Picture this: You’re sipping coffee on a Tuesday morning when your phone buzzes. It’s a notification from your favourite online community. “Hey Keeva, the live workshop starts in 15 minutes. Grab your spot!” You click, join and walk away with actionable tips.
This is the power of push notifications and now. With 63% of consumers checking alerts within one minute of receiving them, these tools have now become a part of your daily life.
The similar goes for SMS, SMS has a *crazy-high 98% open rate*, making them not just a tool but they are your secret weapon to cut through clutter and grab attention quickly.
But there’s a catch.
Spammy messages drive users away, while strategic, personalized ones turn casual members into loyal advocates.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use push notification and SMS to boost engagement, reduce churn, and grow your community; without annoying your audience.
Grasping the Basics of Push Notifications And SMS For Community Engagement
| Factors | Push Notification | SMS |
| Definition | Push notifications are mighty, automated messages sent by apps or websites to users’ devices (smartphones, tablets, desktops) via the internet. | SMS short for Short Message Service is a text based communication protocol for sending short messages between mobile devices via cellular networks. |
| Appearance | Appear as pop-ups, banners, or badges, even when the app isn’t open. | Appearing as a plain message, they are up to 160 characters. |
| Cost | Sometimes free, varied price | $0.0025 to $0.0035/message |
| History and Evolution | 2009- Apple introduced APNS (Apple Push Notification Service) for iOS. 2010- Google launched FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) for Android. 2015- Rich push notifications (images, buttons, videos) became mainstream. 2023- AI-driven personalization and geotargeting refined delivery. 2025- Spatial push notifications (AR/VR integrations) and voice-activated alerts. | 1992- First SMS sent: “Merry Christmas.” 2000s- MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allowed images/videos. 2010s- Bulk SMS marketing tools emerged. 2020s- RCS (Rich Communication Services) introduced chatbots, payments, and read receipts. 2025- AI-generated personalized SMS and RCS dominance. |
| Current Features | Interactive buttons (e.g., “RSVP,” “Shop Now”), Personalization using user behavior data, Scheduled delivery and A/B testing. | RCS: Rich media, group chats, and transactional buttons (e.g., “Track Order”), Two-way messaging for customer support, Global reach (no internet required). |
| Benefits | High Open Rates- 50%+ (vs. 20% for emails). Cost-Effective- Free to send (no carrier fees). Rich Media- Images, GIFs, deep links. Instant Delivery- Real-time updates. | Universal Access- 98% open rate (works on all mobile devices). Urgency- Ideal for time-sensitive alerts (e.g., security codes). High Trust- Perceived as more official than email. |
| Limitations | Requires app/website opt-in, limited reach (only users with the app installed), risk of overuse leading to notification fatigue. | Cost is 0.01–0.10 per message (scales with volume). Regulatory Hurdles- TCPA (US), GDPR (EU) compliance required. Character Limits- Even with concatenated SMS, brevity is key. |
| Best for | App-based communities (e.g., fitness apps, social platforms), time-sensitive alerts (live events, breaking news), personalized updates (e.g., “Your friend just commented”). | Older demographics (45+ age group), transactional alerts (e.g., order confirmations, OTPs), communities with limited internet access. |
Explore the BuddyBoss App
Creators, your community doesn’t have to wait—reach them instantly through push notifications and SMS with BuddyBoss.
Different Types of Push notifications and SMS
Push Notifications Based on Delivery Method
- Web Push Notification: Browser-based alerts sent to users who opt in via websites (no app required). Supported by Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Example:- “Your cart is expiring! Complete checkout now 🛒.”
- Mobile App Push Notification: Alerts sent via installed mobile apps (iOS, Android).
Example:- “@Jane tagged you in a photo 📸.”
- Desktop Push Notification: Alerts from desktop apps (Slack, Zoom) or web browsers (via Progressive Web Apps).
Example:- “System update available ⚙️.”
- Notifications on Wearable Devices: Alerts sent to smartwatches (Apple Watch, Fitbit) or fitness trackers.
Example:- “You’ve hit 10k steps today! 🎉.”
Push Notifications Based on Content and Purpose
- Transactional
Purpose- Confirm user actions (e.g., “Order #1234 shipped”).
Example- “Your event registration is confirmed! 🎟️”
- Promotional
Purpose- Drive sales or engagement (e.g., “Flash Sale: 50% off ends tonight!”).
Example- “Your exclusive discount expires in 2 hours ⏳.”
- Informational
Purpose- Share updates (e.g., “New blog post: 2025 Trends”).
Example- “Server maintenance at 3 AM. Downtime: 10 mins.”
- Rich Push
Purpose- Engage with media (images, videos, CTAs).
Example- “Swipe to see today’s workout 🏋️♀️ [Image].”
5. Geotargeted
Purpose- Location-based alerts
Example- “Store nearby has your Wishlist item!”.
