Gaming today transcends demographics, uniting enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds in a shared digital arena. To keep these ardent players engaged, game developers leverage several marketing strategies, one of the most effective being on mobile devices through push notifications alone.
Gaming apps dominate the app world, representing more than 25% of the most active iOS apps and over 21% of Android apps.
As a gaming website owner, your goal is to keep gamers engaged and playing more to earn rewards. Running paid online games like Rummy Circle or Add52, you aim to attract more players willing to play with money.
However, in the face of fierce competition, it’s crucial to retain players on your website. That’s where push notifications can rescue you. Integrate push notifications to instantly reach your subscribers and achieve promising results in the online gaming industry.
These can lead to significant improvements in engagement, customer retention, metrics, customer data, and monetization strategies.
Benefits of Push Notifications for Gaming Companies
You’re probably aware that user acquisition costs for mobile games aren’t cheap. When users aren’t engaged or stop playing altogether, it means wasted user acquisition spend and missed monetization opportunities.
In 2022, GameAnalytics reported that the top 2% of mobile games lost 70% of players in just one day. The median 50% lost about 80%, and the bottom 25% lost a staggering 88% of players.
Even worse, after one month, the top 2% of mobile games lost an average of 98% of players. The median 50% lost 99%, and the bottom 25% retained zero players. Scary, right?
Thankfully, there’s a solution: push notifications.
Urban Airship found that sending push notifications can increase your 90-day retention by a whopping 190%! Plus, on iOS, players who opt-in for push notifications have 2x higher retention rates compared to those who don’t.
11 Tips for Engaging Mobile Game Push Notifications
Here’s how you can enhance engagement and retention of mobile users with Push Notifications.
1. Take Permission
While iOS users need to grant their permission to receive them, Android app users may have also taken the same route. Hence it’s crucial now to get the user’s consent.
The challenge worsens as you only get one chance to convince iOS users to opt-in. That’s why careful consideration is vital in how you approach them.
Apple recommends providing context when asking smartphone user for permission. Simply asking, “Do you want to receive notifications from (game name)?” gives users no idea what they’re agreeing to. It’s highly likely they won’t opt-in, and you’ll miss your only opportunity.
Instead, share the benefits of opting in. Let them know what’s in it for them, and you’ll increase the chances of getting their consent.
2. Write Compelling Messages
An essential part of the best push notification and notifications strategy is copywriting.
You see, crafting the perfect message to find push notifications is like reeling in the catch of the day. With just the right words and a sprinkle of creativity, you can instantly grab people’s attention and entice them to click on your push notifications. It’s like casting a spell that draws them into your app’s magical world.
But, like all great skills, it takes time and practice to master the art of persuasive copywriting. Don’t worry if you don’t hit the bullseye right away. Practice & experiment and see what works on your users and what doesn’t.
3. Keep it relevant and valuable
According to Business of Apps, 75% of Millennials, 67% of Gen Z, and 61% of Baby Boomers say they delete an app because of too many irrelevant notifications.
That means random and generic notifications don’t cut it.
Every push notification service that you send out needs to be relevant to that specific user. Furthermore, it should provide value and stand out from the dozens of unlimited push notifications players receive daily.
Instead of writing, “Hey, you haven’t played in a while, come back!”, go with “John, your hero is almost at level 15. Get extra XP for finishing a level today!”. The former message is generic and boring, while the latter is relevant to that specific user.
4. Personalize, Personalize, Personalize
Effective push notifications go beyond simple personalization, like addressing the player by their first name. You’ve got to take it up a notch and truly customize the message.
Think of it as crafting a message that’s tailored to each player’s unique journey, age, gender, location, previous engagement, responsiveness to notifications, and more. Even the delivery times and frequency should be personalized.
When you put all these elements together, it results in a truly tailor-made user experience that stands out from the rest.
5. Reward users
To captivate players and entice them back to the game, offering rewards is a great strategy. Daily rewards, coins, gems, or extra lives can be powerful motivators. This trick works wonders for re-engaging users who haven’t played in a while and keeping them constantly engaged.
For instance, you can offer extra coins upon completing a new level. However, ensure that the rewards do not undermine the value of your in-app purchase offers (if you have any). Balancing the rewards is key to keeping players happy and invested in the game.
6. Keep a CTA
When composing your message, pause to consider the desired action you want the user to take. In other words, which action should they complete?
Each push notification should have a distinct purpose, accompanied by clear directions for players. This is achieved by incorporating a call-to-action (CTA) in your message.
For instance, you could say, “Don’t miss out on your daily reward. Claim your coins right now!” Personalized CTAs work even better than simple ones like “Play now,” which may come across as generic.
For an added boost, utilize limited-time offers in your CTA. It creates a sense of urgency that encourages immediate action.
