What if your app could influence users even when their phones are turned off or out of reach?
What if you could help your users form better habits, feel more prepared, and reduce their daily stress?
That’s the power of push.
You can think of push notifications as your app’s built-in “retention extensions.”
Simply put, retention is built on delivering value — so your product stays top of mind and becomes a habitual part of a user’s day.
Every push you send should be based on:
- Having a reason to engage your users
- Doing it at the right time, and
- Doing it in a way that provides real value.
If you hit all three, your product will become an indispensable part of your user’s life.
But sometimes figuring out what to write and what images to use can stop you from pushing your best foot forward.
That’s why we put together this series of grab-and-go push notification templates that you can swipe and complete with copy, along with suggestions for rich media images, calls-to-action, and recommended triggers and timing. Each push notification template is designed for maximum engagement.
Voila: ready-made retention.
Categories
Travel
1. Inform airline passengers of a gate change
BODY:
Heads up, [FIRSTNAME]!
Your gate for [FLIGHT NUMBER] has changed to [NEW GATE NUMBER].
CTA:
View Airport Map
- Image suggestion
No image. Or, a simple graphic or GIF showing an arrow from “Point A” to “Point B” - Trigger
Immediately upon gate change
2. Share new flight or rental deals
BODY:
Desperately need a vacation? Get [DEAL/OFFER]
[COMPANY NAME] till [DATE]. ???
CTA:
Gimme a Break
- Image suggestion
Photo of beautiful beach, with dashed outline of a person captioned “You Are Here” - Trigger
Within a day of deal or offer release
3. Suggest destinations for an upcoming holiday
BODY:
[NEARBY DESTINATION] is just [X] hours away, [FIRSTNAME]…
Treat yo’ self to a getaway!
CTA:
View Vacation Deals
- Image suggestion
This Parks & Rec GIF - Trigger
Send two days before the weekend, when users will have time to plan a nearby vacation
4. Recommend a landmark, restaurant, or site visit when user arrives in a new city, state, or country
BODY:
Here’s what we recommend doing?, seeing ?, and eating ? for your first time in [CITY/STATE/COUNTRY], [FIRSTNAME] >>>
CTA:
Visit Like a Local
- Image suggestion
GIF of hands with silverware digging into a delectable restaurant meal (ideally, the type of cuisine served in the user’s new location) - Trigger
Immediately upon user’s arrival in their new location. Could also be triggered by in-app purchase of deals, tickets, or offers in that location
5. Welcome user to a new country
BODY:
Welcome to [COUNTRY]! Say “[PHRASE]” when you need to
find the restroom ???
CTA:
More Common [LANGUAGE] Phrases
- Image suggestion
Photo of restroom door with sign in the appropriate language - Trigger
Immediately upon user’s arrival in the country
5a. Welcome user to a new country
BODY:
Benvenuti a Roma, [FIRSTNAME]! ?? Here are the
phrases you need to get around:
CTA:
More Italian Phrases to Know
- Image suggestion
Photo of St. Peter’s Basilica - Trigger
Immediately upon user’s arrival in the country
6. Help user pack for an upcoming trip
BODY:
Your trip is coming up, [FIRSTNAME]. This packing list has everything you need to have a fantastic time in [CITY/STATE/COUNTRY] ??
CTA:
Pack Smart
- Image suggestion
Photo of open, immaculately packed suitcase - Trigger
3-5 days before user’s trip
7. Reference user’s local airport and suggest trips
BODY:
[AIRPORT CODE] just added low fares for [CITY]. ✈️ If you listen closely, you can
hear the city calling your name…
CTA:
Book Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of a plane taking off. Or, photo of destination city skyline or main street - Trigger
As new fares are added
Shopping
1. Send a birthday offer or discount
BODY:
Happy birthday, [NAME]! Instead of cake, how about
[$ OR % DISCOUNT] off your next order? ? ?
CTA:
Claim My Discount
- Image suggestion
Envelope with “Just for You” written on it - Trigger
On user’s birthday
2. Recommend related or complementary products based on order history
BODY:
Psst — If you liked [PAST PRODUCT NAME],
you’re gonna love what we picked out for you.
