{"id":8441,"date":"2026-05-21T09:49:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T07:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=8441"},"modified":"2026-06-15T14:13:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T12:13:45","slug":"what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/","title":{"rendered":"What are push notifications?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications are short messages sent directly to a user&#8217;s device or web browser, even when the application or website is not actively open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They help businesses, applications, and websites deliver timely information such as updates, reminders, promotions, or alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"mybox-3594003723\" class=\"mybox-content mybox-entity-placement\"><div class=\"early-access-banner-inpost\">\r\n  <div class=\"banner-left-inpost\">\r\n    <div class=\"icon-box-inpost\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/square-info-icon.svg\" alt=\"Info\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"text-box-inpost\">\r\n      <span class=\"label-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Early access<\/span><\/span>\r\n      <h4><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Still need help?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n      <p><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Contact our customer service team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"banner-right-inpost\">\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/panel.mybox.com\/helpdesk2\/v\/list\/\" class=\"banner-button-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Message us<\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When used appropriately, push notifications can improve communication and increase user engagement. When overused, they can become intrusive and lead users to disable notifications altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#How_push_notifications_work\" >How push notifications work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Types_of_push_notifications\" >Types of push notifications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Mobile_push_notifications\" >Mobile push notifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Web_push_notifications\" >Web push notifications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Common_uses_for_push_notifications\" >Common uses for push notifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Benefits_of_push_notifications\" >Benefits of push notifications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Immediate_delivery\" >Immediate delivery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Increased_engagement\" >Increased engagement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Personalization\" >Personalization<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Improved_customer_experience\" >Improved customer experience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Challenges_and_considerations\" >Challenges and considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Best_practices_for_using_push_notifications\" >Best practices for using push notifications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/what-are-push-notifications-an-essential-customer-re-engagement-tool\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_push_notifications_work\"><\/span>How push notifications work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications rely on a permission-based system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before receiving notifications, users must explicitly allow a website or application to send them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once permission is granted, the notification process typically works as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The user subscribes to notifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The device registers with a notification service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The application or website sends a message to a notification server.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The notification service delivers the message to the user&#8217;s device.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The device displays the notification.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notifications can appear on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>smartphones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tablets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>desktop computers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>smartwatches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>web browsers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike emails or text messages, push notifications do not require users to open a specific application to receive updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_push_notifications\"><\/span>Types of push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications are commonly grouped into two categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobile_push_notifications\"><\/span>Mobile push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These notifications are sent by installed applications through operating system services such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apple Push Notification Service (APNs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>new messages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>account alerts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>order updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reminders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Web_push_notifications\"><\/span>Web push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Web push notifications are sent through supported web browsers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Users can subscribe directly from a website without installing a mobile application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Web push notifications are often used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>content updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>marketing campaigns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cart abandonment reminders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>service announcements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you operate an online store, combining web push notifications with other communication channels can improve customer engagement. The article How to turn your company website into a lead-generating machine explains how different touchpoints can support conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_uses_for_push_notifications\"><\/span>Common uses for push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications are used across many industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>social media notifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>breaking news alerts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>appointment reminders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>order status updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>security alerts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>product availability notifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>promotional offers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most effective notifications provide information that is timely and relevant to the recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_push_notifications\"><\/span>Benefits of push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When implemented carefully, push notifications can offer several advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Immediate_delivery\"><\/span>Immediate delivery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notifications reach users quickly, making them useful for time-sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_engagement\"><\/span>Increased engagement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timely reminders can encourage users to return to an application or website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personalization\"><\/span>Personalization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notifications can be tailored based on user preferences, location, or previous activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_customer_experience\"><\/span>Improved customer experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relevant notifications help users stay informed without requiring them to search for information manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, customers may appreciate receiving notifications about shipping updates or account activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Challenges_and_considerations\"><\/span>Challenges and considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications should be used responsibly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common challenges include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>excessive messaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>irrelevant content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>notification fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>privacy concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sending too many notifications can reduce engagement and increase opt-out rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Users should always have control over:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>notification preferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>message frequency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the types of notifications they receive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your notifications contain personal information or behavioral data, make sure your practices comply with privacy regulations. See How to make your website GDPR compliant for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_practices_for_using_push_notifications\"><\/span>Best practices for using push notifications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To improve effectiveness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ask for permission at an appropriate moment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>send notifications only when they provide value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>personalize content where possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limit notification frequency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allow users to adjust preferences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>test different message formats and delivery times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications should support the user experience rather than interrupt it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The article What should a good company website include to build trust? explains how clear communication contributes to long-term user engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your website relies heavily on mobile traffic, responsiveness also affects how users interact with notifications after opening them. See What does it mean for a website to be responsive? to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Push notifications allow websites and applications to send information directly to users in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can improve communication, increase engagement, and help users stay informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their effectiveness depends on relevance, timing, and user control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-designed notifications provide useful information while respecting user preferences and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","manualknowledgebasecat":[42],"manual_kb_tag":[7490,7491,7492,7493,7494,7495,7496,1625,7488,7489],"class_list":["post-8441","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-miscellaneous","manual_kb_tag-push-notification-best-practices","manual_kb_tag-push-notification-marketing","manual_kb_tag-push-notification-services","manual_kb_tag-firebase-cloud-messaging","manual_kb_tag-apple-push-notification-service","manual_kb_tag-browser-notifications","manual_kb_tag-mobile-app-notifications","manual_kb_tag-push-notifications","manual_kb_tag-mobile-push-notifications","manual_kb_tag-web-push-notifications"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8442,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/8441\/revisions\/8442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=8441"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=8441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}