Notifications without an app: how it’s possible
When a customer saves your card in Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Wallet (Android), that card can be updated remotely. Each time something changes (a new stamp, an offer, a message), the phone can show a notification on the screen, like any other. That’s why the customer doesn’t need to download any app.
If you want the details of each system, read the guide to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet for businesses.
What you can send
- Offers: «Today, second coffee half price».
- Progress: «One more stamp for your reward».
- Birthdays: «Happy birthday, there’s a gift waiting for you».
- Win-back: «We haven’t seen you for a month, fancy coming back?».
- News: new menu, new collection, summer opening hours.
Advantages over SMS, email or WhatsApp
| Channel | What you need | Cost per send |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet notification | That they have your card | No cost per message |
| SMS | Their phone number | You pay for every message |
| Their email | Low, but many go unread | |
| Their number and a business account | Depends on the platform |
Plus, the Wallet notification appears right on the card the customer uses in your business: the message and the place to redeem it go together.
Automatic notifications
The most effective ones go out by themselves: welcome on sign-up, «you’re nearly there», birthday and «we miss you» when someone stops coming. You set it up once and it works for you. See how in campaigns and alerts.
How not to be annoying
- Few and useful. Two or three notifications a month at most.
- At a reasonable time. No early mornings or meal times unless it makes sense for your business.
- With something specific. An offer or a customer detail, not a «hi, we’re here».
- With permission. To send offers you need the customer’s consent. More in sending offers to customers.
And if you prefer an app with your brand
Besides the Wallet card, you can give your customers your own app, installed from the browser in a second, with your menu, your offers and their card inside.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send notifications to my customers without an app?
Yes. If they have your card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, updating it makes the phone show the notification on screen.
Does each notification cost money?
Not like an SMS. Wallet notifications have no cost per message; they’re included in the tool.
How many notifications can I send?
As many as you like, but two or three a month is recommended so you don’t tire the customer.