CTA:
Check It Out
- Image suggestion
Image of recommended/curated product - Trigger
3-5 days before user’s trip
3. Send a holiday offer or discount
BODY:
Merry Christmas, [NAME]! ? Santa stopped by to leave you a [$ or % DISCOUNT] coupon code. Redeem it now — you deserve it!
CTA:
Claim My Discount
- Image suggestion
Photo or graphic of winking Santa - Trigger
1 week before the holiday
3a. Send a holiday offer or discount
BODY:
Happy holidays! Here’s a little treat just for you, [NAME].
CTA:
Claim My Discount
- Image suggestion
Photo of gift bag or wrapped present - Trigger
Any time ranging 1 week before holiday until day-of
4. Suggest a weather forecast-specific product
BODY:
Looks like rain this week! Stay dry with [PRODUCT NAME/CATEGORY].
You can thank us later ? ☔️ ?
CTA:
Shop [PRODUCT] | Browse [CATEGORY]
- Image suggestion
Leather shoes getting soaked in a puddle. Or, GIF of umbrella opening - Trigger
3 days before the predicted weather event
5. Suggest an event- or holiday-specific product
BODY:
Need to get in the [HOLIDAY] spirit? This [PRODUCT NAME]’ll do the trick.
CTA:
Shop [PRODUCT CATEGORY]
- Image suggestion
Image of product in question, ex. Superwoman Halloween costume - Trigger
1-2 weeks before the holiday, up until day-of
6. Let users know when a purchase has shipped
BODY:
Your order of [PRODUCT NAME] has shipped! ✔️ Our carrier eagle is winging
his way to you right this very moment.
CTA:
Track My Order
- Image suggestion
Eagle mid-flight, with a Photoshopped brown shipping box dangling from its claws - Trigger
As soon as order ships
7. Post-purchase incentive
BODY:
?Boom!? [ITEM JUST PURCHASED] is yours. As a thank you, use code [CODE] to get [DISCOUNT % OR $] off your next [CATEGORY] order.
CTA:
Shop [CATEGORY]
- Image suggestion
GIF of an explosion. Or, GIF of a kid ripping open a present - Trigger
Immediately after purchase
Food & Delivery
1. Announce the return of a limited item
BODY:
You dreamed it. We dared it. [ITEM NAME] is back — only until [DATE].
CTA:
Order Now. Or, Save My [ITEM NAME]
- Image suggestion
Photo of limited-edition item - Trigger
Immediately when limited item returns
2. Update user on food delivery status
BODY:
Hiya [FIRSTNAME]! [DELIVERYPERSON NAME] just grabbed your order from
[RESTAURANT], so you’ll have it soon. ? ?
CTA:
Track My Order
- Image suggestion
GIF of dog pawing at a Styrofoam takeout box - Trigger
Can be sent at multiple points during the food purchase and delivery process. Most important is letting the user know their food is on its way
3. Re-engage with a free item or discount
BODY:
Been a while, [FIRSTNAME]. You’re looking good! ? Snag yourself [DISCOUNT $ OR %] now with code [CODE] >>>>
CTA:
Heck Yes. OR Use Code Now
4. Send weather-triggered invitations to order
BODY:
[FOOD ITEM] called. It wants you to know you don’t have to
weather this storm alone ? ? ❄️
CTA:
Let [ITEM NAME] Come to You
- Image suggestion
Photo of food item (in this case, pizza) - Trigger
Immediately before or during weather event
5. Send event or environment-triggered invitations to order
BODY:
Traffic is light right now! It’s the perfect time to
grab some grub ? ? ? >>>
CTA:
Order Now
- Image suggestion
Photoshopped image of giant takeout box on wheels - Trigger
Based on user data or behavior
6. Suggest holiday, time-of-day, or day-of-the-week triggers to order
BODY:
Ah, 1:34 PM, AKA International Taco O’Clock. ?
Don’t taco bout it, be about it, [FIRSTNAME]!
