Undoubtedly, push notification and SMS text messaging are the two effective ways to speak directly to users in your applications. While the two share several similarities, one definitely has advantages over the other, and vice-versa.
In terms of visibility, push gets my vote, as the whole push notification banner clearly shows the logo of the app, name of the app, contents, and even a preview image.
However, when I imagine I could use push notification only, I would be worried about these two things: 1) the push can only reach those who (still) have your app installed 2) it’s easier and quicker for users to opt-out of receiving push notifications. Those two potential disadvantages can be made up by utilizing SMS messaging, which is known to have over 90% of open rate.
In fact, a well-balanced use of push notification and SMS messaging can significantly enhance user engagement, retention, conversion rates, and revenue while improving the overall user experience of your application.
How can I add push notification to my application?
Below is the general guide for building push. Please note that these steps do not have technical details, so it can take a few days up to a few weeks depending on one’s level of experience.
- Choose a push service provider: there are well-known ones, such as Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), Apple Push Notification Service (APNs), and One Signal.
- Register with the service provider: you will receive necessary credentials and configuration settings.
- Configure push notification permission: ensure that your application requests and handles push notification permissions from users.
- Integrate the SDK or API: follow documentation from the provider to integrate their SDK or API into your application’s codebase.
- Implement token registration: implement the code to register and manage the device tokens or registration IDs associated with each user’s device.
- Handle push notification events: implement the code to handle push notification events within your application, which includes handling incoming notifications, extracting relevant data, and triggering the appropriate actions or displaying the notification to the user.
- Implement server-side components: if needed, you may need to set up server-side components to send push notifications from your backend.
- Test push notification: set up a testing environment to send and receive test push.
How can I add SMS messaging to my application?
- Choose an SMS service provider: select an SMS service provider that suits your needs; popular options include Twilio, Plivo, and Message Bird.
- Register with the service provider: you will gain access to their API, documentation, and necessary credentials to send SMS messages.
- Obtain API credentials: obtain the required API credentials from your SMS service provider, which includes an API key, authentication tokens, or other authentication mechanisms needed to interact with their API.
- Integrate the SMS API: follow the documentation provided by the SMS service provider to integrate their SMS API into your application’s codebase.
- Implement SMS sending functionality: implement the code to send SMS messages from your application. This includes composing the message content, specifying the recipient’s phone number, and making the API request to send the SMS via the provider’s API. You may also need to handle any response or error codes returned by the API.
- Handle delivery status and responses: if your SMS service provider offers delivery status and response callbacks, implement the necessary code to handle these callbacks in your application.
- Test SMS Messaging: set up a testing environment to send and receive test SMS messages.
Easiest and quickest way to compose and send out push and SMS messages
Nbase Core SDK and Nbase Game SDK help you integrate and use push notification service and SMS messaging more conveniently. You can choose which provider to use and follow the easy steps to integrate; then, you can compose, edit, and send out messages right on the intuitive dashboard.
If you would like to know about other features of Nbase SDKs that can make your application development significantly easier and quicker, visit our website or send us an inquiry!
