Using app push notifications

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With app push notifications a retailer can send messages and updates to users directly in their mobile devices. To enable this, Engage can integrate with OneSignal, which supports seamless message composition, scheduling, follow-ups, and performance analysis, making it a versatile tool for real-time engagement and personalized customer communication.

The integration between Engage and OneSignal reduces the complexity by moving segmentation, scheduling and automated messaging to Engage. With all your outbound messaging in a single platform, marketers can create relevant, timely notifications that encourage app interactions and, ultimately, conversions.

Setting up the integration

Engage: Set up your Engage account and confirm access to the Engage API. Ensure your  Engage API keys are available for integration and message automation settings and refer to Engage’s API documentation for details on API authentication, permissions, and secure API key handling.

OneSignal: Set up an account with OneSignal and follow the setup instructions to integrate its push notification capabilities within your app. Consult the OneSignal documentation as needed for technical support and configuration tips.

Using the integration

The steps are:

1. Compose messages in OneSignal

Log into OneSignal to start composing messages. Include text, images, and deep links that are tailored to your audience and ensure that the push notifications align with other channels, complementing SMS and email. Each message will have a unique Id that you will then use in Engage.

2. Add messages to Engage for automated journeys

Navigate to automations in Engage. Add the OneSignal-composed message to a new or existing automation flow in Engage, allowing you to automate notifications.

3. Target audience and segmentation

Use Engage’s scheduling and targeting tools to define specific segments and find the relevant recipients. Similar to our other channels, but instead of composing the message in Engage just use the Id from OneSignal.

4. Monitor and analyze results

• Track conversion rates, open rates, and engagement metrics directly within OneSignal
• Use Engage to assess delivery performance, sending speed, and segment effectiveness
• Continuously refine notification strategies based on metrics and feedback to increase open rates and customer interaction

Use cases

Here are some use cases.

Event reminder for mobile users

Compose a reminder push notification in OneSignal for an upcoming sale event. Then schedule the reminder in Engage so that it reaches contacts 24 hours before the event.

Personalized promotions

Segment customers based on past purchases and send a personalized promotion push notification. Use Engage to automate these notifications in an existing automation, enhancing relevancy by delivering tailored offers.

Re-engagement campaigns

Identify inactive app users using Engage’s segmentation tool. Send a re-engagement push notification with a compelling incentive (such as a discount code) through an automation in Engage.

Efficiency tips

• Advance scheduling: Plan notifications well ahead of time to maintain consistent customer engagement
• Stay updated: Regularly check for new Engage and OneSignal features that could enhance notification capabilities
• Monitor conversion metrics: Use both Engage and OneSignal metrics to gauge notification success, identifying high-engagement times for scheduling

Things to look out for

• Configuration validation: Verify that all settings are correctly configured in both Engage and OneSignal to avoid missed notifications or technical errors.
• Data compliance: Ensure adherence to acceptable use policies, particularly around data protection and user opt-in compliance.