5 Popular Types of SMS
- Promotional
Purpose- Marketing campaigns (e.g., “Black Friday Sale: Up to 70% off!”).
Example- “Hi [Name], enjoy 20% off with code SPRING20 🌸.”
- Transactional
Purpose- Confirm user activity (e.g., “Appointment booked for May 5, 3 PM”).
Example- “Your password was changed. Reply STOP if unauthorized.”
- Conversational
Purpose- Two-way chats (e.g., customer support).
Example- “Need help? Reply YES to chat with our team.”
- Alerts
Purpose- Critical updates
Example- “Fraud alert: $500 charged to your card”.
- RCS (Rich Communication Services)
Purpose- Enhanced SMS with buttons, images, and chatbots.
Example- “Track your order 🚚 [Map] | [Chat Now].”
Hybrid Strategy: To Utilize Push Notification and SMS for Growth and Engagement
The Hybrid Strategy is the combination of push notifications and SMS to their ultimatum. Putting together these two gives a multi-channel experience that meets users where they are. There are some ultimate ways to take advantage of this strategy.
Why A Hybrid Approach Works
A hybrid push notification and strategy maximizes engagement by leveraging the unique strengths of both channels. First, it doubles visibility. SMS cuts through the noise with its 98% open rate, ensuring urgent messages are seen instantly, while push notification reinforce the alert with richer context—like clickable links, images, or location-based details.
Second, it respects user preferences. Older demographics often favor SMS for its simplicity and universal accessibility, whereas Gen Z and app-centric audiences engage more with dynamic push notifications.
Finally, it supercharges conversions. Studies reveal that multi-channel campaigns drive 3x higher conversion rates compared to single-channel efforts. By meeting users on their preferred platforms and reinforcing key messages across touchpoints, a hybrid approach ensures no opportunity for connection is missed.
Let’s understand this with an example:-
A hybrid campaign might blast an SMS like “Your event starts in 1 hour!” to guarantee immediacy, then follow up with a push notification (“Tap here for live-stream directions 📍”) to guide app users seamlessly into action. This synergy creates a frictionless experience that caters to diverse audiences and amplifies results.
Explore the BuddyBoss App
Stay in sync with your audience, boost engagement, and keep conversations flowing—all through the BuddyBoss App.
How To Execute A Hybrid Campaign
Step 1: Lead with SMS for Urgency
Use Case: Critical alerts, limited-time offers, or event reminders.
Example: SMS: “Hi [Name], your VIP ticket to tonight’s webinar expires in 2 hours! Secure your spot ➔ [Link].”
Step 2: Follow Up with Push for Action
Use Case: Provide next steps, rich media, or interactive elements.
Example: Push: “Your seat is reserved! Tap to access the webinar room + download the workbook 📲✨.”
Step 3: Personalize Based on Behavior
Did they click the SMS link? Send a push with a thank-you note.
Did they ignore both? Retarget with a new offer via SMS.
Hybrid Campaign Ideas For 2025
- Flash Sales Idea
- SMS: “24-hour sale starts NOW! Get 40% off with code FLASH40 🌟.”
- Push (2 hours later): “Last chance! 12 items left in stock 🛒 [Image].”
- Event Engagement Idea
- SMS: “Live Q&A with [Expert] starts in 30 mins! 🎤”
- Push (at start time): “We’re LIVE! Tap to join + submit questions 💬.”
- Re-Engagement Idea
- SMS: “We miss you! Here’s 20% off to come back 🎁.”
- Push (if no action): “Your discount expires tonight! Tap to shop now ⏳.”
High-Impact Campaigns to Steal
1. Re-Engagement Campaigns
Goal: Win back inactive members.
Template:
- Push: “We miss you! Here’s what you’ve missed…” [Link to trending discussion].
- SMS: “Hi [Name], your community needs you! Reclaim your spot ➔ [Link].”
Case Study: Reddit revived 12% of dormant users with push notifications highlighting popular threads.
2. Flash Offers
Goal: Drive urgency.
Template:
- SMS: “24-HOUR SALE: Upgrade to Premium for 50% off ➔ [Link]. (Ends tonight!)”
- Case Study: Peloton used SMS to promote a 72-hour sale, generating $2M in revenue.
3. Event Reminders
Goal: Boost attendance.
Template:
- Push: “Starts in 1 hour! Join the live Q&A with [Expert] → [Link].”
- Pro Tip: Add calendar invites to SMS for hybrid events.
4. Milestone Celebrations
Goal: Foster loyalty.
Template: Push: “Congrats, Mike! You’ve earned the ‘Community Champion’ badge 🏆.”
Example: Discord awards push notification badges for active participation.
5. Feedback Requests
Goal: Improve your community.
Template:
- SMS: “How are we doing? Rate your experience (1-5 stars) ➔ [Link].”