7. Keep your Push Notifications Frequency in Check
The truth about push notifications is that players generally don’t like them. In other words, nobody enjoys constant interruptions.
To prevent annoyance, send notifications sparingly. Always ask yourself: Is this message truly important and relevant to this user? If not, it’s best not to send it.
Remember, bombarding players with notifications too often will lead to irritation, and they might end up deleting the app altogether.
A useful trick to determine message frequency is to match the number of notifications to the user’s app usage. For example, if a user plays five times a week, sending five notifications a week is a reasonable limit. By doing so, you strike a balance that keeps users engaged without overwhelming them interactive messages.
8. Send the Right Message at the Right Time
Picture this: you’ve created the most amazing push message – a real masterpiece!
But, oops! You accidentally send it when your player is fast asleep.
Fail.
It’s a classic example of why timing is everything. Sending notifications at the right moment is crucial. And it’s not just about when your players are awake, but more importantly when they’re most likely to engage with it.
So, let’s be smart about it. Time those notifications perfectly, and watch your engagement levels skyrocket.
9. Create Urgency in your Push Notifications
Boost the chances of getting users to click your push notifications by adding a sense of urgency. While this tactic suits retail brands and product sales, it’s just as effective for mobile apps and games.
For instance, you can announce a limited-time in-app purchase deal or sale. Let players know how much time they have to snag that amazing discount or bundle – it’ll grab their attention and prompt them to act quickly.
10. Leverage the FOMO Feels
People absolutely hate missing out on things. When they see or hear about others having fun without them, they get hit with a major case of FOMO – the fear of missing out. That’s why push notifications that trigger this feeling are more likely to catch their attention.
For instance, try messages like “Join X number of players and play GAME,” “X number of players are online right now – join them,” or “New levels added – try them right now!”
The same FOMO tactic works wonders for in-game events. Give players a heads-up about upcoming events and stress the importance of joining right away. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create excitement and keep your players engaged.
11. Keep Testing your Push Notifications
The tips shared above will definitely point you in the right direction. However, the only way to truly know what works best for your specific game is through A/B testing your notifications.
Not only does this help you understand what resonates with different player segments, but it also allows you to test every single element – from ad copy, CTA, and tone of the message, to timing and frequency. It removes all guesswork and provides proven results.
But remember, this isn’t a one-time deal. Split testing app push notifications are an ongoing process. Keep collecting data and optimizing your messages to keep improving and delivering successful push notifications.
Also read: 5 Best Examples of Gaming App Push Notifications to Level Up Your Engagement Game.
Key Metrics for Tracking Push Notifications
1. Open Rates
Just like emails, it’s crucial to track how many notifications are opened by players. You can achieve this by counting the number of times users interact with the message or dismiss it.
When a push notification is delivered, you have the opportunity to observe how users respond to it. Each interaction, whether it’s an open or dismissal, offers crucial data points to analyze. The number of times users open a push notification provider indicates the level of interest and relevance it holds for them.
On the other hand, dismissals provide information about the notifications that may not resonate with your audience, prompting further investigation into potential improvements.
2. Click-Through Rates
Among all the metrics, this particular one holds paramount importance in evaluating the success of your push notification campaigns. The “open rate” reveals the number of players who actively engaged with your notifications by clicking on them, and it serves as a pivotal indicator of your push notification campaign’s effectiveness.
Tracking the open rate provides valuable insights into how well your messages resonate with your audience. A high open rate indicates that your notifications are grabbing users’ attention and compelling them to take action. On the other hand, a low open rate may signal that your messages lack relevance or they are not optimized for maximum impact.
3. Delivery Count
While it’s a rare occurrence, there are instances when push notifications fail to reach their intended recipients. That’s why keeping a close eye on the delivery success rate of push notification services becomes crucially important.
Tracking the number of notifications that were successfully delivered provides valuable insights into the reliability and performance of your push notification system. A high delivery success rate indicates that your automated messages that are consistently reaching users, ensuring that your communication efforts are not going to waste.
When notifications fail to deliver, it could be due to various reasons, such as network issues, device settings, or app-specific configurations. By monitoring this metric, you can identify any potential bottlenecks or technical glitches, enabling you to take prompt corrective actions.
4. App Launch
This metric provides valuable insights into how many players opened the game following a push notification. It serves as a pivotal indicator of the success of your push campaign. If the number of game launches is disappointing, it’s time to head back to the drawing board and reevaluate your approach.
5. Rate of Retention
Retention rate is a critical metric that sheds light on the level of player engagement within your app. It answers the fundamental question of how many users continue to play your game after a specific period.
Typically measured for days 1, 7, and 28, user retention rates provide valuable insights into the long-term appeal and stickiness of your app. For instance, Day 1 retention tells you how many players return to the game on the first day after installing it, while Day 7 and Day 28 retention provide insights into user engagement over a week and a month, respectively.