CTA:
Get My [ITEM NAME]
- Image suggestion
Photo of food item (in this case, tacos) - Trigger
Choose a time trigger from peak user engagement times
Media & Publishing
1. Share new, relevant articles with users
BODY:
Wanna sound even smarter at parties? Catch up on the latest
[TOPIC USER HAS PREVIOUSLY READ/ENGAGED WITH] news >>>
CTA:
Read the Latest
- Image suggestion
Featured photo from one of the recommended articles - Trigger
Triggered by lack of user engagement for X hours or days
2. Alert users when broadcasts are going live
BODY:
* clears throat * Heeey [FIRSTNAME], we’re going live!
Join for [EVENT NAME] in [X MINUTES].
CTA:
Tune In
- Image suggestion
Photo of lit-up “On Air” sign - Trigger
Send just before going live, or as soon as the broadcast starts
3. Suggest a “Sunday” (or downtime) read of relevant articles based on past browsing history
BODY:
Ahhh, Sunday. Why not top off your coffee & curl up with these handpicked
[TOPIC USER HAS PREVIOUSLY BROWSED] headlines?
CTA:
Read for a Bit
- Image suggestion
Photo of sock feet on a footstool or peeking out of bedcovers - Trigger
Triggered by day of week and/or user inactivity
4. Share breaking news in their location
BODY:
Welcome to [CITY/COUNTRY/COUNTY, [FIRSTNAME]!
See the latest headlines about [CITY/COUNTY/COUNTRY].
CTA:
See [CITY/COUNTY/COUNTRY] News
- Image suggestion
Photo of the horizon line or a main street of the area in question - Trigger
Immediately upon user’s arrival in their new location
5. Ask user if they’d prefer headlines as they happen, or a daily digest
BODY:
Hey [FIRSTNAME]! Let’s set you up right. Do you want the news as it happens, or
a daily headline roundup? ??
CTA:
Tell Me Now! | Send Me a Roundup
- Image suggestion
Photo of Now N’ Laters candy wrapper, or two buttons (one labeled “Now,” one labeled “Later”) - Trigger
Triggered by user activity or lack thereof within a week of installing the app
Entertainment & Ticketing
1. Alert users when tickets go on sale
BODY:
Heads up: Tickets to [EVENT NAME] just went on sale! ??
Grab yours before they sell out >>>
CTA:
Buy Tickets
- Image suggestion
Photo of the performer/act in question - Trigger
As soon as tickets to an event the user is likely to enjoy go on sale
2. Help users find their way to an exit
BODY:
Heading back to your car now? Turn left when you leave the lobby.
Tap for more directions!
CTA:
Guide Me
- Image suggestion
Preview of map with walking directions - Trigger
Send toward the end of a ticketed event, and/or a scheduled event on user’s calendar
3. Share last-minute ticket deals with nearby users
BODY:
Pssst [FIRSTNAME]. [XX] tickets to [EVENT OR ARTIST NAME] tonight just became available! Grab yours & be the #bestfriendever ?>>>
CTA:
Get Tickets
- Image suggestion
Photo of artist, show, or performer in question - Trigger
As soon as last-minute tickets go on sale
4. Let users know when it’s their turn to play a game
BODY:
[FRIEND NAME] just took their turn for [POINTS SCORED] points!
You can do better than that, right?
CTA:
Play Now
- Image suggestion
This GIF - Trigger
When opposing user takes a turn
5. Suggest spots to visit
BODY:
On your way to [CITY]? Make sure to hit up these
5 hot spots our editors picked out! ???
CTA:
Show Me
- Image suggestion
Photo of the horizon line or a main street of the area in question - Trigger
When user’s geolocation approaches the given city
Music
1. Inform user of new catalog additions
BODY:
It’s not every day we get a brand-new record from [ARTIST].
Be the first to listen to [ALBUM NAME].
CTA:
Bump It
- Image suggestion
Album art/cover - Trigger
When a new artist (in a genre that the user has indicated interest in) releases an album
2. Tie music suggestions to current events
BODY:
Hit Play ▶️ on the perfect soundtrack for [EVENT] today, including
[USER’S FAVORITE ARTIST] & [USER’S FAVORITE ARTIST 2].
CTA:
Listen Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of a crowd participating in the event in question (ex. baseball game, Election Day, Mardi Gras - Trigger
Day event begins
3. Tie music suggestions to user location
BODY:
Welcome to [CITY]! How ‘bout some hometown tunes — say,
[ARTIST FROM CITY]?
