Notifications are everywhere. In fact, it’s hard to find a single app that doesn’t send you some kind of alert these days. But have you ever wondered how your customers actually react to them? How does a push notification make them feel compared to an in-app message? And how has this changed over the last decade, as our relationship with apps and notifications has evolved?

These are critical questions to consider when choosing between push vs in-app notifications for your app. Understanding the psychology behind how customers respond to these messages can make all the difference in your communication strategy. 

Want to know which type of notification is best for your app? Let’s dive into the details and help you make the right choice.

What are Push Notifications?

Push notifications are short messages that appear on a user’s mobile device or desktop, even when they’re not using your app at the moment. These messages come directly from the app’s server and show up on the lock screen or notification bar, making them quick and attention-grabbing.

Here are a few examples of push notifications:

• A reminder to finish purchasing items left in the cart.
• A discount code or special promotion for app users.
• A daily motivational message from a wellness app.
• A breaking news alert or weather warning.

When to Use Push Notifications?

Push notifications are ideal when you want to grab attention outside of the app. They work great for re-engaging users, announcing limited-time offers, or sending important updates. If your goal is to prompt immediate action or bring users back into the app, push notifications are the way to go.

Pros:

• Immediate reach: They can catch a user’s attention even when they aren’t using the app.
• Effective for re-engagement: Great for pulling inactive users back in.
• Creates urgency: Perfect for time-sensitive messages or promotions.

Cons:

• Can be intrusive: Too many notifications can annoy users and lead to uninstalls.
• Limited space: You have to keep the message short and to the point.
• User control: Users can easily disable push notifications, making it harder to reach them.

Be careful! Sending just one push notification a week can lead to 10% of users disabling notifications and 6% uninstalling your app. Overuse can do more harm than good

What are In-App Messages?

In-app messages are notifications that appear while a user is actively using your app. Unlike push notifications, these don’t show up on the lock screen or outside the app—they only appear when the user is engaged within the app environment. These messages can take many forms, like pop-ups, banners, or tooltips, and are often used to enhance the user experience or guide them through features.

Here are a few examples of in-app messages:

• A welcome message for new users explaining key features.
• A tutorial pop-up showing how to use a newly released feature.
• A progress update or milestone achieved in a fitness app.
• A request for feedback or a quick survey after completing a task.

When to Use In-App Messages?

In-app messages are best for engaging users who are already inside the app. They work well when you want to guide users, provide tips, introduce new features, or ask for feedback. These messages are less intrusive than push notifications and can be timed perfectly within the user’s journey to ensure a smooth experience.

Pros:

• Contextual and relevant: They show up when users are already in the app, making them less disruptive.
• Great for onboarding: Ideal for guiding users through features or offering helpful tips.
• No opt-out issue: Users can’t turn off in-app messages like they can with push notifications.

In-app messages drive action. They deliver 8x higher direct response rates than push notifications, making them a powerful tool for guiding users within the app

Cons:

• Limited reach: They only appear when users are already in the app, so you can’t use them to re-engage inactive users.
• Can interrupt user flow: Poorly timed messages can break the user’s focus or annoy them if overused.
• Timing is crucial: In-app messages need to be timed and placed well to avoid frustrating the user.

Push Notification Examples and Best Practices

Here are some practical examples of push notifications and how to use them effectively:

Examples:

1. Abandoned Cart Reminder: "You left something behind! Complete your purchase and get 10% off now."
2. Limited-Time Offer: "Flash Sale! 50% off everything for the next 24 hours—don’t miss out!"
3. Event Reminder: "Your favorite show is about to start! Tune in now."
4. Personalized Recommendations: "We found new items just for you—check them out today."

Best Practices:

• Keep it short and actionable: 

Push notifications are most effective when they are concise and include a clear call to action. With Nudge’s drag-and-drop Visual Builder, you can easily design and customize notifications that reflect your brand while maintaining clarity and relevance.

• Use personalization: 

Include the user’s name or reference their recent activity (like a recent search or purchase) to make the message feel tailored to them. Nudge allows you to leverage existing data from your app or CRM to craft personalized push notifications that resonate with each audience segment.

• Timing matters: 

Send push notifications at the right time. Early morning or late-night notifications can annoy users, while perfectly timed alerts can boost engagement. Nudge’s real-time analytics helps you track performance, ensuring your notifications are reaching users at the optimal times.

• Frequency control: 

Avoid sending too many push notifications in a short time frame to prevent users from feeling overwhelmed and turning them off completely.

• Create urgency: 

Phrases like "limited time," "last chance," or "ending soon" create a sense of urgency and prompt immediate action. Using Nudge, you can set up automated notifications based on user behavior triggers, ensuring you reach them when urgency is most needed.

In-App Messages Examples and Best Practices

Examples:

1. Feature Introduction: "New update available! Check out the latest features to improve your experience."
2. User Milestone: "Congrats! You’ve reached your 10th workout this month. Keep it up!"
3. Tutorial Guide: "Need help? Here’s how to get started with your first project—step-by-step."
4. Survey Request: "We’d love your feedback! Help us improve by answering this quick survey."

Best Practices:

• Make them non-intrusive: 

Ensure that in-app messages don’t interrupt the user experience. A small pop-up or banner is more effective than a full-screen alert. With Nudge’s inline widgets, you can easily create non-intrusive messages that feel like a natural part of the user journey.

• Match the message to the context: 

The message should relate to the user’s current action. For example, if they’re exploring a new feature, guide them with a tooltip or a quick how-to. Nudge’s interactive walkthroughs are perfect for delivering these tips without disrupting the flow.

• Use it for onboarding: 

In-app messages work best when guiding new users or introducing new features. They’re a great way to improve user retention and engagement without overwhelming users. With Nudge’s customizable onboarding tours, you can create tailored experiences that help users get the most out of your app.

• Time them properly: 

Avoid bombarding users with too many messages at once. Only send in-app messages when they add value and improve the user journey.

• Encourage interaction: 

Whether it’s a tutorial or a feedback request, use in-app messages to prompt users to engage with your app in meaningful ways. Nudge’s gamification features—like quizzes, polls, and challenges—can enhance this interaction, making it more engaging and fun for users.

Here’s the overview of the differences between push notifications and in-app messages:

Combining push and in-app notifications can boost engagement significantly. Medium-performing apps see an average engagement rate of 26% when these tools work together effectively.

Conclusion

Both push notifications and in-app messages play crucial roles in keeping your users engaged—but it’s all about using the right tool for the right moment. Push notifications are perfect for pulling users back into your app when they’re away, while in-app messages enhance the experience when they’re already engaged.

With Nudge, you can easily create both types of notifications and tailor them to fit your users' needs. Whether you're looking to boost engagement or reduce churn, the right notifications can make all the difference.

Book a demo today, and let’s show you how Nudge can help you deliver the perfect message at the perfect time.