Growth guideRetentionLifecycleRevenue

Why push notifications matter for retention and revenue.

Push notifications are one of the few direct channels you control. When used thoughtfully, they bring users back, move them through lifecycle moments, and drive measurable revenue without ads.

Conversion lift Reactivation Lifecycle timing

Why teams invest

  1. Bring users back during drop-off moments.
  2. Drive time-sensitive actions and revenue.
  3. Support product adoption with guided nudges.
  4. Build a direct channel that is not ad-dependent.

Retention and reactivation

Re-engage users after inactivity and increase return sessions with timely reminders.

Lifecycle moments

Welcome, activation, win-back, and product updates keep users moving forward.

Measurable lift

Track opt-in rates, opens, clicks, and conversions to prove ROI.

Lifecycle playbook

Welcome series: confirm value and guide the first action.
Activation nudges: help users reach the aha moment.
Win-back flows: remind inactive users what they are missing.
Transactional updates: delivery, booking, or status alerts.
Content drops: surface new features or releases at the right time.

Measure what matters

Opt-in rate: are users saying yes to notifications?
Open + click rate: are messages relevant?
Conversion rate: did the push lead to action?
Retention lift: compare to a holdout group.

Common mistakes

  • Sending too frequently and burning opt-ins.
  • Blasting the same message to everyone.
  • Ignoring time zones and local context.
  • Never measuring downstream conversion.

Where PushWave helps

PushWave keeps the workflow simple while still supporting segmentation, scheduling, and delivery visibility. It is designed for Expo apps without a custom backend.

Audience targeting with stored metadata.
Scheduling and recurring campaigns.
Token hygiene and deduplication.
Optional attestation signals for trusted installs.

FAQ

Are push notifications still effective?

Yes, when they are timely, relevant, and permissioned. The best results come from lifecycle messages, not random blasts.

How often should I send notifications?

There is no universal number. Start with key lifecycle moments, then expand carefully based on opt-in rates and engagement.

What metrics should I track?

Opt-in rate, open rate, click rate, conversion, and retention lift versus a holdout group.

Do I need a backend to run campaigns?

Not necessarily. A managed platform can handle token storage, targeting, scheduling, and delivery without custom infrastructure.

How does PushWave help?

PushWave provides audience targeting, scheduling, metadata enrichment, and optional attestation to reduce invalid or spoofed tokens.