CTA:
Play Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of suggested artist - Trigger
Geolocation
3a. Tie music suggestions to user location
BODY:
Welcome to the birthplace of jazz! How ‘bout a little Louis Armstrong? ??
CTA:
Play Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of New Orleans skyline and/or Louis Armstrong - Trigger
Geolocation
4. Recommend a soundtrack based on the weather
BODY:
Today’s a scorcher ☀️☀️☀️ Chill out & cool off with this [GENRE] playlist
(and don’t forget your sunscreen)!
CTA(s):
Play Now. Or, Chill Out
- Image suggestion
This GIF - Trigger
When temperature in user’s location is >80 degrees F
5. When user’s friends engage in-app
BODY:
Hey [FIRSTNAME], [FRIEND NAME] just liked “[SONG NAME]” by [ARTIST].
Wanna check it out?
CTA:
Judge My Friend’s Taste
- Image suggestion
Photo of a model wearing headphones. Or, relevant friend’s profile picture + the album cover of the song they liked - Trigger
When user’s friend or connection takes an in-app action
6. Alert user of membership expiring soon
BODY:
Sniff… your [PRODUCT NAME] [TRIAL/MEMBERSHIP] is almost up. [BUY/RENEW] now or Paco the Kitten will be very sad. ?
CTA:
Save Paco, [BUY/RENEW] Now
- Image suggestion
Close-up photo of wide-eyed kitten - Trigger
X days before user trial or membership expiration
7. Commemorate national day or month
BODY:
It’s [DAY/MONTH]! Here are our picks for artists who
[RELATE ARTISTS TO EVENT] >>>
CTA:
Listen Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of one of the featured artists - Trigger
Day event or month-long commemoration begins
7a. Commemorate national day or month
BODY:
It’s National Rock N’ Roll Day! ? Listen to 5 artists who defined the genre >>>
CTA:
Listen Now
- Image suggestion
Photo of one of the featured artists - Trigger
Day that event or month-long commemoration begins
Utilities/Productivity
1. Alert user to friend or coworker activity
BODY:
[OTHER USER NAME] just [ACTION TAKEN]. Tap for more.
CTA:
Open [APP NAME]
- Image suggestion
Screenshot of app interface, with notification graphic and/or changed area highlighted - Trigger
Immediately when a friend or colleague takes action on a user’s shared list, board, or channel
2. Ask for a review
BODY:
Hi [FIRSTNAME], how’s [LAST ITEM PURCHASED] been treating you? Let other shoppers know by leaving a review. Your opinion matters ?
CTA:
Post My Review
- Image suggestion
Graphic of 5 stars (or relevant rating system) followed by a question mark - Trigger
User has engaged with the app at least 3-5 times
3. Introduce users to a feature they haven’t yet tried
BODY:
Glad to see you’re getting so much mileage from [FEATURE OFTEN USED]! Might we recommend [UNUSED FEATURE]? It’s great for [BENEFIT].
CTA:
Try It Now
- Image suggestion
In-app screenshot with suggested feature highlighted or circled - Trigger
Triggered by X days/weeks after installation, when user still has not tried the given feature
4. Help the user stay on track
BODY:
Want to log [ACTIVITY] for the past couple days? (You’ve been killing it. Don’t stop now!)
CTA:
Log My Wins
- Image suggestion
In-app screenshot with suggested feature highlighted or circled. Or, photo of two hands high-fiving - Trigger
Triggered by lack of regular user action for X days
5. Motivate or inspire user based on holidays or calendar events
BODY:
Only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Be in that 8%.
[DO/TAKE SPECIFIC IN-APP ACTION] now. ?
CTA(s):
Do [ACTION] Now | Remind Me Later
- Image suggestion
Photo of checklist with items checked off - Trigger
Immediately before holiday or event
6. Help user remember to-dos or unread messages
BODY:
Boop! ? “[MESSAGE CONTENT PREVIEW]…” is waiting for your reply. Want to get back to [SENDER NAME] now?
CTA(s):
Reply Now | Mark Read
- Image suggestion
Graphic of envelope - Trigger
X hours or days after message received
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Last updated on October 22, 2024