6. Conversions
When it comes to push campaigns, different publishers have varied objectives. Some aim to re-engage users and bring them back to their app, while others are focused on driving revenue growth. For those seeking to boost their bottom line, tracking in-app purchases resulting from push notifications becomes crucially important.
Tracking in-app purchases linked to push notifications enables you to assess the ROI of your push campaigns, allowing you to fine-tune your messaging and promotional efforts. By identifying the most successful triggers for in-app purchases, you can tailor your future, rich push notifications and messaging campaigns to maximize revenue potential.
7. Opt-out/App uninstall
Lastly, it’s crucial to monitor the number of players who have either opted out of receiving web push notifications or uninstalled your game. This metric serves as a key indicator of the overall success of your push campaign.
When players opt-out or uninstall your game, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind their decision. It could be a sign that your push notifications are either too frequent, irrelevant, or lacking personalization, leading to user disengagement. By keeping a close eye on this metric, you gain valuable insights into areas that may need improvement in your push notification strategy.
Top 5 Push Notification Platforms for Gaming Industries
1. Netcore Cloud
Netcore offers cutting-edge Push and Notification services and solutions that are specially designed to benefit gaming companies and elevate their user engagement and retention strategies. With a focus on personalization and segmentation, Netcore’s platform empowers gaming companies to deliver highly relevant and targeted push notifications to their players, maximizing the impact of their messaging.
Key features of Netcore’s Push Notifications for gaming companies include:
1. Personalized Messaging:
Craft bespoke push notifications that resonate with individual players, fostering a deeper connection and driving increased user engagement.
2. Advanced Segmentation:
Utilize powerful segmentation capabilities to target specific player segments with tailored messages, ensuring each notification is highly relevant and meaningful.
3. In-App Event Triggers:
Trigger push notifications based on in-app events such as level completions or achievements, creating an immersive gaming experience that encourages continuous interactions.
4. Timezone-based Delivery:
Ensure timely delivery of push notifications by sending messages based on players’ time zones, optimizing open rates and user response.
5. A/B Testing:
Experiment with different message content, calls-to-action, and delivery times through A/B testing, enabling gaming companies to identify the most effective push notification strategies.
6. Rich Media Support:
Elevate push notifications with rich media content such as images and videos, crafting visually captivating messages that capture players’ attention.
7. Uninstalls and Opt-Out Tracking:
Monitor user opt-outs and uninstalls to evaluate the effectiveness of push campaigns and make data-driven decisions for improvement.
8. Automated Drip Campaigns:
Set up automated drip campaigns to send a series of push notifications at predefined intervals, nurturing player engagement and encouraging reactivation.
9. Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting:
Access in-depth analytics and reporting on push notification performance, enabling data-driven optimization to achieve better results.
2. OneSignal
OneSignal is a powerful push notification tool designed to enhance user engagement and retention for gaming companies. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, OneSignal provides gaming companies and app developers with a seamless solution to deliver personalized and targeted push notifications, driving player interactions and boosting app success.
Key Features of OneSignal for Gaming Companies:
1. Audience Segmentation:
Create custom audience segments based on user behavior, preferences, and demographics, enabling gaming companies to send hyper-targeted push notifications.
2. Automated Push Campaigns:
Set up automated push campaigns triggered by in-app events, such as level completion or achievement unlocks, to provide players with timely and relevant messages.
3. Personalized Messaging:
Craft personalized push notifications using dynamic content, including player names, in-game progress, and personalized recommendations, creating a more engaging and personalized user experience.
4. A/B Testing:
Experiment with different message variations, delivery times, and CTA buttons through A/B testing, empowering gaming companies to identify the most effective push notification strategies.
5. Rich Media Support:
Enhance push notifications with rich media content like images, GIFs, and videos to captivate players and increase user interaction.
6. Delivery Scheduling:
Schedule push notifications to be sent at optimal times based on players’ time zones, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.
7. Opt-Out Management:
Manage user opt-outs and unsubscribe requests to maintain compliance and respect players’ preferences.
8. In-Depth Analytics:
Access detailed analytics and real-time insights into push notification performance, allowing gaming companies to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
9. SDK and API Integration:
Integrate OneSignal seamlessly with gaming apps using SDKs and APIs, making implementation hassle-free and efficient.
3. LeanPlum
Leanplum is a versatile push notification tool that offers comprehensive solutions to enhance user engagement and drive success for gaming companies. With its powerful features and data-drive approach Leanplum enables gaming companies to deliver highly personalized and engaging push notifications, fostering long-term player loyalty and maximizing app performance.
Key Features of Leanplum for Gaming Companies:
1. Advanced Segmentation:
Utilize sophisticated audience segmentation to target specific player segments based on behavior, preferences, and gaming activity, delivering personalized push notifications tailored to each user.