- Bonus: Offer a $5 gift card for completing surveys.
Tools For Push Notifications To Automate Your Strategy
If you’ve built your community on BuddyBoss, you’re already ahead of the game! BuddyBoss offers native push notifications for both web and mobile apps (learn more about BuddyBoss Push Notification functionality in next sections), eliminating the need for third-party tools for most users.
Key Features:
- Web & Mobile Push Alerts: Send notifications to browsers (Chrome, Firefox) and the BuddyBoss mobile app.
- Automated Triggers: Notify members about new activity (e.g., forum replies, group updates, course progress).
- Customization: Tailor messages with emojis, deep links, and timing.
- Zero Extra Cost: No monthly fees, push functionality is included in BuddyBoss.
Tip: Use BuddyBoss’s automated drip campaigns to schedule course reminders or re-engagement nudges.
Other Push Notification Tools
While BuddyBoss handles the essentials, these are some tools you must know for further need:
OneSignal- A/B testing, advanced segmentation, and cross-platform analytics.
PushEngage- E-commerce communities needing cart recovery alerts.
Airship- Rich media pushes (videos, GIFs) and AI-driven send times.
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)- Developers wanting full control over push delivery.
Some Compliance Tools
- TCPA Shield: Manages opt-ins/outs automatically.
- Termly: Generates GDPR-ready privacy policies.
Key Metrics That Actually Matter With Push Notifications
To turn your push notification and SMS campaigns into engagement goldmines, track these metrics religiously. Here’s how to know if you’re winning and what to fix if you’re not:
Track the Trio With Push Notifications
- Open Rate: Aim for 50%+ (industry average). If yours is lower, tweak timing or messaging.
- Example: “New post in ‘Digital Marketing Hacks’ → 65% opens!”
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measure how many users act. 10%+ is solid.
- Boost CTR: Add emojis 🚀 or urgency (“24 hours left!”).
- Conversion Rate: Did they sign up, buy, or RSVP? Track it!
Pro Tip: Use UTM parameters to trace conversions in Google Analytics.
ROI: Prove Your Campaigns Pay Off
Formula: (Revenue from Campaign – Cost) / Cost x 100 = ROI%
Example:-
- Spend: 500 on SMS (5,000 messages at $0.10 each).
- Revenue: 50 users buy a → 40 course→2,000.
- ROI: (2,000–500) / $500 x 100 = 300% ROI.
Translation: For every 1 spent, you earned back.
Buddyboss Push Notification Functionality To Keep The Community In The Loop (In Detail)
BuddyBoss empowers online communities with built-in push notification functionality to keep members connected and engaged in real time.
Designed for WordPress-based communities, its push notification system delivers instant alerts directly to users’ browsers or mobile devices that ensures they never miss critical updates. Some of the best features include:
- Activity Notifications: Alert members about new posts, comments, or replies (e.g., “John replied to your discussion in ‘Marketing Tips’”).
- Mentions & Tags: Notify users when they’re tagged or mentioned in groups or forums.
- Group Updates: Send alerts for new group content, events, or membership requests.
- Course Alerts: Remind learners about upcoming lessons, deadlines, or completed achievements.
Benefits of BuddyBoss Push Notifications:
- No App Required: Web push notifications work across devices without a native app.
- Customization: Tailor notification triggers, frequency, and wording to match community guidelines.
- Automation: Auto-send alerts based on member actions (e.g., course progress, forum activity).
- Cross-Device Reach: Alerts sync seamlessly between desktops, smartphones, and tablets.
While BuddyBoss doesn’t offer native SMS functionality, its open architecture supports plugins like WP Fusion, which integrates with SMS tools (e.g., Twilio, Drip) to bridge the gap. For example, pair BuddyBoss push notifications with SMS alerts via WP Fusion to:
- Send urgent reminders (e.g., “Live workshop starts in 30 mins!”).
- Notify members without internet access.
Push Notifications For BuddyBoss App
Forum updates, course deadlines, or event reminders, BuddyBoss sends instant alerts straight to your members devices with push notification functionality. Here’s how you can do the same in your BuddyBoss app.
Watch this step-by-step video tutorial:-
Explore App Lite Edition
Launch your course app and put your content where your learners are—on their phones. Only With App Lite!
Conclusion: Your 2025 Community Game Plan
Now that you know what, when and how to use push notification and sms to drive engagement in your community, let’s take a step ahead and actually apply these in your community. Here’s how you can get started with a small step:-
Start Small, Win Big: Test one campaign this week. A re-engagement push? A flash sale SMS? Keep it simple.
Segment Like a Pro: Treat your community like VIPs, not a crowd. Newbies get welcome offers. Lurkers get FOMO alerts.
Value > Volume: Nobody wants 10 “Hey, look at us!” texts. Send 1 message that solves a problem or sparks joy.
-
Article
- Growing Your Online Community
