Push Notifications in a Dating PWA Can Improve Retention and Increase Sales
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For dating apps, it's observed that the retention rate can be quite low, with many apps seeing only about 2.04% of users sticking around after a month​ (Statista). At the same time, studies show that targeted push notifications can increase user retention rates to 39%. So, employing push notifications can be a nice strategy to engage users and prevent them from leaving your dating app.Â
In addition, push notifications can be a perfect way to interact with your users, while they don’t launch the app. In this post, we will discuss the Why and How to leverage push notifications in your dating PWA to retain users and increase sales.Â
Why Is a PWA a Must-Have in the Dating Domain?
Tinder, Bumble, and Instagram are just three of many popular brands using PWAs to enhance user experience. PWAs ensure a seamless experience across different platforms and devices. In the dating industry, they can be crucial for reaching mobile users, especially when app store policies pose challenges for certain dating niches, for example, if you target adult and sugar baby or sugar daddy niches. We have detailed articles on PWA and Web Push Notifications on iOS, but for now, let's briefly explore the key benefits of having a dating PWA:
Broader Accessibility
PWAs work across all platforms using a single codebase. This means they can be used on both Android and iOS devices, as well as on desktops, without the need for separate versions. This universality helps reduce development and maintenance costs, which can be quite high if you need to develop a comprehensive dating solution.
No Installation Required
Users can access PWAs directly via a web browser, bypassing the need to download and install the app from an app store. This convenience can lead to higher adoption rates as the barrier to entry is significantly lower. With a PWA, you streamline the access to your dating service, and this will be appreciated by users for sure.
Simplified Distribution
PWAs bypass the need for app store approvals, allowing for direct updates and distribution. This means updates and fixes can be deployed much faster and without the constraints or fees associated with app stores. At the same time, you save on the 30% commission imposed by the App Store, which you would otherwise have to pay for the distribution of your native app.
Also, unlike native apps, which often require users to download updates manually, PWAs update automatically whenever the user accesses the app. This ensures all users always have the latest version without any extra effort.
Engagement Features
Despite being web-based, PWAs can still utilize many features typically associated with native apps, like push notifications and offline capabilities, helping to improve user engagement and retention. And user engagement is the key to success in the dating domain.Â
SEO Advantages
Being web-based, PWAs are indexed by search engines, which is a significant advantage for visibility compared to native apps that are siloed within app stores. This can lead to better search engine ranking and easier discoverability by potential users. In the dating domain, SEO and marketing play a particular role, so gaining some extra visibility points is always a plus.
Pro Tip
While building a dating PWA instead of a native app can save you a considerable amount of money, we understand you might still have some hesitations. The good news is that with SkaDate, you don’t have to choose. For just $2,999, you get native apps for both iOS and Android, as well as a PWA, combining all their benefits in a single package.
What Are Push Notifications?
Push notifications are alerts that spontaneously appear on a user's device, sent by an application or website. These notifications fulfill multiple roles, such as informing users of fresh content, sending reminders, or providing updates, and even delivering customized messages. In contrast to pull notifications, which require users to actively open an application to retrieve messages, push notifications are sent automatically to a user’s device, facilitating immediate interaction.
Modern push notifications can feature media, action buttons, and personalized content for each user. They serve multiple purposes, such as delivering information and updates, boosting user engagement with apps, sending reminders, and facilitating steps in the user journey. Push notifications can be a nice addition to your dating PWA that will help you to engage better with users and improve your retention rate.
Web Push Notifications Are Now Available on iOS and Android Devices
In 2015, Google Chrome pioneered the introduction of the web push notification API, allowing developers, marketers, and publishers to engage users directly through the Chrome browser. This innovation also extended to Android smartphone users, broadening the potential audience base.
With the release of iOS 16.4, the capability for sites to send iOS push notifications is supported through Safari, provided the web app is added to the home screen. The implementation of web push notifications on iOS platforms means that publishers have the opportunity to reach a broader audience and interact with users even without developing a dedicated mobile application, though this functionality is currently limited to Safari.
Simply put, you no longer need to develop native apps for iOS and Android to effectively engage mobile users. Instead, you can use a PWA to achieve the same level of engagement, including the ability to keep in touch through web push notifications.
How Do Push Notifications in a Dating PWA Influence Retention?