2. Behavior-Based Triggers:
Set up behavior-based triggers to automatically send push notifications when players achieve in-game milestones or encounter specific events, creating timely and relevant interactions.
3. Real-time Personalization:
Dynamically personalize push notification content with player names, game progress, and in-app achievements, enhancing the user experience and driving higher engagement.
4. A/B Testing:
Conduct A/B tests to experiment with different message variations, visuals, and CTAs, enabling gaming companies to optimize their push notification strategies and increase conversion rates.
5. Push Frequency Capping:
Implement push frequency capping to control the number of push notifications sent to individual players, ensuring a positive user experience and avoiding notification fatigue.
6. In-App Messaging Integration:
Combine push notifications with in-app messaging to deliver a seamless and consistent user experience across different touchpoints, promoting deeper engagement with players.
7. Timezone-Based Delivery:
Schedule push notifications to be sent at the most appropriate times based on players’ time zones, increasing the likelihood of messages being seen and acted upon.
8. Opt-Out Management:
Manage opt-outs and unsubscribe requests to respect players’ preferences and maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
9. Analytics and Performance Insights:
Access in-depth analytics and real-time performance insights to measure the impact of push notifications on user engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
4. Airship
Airship is a powerful, push notification platform and tool that offers a range of features to drive user engagement and growth for gaming companies. With its intuitive platform and data-driven approach, Airship empowers gaming companies to deliver highly targeted and personalized push notifications, fostering long-term player loyalty and boosting app performance.
Key Features of Airship for Gaming Companies:
1. Advanced Segmentation:
Segment player audiences based on in-app behavior, preferences, and demographics, allowing gaming companies to send highly relevant and personalized push notifications.
2. Real-time Triggered Notifications:
Set up real-time triggered notifications based on in-app events such as level completions, achievements, or time-sensitive offers, providing timely and contextual interactions.
3. Predictive AI Analytics:
Utilize predictive AI analytics to identify player churn risks and proactively engage with players to prevent attrition and improve retention rates.
4. In-App Message Support:
Integrate in-app messaging with push notifications for a holistic user experience, enabling gaming companies to engage players across multiple channels seamlessly.
5. Rich Media Capabilities:
Enhance push notifications with rich media content such as images, GIFs, and videos to captivate players and increase engagement.
6. A/B Testing:
Conduct A/B tests to experiment with different message variations and delivery times, allowing gaming companies to optimize their push notification campaigns and drive higher conversion rates.
7. Timezone-Based Delivery:
Schedule push notifications to be sent at optimal times based on players’ time zones, ensuring maximum reach and impact.
8. Opt-Out Management:
Manage opt-outs and unsubscribe requests to respect players’ preferences and maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
9. Performance Analytics:
Access comprehensive analytics and real-time performance insights to measure the effectiveness of push notifications and make data-driven decisions for improvement.
5. Clevertap
CleverTap is a robust mobile push notification tool that offers an array of features to empower gaming companies in driving user engagement and retention. With its data-driven approach and user-centric focus, CleverTap enables gaming companies to deliver personalized and impactful push notifications, enhancing the overall gaming experience and driving app success.
Key Features of CleverTap for Gaming Companies:
1. Advanced Audience Segmentation:
Utilize powerful audience segmentation based on gaming behavior, preferences, and demographics, enabling gaming companies to send highly targeted and relevant push notifications.
2. Behavior-Based Triggers:
Set up behavior-based triggers to automatically send push notifications when players achieve milestones, complete levels, or perform specific actions, creating timely and meaningful interactions.
3. Real-time Personalization:
Dynamically personalize push notification content with player names, in-game achievements, and progress, fostering a deeper connection with players and driving higher engagement.
4. A/B Testing:
Conduct A/B tests to experiment with different message variations, visuals, and CTAs, allowing gaming companies to optimize their push notification strategies and increase conversion rates.
5. Push Frequency Capping:
Implement push frequency capping to control the number of push notifications sent to individual players, ensuring a positive user experience and avoiding notification fatigue.
6. Timezone-Based Delivery:
Schedule push notifications to be sent at optimal times based on players’ time zones, increasing the likelihood of messages being seen and acted upon.
7. In-App Messaging Integration:
Combine push notifications with in-app messaging for a seamless user experience, enabling gaming companies to engage players across multiple touchpoints.
8. Opt-Out Management:
Manage opt-outs and unsubscribe requests to respect players’ preferences and maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
9. Performance Analytics:
Access in-depth analytics and real-time performance insights to measure the impact of push notifications on user engagement and identify opportunities for improvement.
Conclusion
To excel in today’s gaming industry, developers must maintain an open line of communication with their players, and push notifications provide just that. By choosing the right platform and employing a data-driven approach, push notifications can become a game-changer in user engagement and retention.
Discover how you can optimize this communication channel with like Netcore. Book a demo with us today, and let’s transform your gaming experience together.