What Are Web Push Notifications and How Do They Work? (Explained)

How to Web Push Notifications?

Web push notifications are messages that are sent directly to a user’s web browser, even when the user is not actively using the website. Here’s how to set up web push notifications for your website:

1. Install a web push notification plugin: Several WordPress plugins allow you to send web push notifications to your users. Some popular options include OneSignal, PushEngage, and SendPulse. Install and activate one of these plugins on your WordPress site.
2. Configure the plugin settings: Each plugin will have its own set of settings that you need to configure. For example, you may need to enter your website’s URL, create a sender ID, and register your website with the plugin’s service. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin to set up these settings.
3. Set up opt-in prompts: Web push notifications require user consent. To ask users to opt-in to receive notifications, you can use an opt-in prompt provided by the plugin. This prompt will appear when users visit your website, and they can choose to allow or block notifications.
4. Create and send notifications: Once you have set up the plugin and obtained user consent, you can create and send web push notifications to your users. To do this, go to the plugin’s settings page and follow the instructions provided to create a new notification. You can customize the notification message, image, and other options, and then schedule the notification to be sent at a specific time or send it immediately.

That’s it! By following these steps, you can set up web push notifications for your website and start sending notifications to your users. Web push notifications can be an effective way to keep users engaged with your website and stay top of mind.

How do Web Push Notifications Work?

Web push notifications are a way for websites to send messages directly to a user’s web browser, even when the user is not actively using the website. Here’s how web push notifications work:

1. The user visits a website that supports web push notifications and opts in to receive notifications. The website sends a request to the user’s web browser to allow notifications. If the user agrees, the browser stores the website’s URL and sends a notification token back to the website.
2. The website stores the notification token and sends it to a push notification server along with the notification message and any other relevant data.
3. The push notification server sends the notification message to the web browser, which displays the notification to the user. The notification appears as a banner at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on the browser and device.
4. When the user clicks on the notification, they are taken to the website or a specific page on the website, depending on the settings configured by the website owner.

Overall, web push notifications work by using a combination of the website, the user’s web browser, and a push notification service to send messages directly to the user’s device. They can be an effective way for websites to keep users engaged and informed, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as promoting new content, announcing sales or events, or sending updates and alerts.

How to Pros and Cons of Using Web Push Notifications for Your Website?

Web push notifications can be a useful tool for engaging with your website’s users, but like any communication channel, they also have their pros and cons. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using web push notifications for your website:

Pros:

1. Immediate delivery: Web push notifications are delivered directly to the user’s web browser, so they can reach users in real-time, regardless of whether they are actively using the website. This can make them an effective way to get users’ attention and drive traffic to your website.
2. High opt-in rate: Because web push notifications require user consent, they tend to have a high opt-in rate. This means that users who agree to receive notifications are more likely to be engaged with your website and interested in your content.
3. Customizable: Web push notifications can be customized to include different types of information, such as text, images, and links. This allows you to tailor your notifications to the needs and interests of your users.
4. Easy to use: Web push notifications are easy to set up and use, especially if you use a plugin like OneSignal or PushEngage. You can create and send notifications directly from your WordPress dashboard, and you can track the results using the plugin’s analytics features.

Cons:

1. Limited formatting options: Web push notifications have limited formatting options compared to other types of notifications, such as email or SMS. This can make it harder to include complex or detailed information in your notifications.
2. Low click-through rate: Web push notifications tend to have a lower click-through rate compared to other types of notifications, such as email. This means that users may be less likely to click on your notifications, which can reduce their effectiveness.
3. Limited reach: Web push notifications are only supported by certain web browsers, so they may not reach all of your users. Additionally, users can choose to block notifications, which can further reduce their reach.

Overall, web push notifications can be a useful tool for engaging with your website’s users, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons before implementing them. By understanding the strengths and limitations of web push notifications, you can choose the right approach for your website and your users.

How do Needs Web Push Notifications for Their Website?

Web push notifications can be a useful tool for engaging with your website’s users and keeping them informed about new content, events, or updates. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using web push notifications for your website:

1. To drive traffic to your website: Web push notifications can be an effective way to get users’ attention and drive traffic to your website. By sending notifications about new content or promotions, you can encourage users to visit your site and engage with your content.
2. To increase user engagement: Web push notifications can help increase user engagement by keeping users informed about new content or updates. This can help keep users interested in your website and encourage them to visit more often.
3. To send updates and alerts: If your website provides information or services that users need to be aware of, such as news, weather updates, or order status, web push notifications can be a convenient way to send timely updates and alerts.
4. To promote events or sales: If you have an online store or you host events, web push notifications can be an effective way to promote these activities and drive sales.

Overall, whether or not you need web push notifications for your website will depend on your specific goals and audience. By considering the needs and preferences of your users, you can determine whether web push notifications are a useful tool for your website.