According to Business of Apps, opting into push notifications is a strong indicator of user retention, as it demonstrates a user's commitment to the app. Users who enable push notifications typically log in for at least nine sessions, with nearly half remaining active for more than 11 sessions.Â
In contrast, users who decline push notifications tend to disengage quickly, with about half abandoning the app after just two sessions. Therefore, push notifications can significantly boost your dating app’s retention rate and, consequently, its revenue. By enabling push notifications, you ensure that users do not forget about your app.
Source: Business of Apps.
While 39% of users who receive targeted notifications stay engaged for over 11 sessions, it's important not to overemphasize these statistics. Apps that broadcast messages see 21% of users reach the 11-session mark, yet targeted messaging sees a 20% drop-off after just one session. This suggests that a significant portion of users’ decisions to continue or stop using the app may not be influenced solely by the type of push notifications they receive and sometimes it is important just to keep users up to date and remind them about your dating app.Â
Source: Business of Apps.
How Can Push Notifications in a Dating PWA Bring You Clients?
Push notifications in a dating PWA can become an effective way to engage users for several reasons. Below, let’s take a look at some cases of how you can use push notifications in your app.Â
Remind Users about Your Dating App
Let’s consider Tinder as an example. If a user hasn't been active for a while, Tinder might send a notification to remind them to swipe on new potential matches, thus keeping them engaged with regular app usage. Such push notifications can effectively bring users back to your service. Now, imagine a user has several dating apps on their mobile phone. By sending push notifications, you increase your chances of capturing the user’s attention amidst competition from other apps. The more users engage with your app, the more positive their experience becomes, making them less likely to abandon it for something else.
Match Alerts
You can also send notifications to encourage users to date more actively. For instance, when users receive notifications about new matches, it instantly motivates them to engage with the app. This excitement often leads to increased session frequency as users are eager to explore potential connections. Notifications like these can make your app more appealing, especially since many people might not check their dating apps regularly due to busy schedules. In this way, your dating PWA acts like a personal dating coach, reminding users to invest time in their dating life.
Pro Tip
Building a PWA and configuring push notifications can be time-consuming and costly, but you can acquire a fully functional dating PWA through the SkaDate platform for $2,999. This package also includes native apps and a complete dating website. SkaDate also offers theme templates, allowing you to launch your dating service within 24 work hours. You can enhance functionality with both free and paid plugins and seek custom design or features from our team if needed. With 19 years of experience in dating software development, we're equipped to transform your dating idea into ideal software.
Message Notifications
Prompt notifications for incoming messages can significantly enhance user experience by ensuring that users don't miss out on conversations. This real-time communication mimics the immediacy of personal messaging apps, encouraging continued use and deeper engagement. This type of push notification again gives your PWA the role of a dating coach who checks that no conversation is left behind accidentally.Â
Activity Updates
Notifications about updates from matches (like new photos or bio changes) can reignite interest in users who may be less active. These updates provide a fresh perspective on existing matches, potentially sparking new conversation and interaction.
Behavioral Encouragements
Push notifications can be also used to encourage users to complete their profiles, which not only improves their chances of finding a good match but also increases the time they spend on your dating PWA.
Special Offers and Events
Push notifications about promotions for premium features or exclusive events can create a sense of belonging and exclusivity. Offering discounts on premium features or inviting users to special events can increase loyalty and the perceived value of the app.
Engagement Campaigns
Timed campaigns around specific holidays or peak dating periods (like Valentine’s Day or summer vacations) can also remind users to check the app and engage with it more frequently.Â
All types of push notifications mentioned can significantly boost the engagement levels of your dating PWA users. The reasoning is straightforward: such targeted push notifications add value rather than irritate. Consequently, users are naturally motivated or reminded to return to your app. The more they interact with your dating PWA, the greater the likelihood they will make a purchase, thereby increasing your revenue.
Conclusion
Web push notifications in a dating PWA are a potent tool for engaging users, reminding them of your app, and notifying them about new activities on their profiles. They serve not only to enhance user interaction and retention but also to effectively market additional features, promote subscription plans, and boost sales. The effectiveness of push notifications hinges on providing information that truly enhances the user experience and delivers value.
If you're looking for a comprehensive dating PWA with engaging push notifications, consider our SkaDate package. For just $2,999, you get a complete dating platform, including a PWA and native apps. With 19 years of experience in dating software development, our team has mastered proven strategies to enter the dating domain. Contact us to acquire your powerful dating software.
