What exactly are push notifications?
You see them every day on your own phone: those little messages that appear on your lock screen. An appointment reminder, a WhatsApp message, a weather alert. These are push notifications.
For a retailer, it's a direct and immediate communication channel with your customers. No need to wait for them to open an email or check social media. The message lands straight in their pocket.
And contrary to what you might think, you don't need to develop a mobile app to send them. Loyalty cards on Apple Wallet and Google Wallet support push notifications natively.
How does it work technically?
The principle is simple:
No technical skills required. If you can write a text message, you can send a push notification.
Why push notifications are so effective
The numbers speak for themselves:
This difference comes down to several factors:
When should you send your notifications?
Timing is just as important as content. Here are the best moments depending on the type of business:
Café / Coffee shop
Bakery
Restaurant
Hair salon
The golden rule: no more than once a week
The trap is sending too many. One notification a week is the recommended maximum for a local business. Beyond that, you risk the customer deleting your card — and you lose contact for good.
7 examples of notifications that work
1. The loyalty reminder
*"Just 2 stamps left before your reward! We're waiting for you 😊"*
→ Motivates the customer to come back and complete their card.
2. The new arrival
*"New on our menu: the pistachio latte. Come give it a taste!"*
→ Creates curiosity and a reason to drop by.
3. The limited offer
*"Today only: double stamps on every order before noon."*
→ Creates a sense of urgency.
4. The seasonal message
*"The first Liège waffles of the season are ready 🧇"*
→ Connects your message to a moment the customer has been waiting for.
5. The personalised reminder
*"It's been a while since we've seen you. Your spot is still here!"*
→ Sent to inactive customers to bring them back.
6. The special event
*"Saturday, free tasting of our new blend. Come see us!"*
→ Turns a notification into an invitation.
7. The thank-you
*"Thank you for your 20th visit! Your next coffee is on us 🎉"*
→ Brings a smile and strengthens the relationship.
What to avoid
Some notifications do more harm than good:
How do you measure the impact?
With a tool like Goodly, you can track the effect of each notification:
This data lets you fine-tune your strategy over time. You learn which messages work best for your specific clientele.
How do you get started?
Setting up is quick:
No developer, no app to build, no advertising budget. Just a relevant message, at the right time, to the right people.
Try push notifications for free →