Push notifications are meant to engage users to return to an app and drive action. The stats say that push notifications can increase app engagement and app open rates.^[1] The downside of push notifications is that users can ignore them or turn them off completely.

Here's how to engage your audience with push notifications:

• Make it personalized. Push notifications work better when you personalize them by using first names or delivering information that resonates with each individual. For example, Netflix notifies users only about shows they've already watched or those with similar content instead of random updates.
• Be relevant and timely. It's a no-brainer that most users are likely to order food when it's lunchtime than after midnight. Good timing in tandem with a snappy, encouraging copy have more chances of making users tap a notification and open a food delivery app.
• Stay actionable and engaging. Imperative verbs and words like "save," "free," "% discount," "promo code," "new," "last" ignite users' curiosity. Focus on emphasizing things that may trigger users' needs for protection, food, recognition, respect, or accomplishment.