Table of Contents
Push vs. Email Notifications: Key Differences
Benefits of Email Notifications
Top 8 Practices for Effective Email Notifications
Exploring 17 Types of Email Notifications
Examples of Email Notification Templates
Overview of Two Main Categories of Email Notifications
[This post was originally published in June 2023 and updated on August 20, 2024.]
Introduction
Nearly all of us are constantly checking notifications on our devices. Whether it’s updates on weather, marketing offers, or messages, notifications have become integral to our daily lives. In this guide, we will dive into how to create the best notification emails that capture attention and enhance user engagement. From types to tips, and even examples, we’ve got you covered!
Email notifications, push notifications, and text messages are the three primary channels used to send notifications. This article will concentrate on email notifications, discussing their unique characteristics, best practices, and showcasing various examples to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
What are Email Notifications?
Email notifications are automated emails sent to keep subscribers informed about changes, updates, or other relevant actions related to your products and services. These notifications are opt-in, making them highly effective. Unlike marketing emails or newsletters, these emails provide valuable, timely information that users are keen to receive.
Push vs. Email Notifications: Key Differences
While both push and email notifications aim to notify users, they differ in several key ways:
1. Content Length
Push notifications have stringent character limits, usually 30-50 characters for the title and up to 125 characters for the body. Email notifications, on the other hand, allow for richer content including text, images, and even animations.
2. User Tolerance
Push notifications can overwhelm users, often leading them to disable notifications. Email notifications are less intrusive, and users are more tolerant even if they occasionally mark them as read or delete them without unsubscribing.
3. Ease of A/B Testing
Testing push notifications is simpler given the fewer parameters involved. Email notifications require more extensive testing due to their complexity.
Overall, email notifications offer a better strategy for engaging users. Here’s why:
Benefits of Email Notifications
1. High Open Rates
Emails are more likely to be opened compared to marketing emails or newsletters because they contain important, anticipated information. High open rates enhance future campaign deliverability and improve sender reputation.
2. Keeps Users Informed
Whether discontinuing a feature or announcing new updates, email notifications ensure users are informed in a timely manner, allowing them to adapt accordingly.
3. Boosts Customer Retention
Regular email notifications help keep your brand top of mind, build trust, and reinforce customer loyalty.
4. Promotes New Features or Products
Email notifications are excellent tools for introducing new features or products, stimulating interest, and encouraging users to try them out.
Top 8 Practices for Effective Email Notifications
To maximize the impact of your notification emails, adhere to these top 8 best practices:
1. Craft Clear Subject Lines
Ensure your subject lines immediately convey the purpose of the email. For example, “Your Free Trial Ends Tomorrow” or “Scheduled Maintenance on February 15” directly inform the user about the email’s content.
2. Stick to One Message
Your notification email should be concise and focus on a single message. Here’s an example from HDFC Bank that straightforwardly communicates essential details and alternate methods of usage during maintenance.
3. Personalize Whenever Possible
Adding a personal touch to your notification emails builds trust. Use the subscriber’s name and other relevant information to create a personalized experience.
4. Include an Actionable CTA
Notification emails often need an action from the user. Include a clear and actionable CTA button like “Learn More” or “Upgrade Now.” Plenty of white space around the CTA helps it stand out.
5. Send Emails in Advance
Proactive notification is key. Inform subscribers well in advance about upcoming changes or events to allow ample time for planning.
6. Adhere to Branding Guidelines
Your notification emails should follow your brand guidelines to offer a consistent experience and reinforce brand identity.
7. Provide Contact Information
Always include contact information so subscribers can reach out if they have questions or need further assistance.
8. Allow Preferences
Let subscribers set their notification preferences, including the types of notifications they wish to receive and the frequency.
Popular Tools for Sending Notification Emails
Here are some of the widely used tools for sending notification emails:
- Constant Contact
- HubSpot
- Braze
- Mailchimp
- Brevo
- Optimove
- Omnisend
- OneSignal
Next, let’s explore the various types and examples of email notifications.
Exploring 17 Types of Email Notifications
The type of email notifications you send depends on your industry and operational needs. For example:
1. Password Reset Emails
These emails help users reset their passwords. Take this opportunity to include security tips, just like Twitter does.
2. Support Confirmation Emails
When users contact customer support, they should receive confirmation emails detailing their queries. It’s also a chance to resolve issues proactively.
3. Notifications from Support Staff
Emails from support staff should be personal and empathetic, creating a more human connection with the user.
4. Customer Support Feedback Emails
After a support interaction, request feedback to help improve your service and make your users feel valued.
5. Scheduled Downtime Notifications
These emails inform users about planned downtimes so they can plan accordingly.
6. Security Notifications
Email notifications alert users to suspicious activity or security breaches, helping them protect their information.
7. Order Confirmation Emails
Order confirmation emails reassure users that their purchase has been successful and set expectations for the next steps.
8. Shipping Confirmation Notifications
Keep users informed about the status of their order shipment, including tracking details.
9. Shipment Out for Delivery Notifications
Inform users when their shipment is out for delivery, allowing them to be available to receive it.
10. Shipment Delivered Emails
Confirm that the user’s order has been delivered and provide instructions or tips for using the product.
11. Order Canceled Notifications
Notify users when an order has been canceled, whether by them or due to an issue from your end.
12. Refund Initiated Notifications
Communicate clearly about refunds, including the stages of the refund process.
13. Free Trial Updates
Alert users when a free trial is nearing its end to prompt them to take action regarding their subscription.
14. Cart Abandonment Emails
Encourage users to complete the purchase by reminding them of items left in their cart, helping recover potentially lost sales.
15. Welcome Emails
Welcome new subscribers with a series of emails that introduce your brand, share useful information, and offer incentives.
16. Account Activation Emails
Send out account activation emails to new users, providing steps to confirm their account and get started.
17. Out of Office Notifications
Let users know when you are unavailable, especially if you are in client-facing roles or offer continuous services.
Examples of Email Notification Templates
1. Freelancing Portals Account Updates
Freelancing platforms send various notifications, from unread messages to account status updates. Here’s an example from Upwork about account suspension.
2. Google Docs Change Notifications
Google Docs provides real-time notifications for changes made to shared documents, enhancing collaboration without needing to check the doc constantly.
3. Privacy Policy Updates
Whenever there are changes to the privacy policy or legal terms, inform your users promptly, as PayPal does.
4. Social Media Updates
Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn send numerous notifications related to account activity, new connections, and promotional opportunities.
Overview of Two Main Categories of Email Notifications
Email notifications generally fall into two categories: triggered and manual. Triggered notifications, like password resets and order updates, are part of automated workflows. Manual notifications include updates to policies or large-scale announcements. Check with your Email Service Provider (ESP) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to differentiate between these two types.
Conclusion
Email notifications offer a wealth of opportunities to engage users meaningfully. Instead of sticking to plain-text emails, consider creating custom templates that include animations, feature demonstrations, and other interactive elements. This approach enhances user experience and campaign performance. Should you need assistance, contact our design team.
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