Push notifications are a powerful tool for engaging users even when they’re not actively browsing your website. While they’ve been a staple on smartphones for a while, their usage is expanding to other devices as well.
Push notifications are versatile, serving various purposes from alerting users about new content to sending special offers from eCommerce sites. Like email notifications, users must opt-in to receive push notifications, but they can be more immediately effective due to their direct delivery to users’ devices.
Benefits of Push Notifications
Push notifications offer several advantages:
- Immediate Visibility: Notifications are seen and potentially acted upon right away, unlike emails which might go unnoticed due to low open rates.
- Personal Touch: Notifications appear directly to users, offering a more personal experience compared to an inbox cluttered with messages.
- Increased Engagement: Users feel more connected and loyal to a site that sends them tailored notifications.
- Boosted Retention: Push notifications help remind loyal users about your site.
- Higher Conversions: eCommerce sites benefit from increased attention to personalized offers sent via push notifications rather than email.
Setting up push notifications is straightforward with WordPress plugins, which make it easy to send messages to users on desktops, laptops, and, in some cases, mobile devices.
Top WordPress Push Notification Plugins
Here are ten of the best push notification plugins for WordPress in 2023:
1. Gravitec.net
Gravitec.net stands out with its comprehensive feature set, including WooCommerce support, customizable permission prompts, and automation options like Drip Campaigns and RSS to Push. It supports various browsers and is easy to install, making it a favorite for news sites, blogs, and eCommerce stores.
2. OneSignal
OneSignal is a popular choice with over 100,000 active installs. It supports multiple browsers and devices, offers real-time analytics, A/B testing, and customizable opt-in prompts. Its free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers, with premium options available for advanced features.
3. Webpushr
Webpushr offers a robust free plan with automatic and scheduled notifications, user segmentation, and real-time analytics. Its paid plans provide additional subscriber capacity and features, making it suitable for growing sites.
4. Push Notifications for WP & AMP
This plugin is ideal for beginners and sites with basic needs. It’s a free option that supports Progressive Web Apps (PWA) and Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), with automatic notifications for new posts and a simple setup process.
5. PushAlert
PushAlert allows unlimited notifications for up to 3,000 subscribers in its free version, with support for multiple browsers and devices. Premium plans offer advanced features like scheduled notifications and A/B testing.
6. PushEngage
PushEngage offers a basic free version and several premium plans. It includes features like smart opt-in reminders, targeted campaigns, and advanced analytics. Its premium plans cater to larger sites with more extensive needs.
7. Perfecty
Perfecty is a free plugin with no subscriber limits. It provides automatic push notifications on post publication, customizable notifications, and analytics. It’s a great option for those on a tight budget or new to push notifications.
8. Fire Push
Fire Push supports both HTML5 Web Push and SMS notifications. It’s integrated with WooCommerce and allows for live and background notifications. It’s useful for sites looking for multi-channel notification options.
9. iZooto
iZooto is popular among publishers and content creators, offering a range of push notification options, including web and app push notifications. It supports AMP sites and provides advanced targeting features.
10. WonderPush
WonderPush supports desktop and mobile notifications and offers a 14-day free trial. Its pricing is based on the number of subscribers, and it includes features like subscriber segmentation and real-time delivery metrics.
11. PushAssist
PushAssist offers unlimited notifications and integrates with AMP. Its free plan includes up to 3,000 subscribers, with premium plans adding features like A/B testing and extensive reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Add Push Notifications to My WordPress Site?
Choose a plugin that suits your needs, select a plan that fits your subscriber count, and then install and activate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard. Follow the plugin’s setup instructions to configure your notifications.
Which Plugin is the Best?
The best plugin depends on your site’s size, budget, and specific needs. For beginners or small sites, Push Notifications for WP & AMP or Perfecty may be ideal. For advanced features and larger audiences, OneSignal or Gravitec.net could be better options.
Are you currently using push notifications? If so, which plugin do you use, and what are your thoughts on it? If not, do any of these options catch your eye? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments!