify, you can typically add the plugin directly from the Shopify App Store. For Magento, you might need to install the plugin manually or add the API code to your website’s header.

After integration, conduct thorough testing to ensure everything works smoothly. Test notifications on various devices and browsers to ensure compatibility and a seamless user experience.

3. Set Up Opt-In Prompts

The opt-in prompt is the gateway to your push notification strategy. It’s how you ask visitors for permission to send them notifications. A well-designed opt-in can significantly influence your subscription rates.

Design Considerations:

• Use clear, enticing language that highlights the value of subscribing. For example, “Stay updated with our latest offers and discounts!”
• Ensure the prompt is visually appealing and matches your site’s design.

Types of Prompts:

• Bell Icon: A subtle but persistent icon that users can click to opt-in.
• Top Banner: A more prominent option that appears at the top of the page, catching the user’s attention without being too intrusive.
• Pop-Up: An effective option that can appear after a user spends a certain amount of time on your site or when they’re about to leave.

Best Practices:

• Timing: Don’t show the opt-in prompt immediately upon page load. Instead, give users a chance to browse before asking for permission.
• A/B Testing: Experiment with different designs, messages, and timings to find what works best for your audience.

4. Segment Your Audience

Segmentation is the key to sending relevant and personalized notifications. By dividing your audience into segments based on their behavior, demographics, or past interactions, you can tailor your messages to meet their specific needs.

Segmentation Criteria:

• Behavior-Based: Target users based on actions they’ve taken, such as viewing a product or abandoning a cart.
• Demographic-Based: Segment by location, age, or gender to make your messages more relevant.
• Purchase History: Send special offers or recommendations based on past purchases.

5. Create Engaging Notifications

Creating compelling notifications is crucial for driving engagement. Here’s how to craft messages that resonate with your audience:

• Keep It Short and Sweet: Your message should be concise and to the point. Aim for around 40-60 characters.
• Use Action-Oriented Language: Include a clear call to action (CTA) that tells the user what to do next. Examples include “Shop Now,” “Claim Your Discount,” or “Discover More.”
• Incorporate Emojis: A well-placed emoji can make your notification more eye-catching and add a touch of personality. However, don’t overdo it—emojis should complement the message, not overwhelm it.

6. Schedule and Automate Notifications

Timing plays a critical role in the effectiveness of push notifications. Poorly timed notifications can annoy users and lead to higher unsubscribe rates. Here’s how to get the timing right:

• Schedule Notifications: Use your push notification service’s scheduling features to send notifications when your audience is most active. For example, if your analytics show that most of your users are active in the evening, schedule notifications during those hours.
• Automate Based on User Actions: Automation tools allow you to send notifications triggered by specific user actions. For instance, if a user views a product but doesn’t purchase it, you can automatically send them a reminder with a special offer.

Automation Tips:

• Welcome Series: Automatically send a series of welcome messages to new subscribers, introducing them to your brand and offering a discount on their first purchase.
• Abandoned Cart Sequence: Set up a sequence of reminders for users who abandon their carts, starting with a gentle nudge and escalating to a discount offer if they don’t complete their purchase.

7. Monitor Performance and Optimize

Once your notifications are live, continuous monitoring and optimization are essential for success. Most push notification services provide detailed analytics that help you track key metrics like:

• Click-Through Rates (CTR): Measure how many users click on your notifications. A low CTR may indicate that your message needs tweaking.
• Conversion Rates: Track how many users complete a desired action (e.g., making a purchase) after clicking on a notification.
• Unsubscribe Rates: Keep an eye on how many users opt out of receiving notifications. A high unsubscribe rate may suggest that you’re sending too many notifications or that they’re not relevant.

Optimization Strategies:

• A/B Testing: Continuously test different messages, designs, and timing to see what works best.
• Feedback Loops: Consider adding a quick survey or asking for feedback within your notifications to gather insights directly from your audience.

By choosing the right service, setting up effective opt-ins, segmenting your audience, crafting engaging messages, and scheduling wisely, you can successfully leverage web push notifications for your online store and ensure the efforts are geared toward your end goals.

If you don’t want this much hassle or can’t spare enough time, there are various eCommerce development agencies out there who can help you.

End Notes

Using web push notifications in your eCommerce strategy can give you a competitive edge. They’re a simple yet effective way to engage with your audience and drive action.

As you implement eCommerce push notifications, focus on personalization and timing to ensure your messages are well-received. Start small, test what works best for your audience, and refine your approach as you go.

With a proper strategy, web push notifications can significantly enhance your customer engagement and contribute to the growth of your online store.

If you want to hire experts, you can check our recommendations.

FAQs on eCommerce Push Notifications

1. Why are web push notifications important for eCommerce?

Web push notifications help you engage customers instantly, boost sales, and reduce cart abandonment by delivering timely, personalized messages directly to their devices.

2. Do I need programming knowledge to implement web push notifications?

No programming knowledge is needed. Most eCommerce platforms and push notification services offer easy-to-use plugins or integrations that allow you to set up notifications with just a few clicks.

3. How often should I send web push notifications?

Send notifications 2-3 times a week. Keep them relevant and valuable to avoid overwhelming customers, ensuring they remain interested and engaged without feeling spammed.