10 Tips for Writing Push Notifications

Push notifications are a powerful way to connect with players in the iGaming world. They’re direct, timely, and can boost engagement when done right. However, crafting effective notifications requires more than just sending messages – it’s about understanding your audience, keeping messages concise, and delivering value at the right time. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top tips:

• Keep it short: Messages under 40 characters grab attention quickly.
• Focus on benefits: Highlight rewards, not features.
• Personalize using data: Tailor messages based on player behavior.
• Create urgency: Use time-sensitive language sparingly and effectively.
• Use action verbs: Start with words like “Claim,” “Play,” or “Win.”
• Match the tone: Adjust messaging based on where players are in their journey.
• Time it right: Schedule notifications based on player activity patterns.
• Test emojis: Use them sparingly to enhance, not distract.
• A/B test copy: Experiment with wording to see what works.
• Automate with tools: Platforms like InTarget can streamline and optimize your strategy.

These tips help you craft messages that stand out in a crowded space, driving engagement and improving player retention. Start with concise, benefit-driven messages, and refine your approach with testing and automation for long-term success.

1. Keep Messages Under 40 Characters

Push notifications are all about grabbing attention in a flash. With limited screen space on mobile devices, keeping your messages under 40 characters ensures they’re easy to read and act on without any important details getting cut off.

Think of your push notification as a headline – short and to the point. Just like a newspaper headline grabs attention with a few impactful words, your iGaming notifications should do the same. This keeps the focus on what matters most to your players.

For example, instead of saying, "Don’t forget to claim your amazing welcome bonus that expires tonight at midnight", go with something like, "Bonus expires tonight!" It’s short, urgent, and crystal clear – players immediately know what to do.

Stick to one clear call to action per notification. Trying to cram too much into one message can overwhelm players. If you need to share more details, save them for follow-up messages.

Shorter messages are easier to process. A quick glance is all it takes to understand them, while longer, more complicated notifications might demand more attention than players are willing to give during a quick phone check.

It’s also smart to A/B test different message lengths. Some players might respond best to ultra-brief notifications under 25 characters, while others may prefer slightly longer ones that provide a touch more context.

Avoid the risk of being ignored – or worse, having users disable notifications altogether – by keeping things simple and direct. Once notifications are turned off, it’s tough to reestablish that connection.

Lastly, choose your words carefully. Use simple, direct language that’s easy to understand. For example, "bonus" is more effective than "promotional credits", and "play" beats "gaming session." Every word counts, so make them work hard for you.

2. Focus on Player Benefits, Not Platform Features

When it comes to iGaming, players don’t care about tech jargon – they care about what’s in it for them. Instead of promoting features like "advanced gaming algorithms" or "enhanced security protocols", highlight the direct rewards players will enjoy, such as bonuses, exclusive deals, or personalized perks.

Here’s an example to make it clear: A message like "New payment system available" simply informs players about a feature. But reframe it as "Enjoy faster access to your winnings", and suddenly, you’re speaking their language. This approach grabs attention because it focuses on what players actually value.

What motivates players? Rewards. Free spins, deposit matches, cashback offers, and VIP perks are what drive engagement. For instance, when DraftKings sends a notification like "Claim your $25 bonus now!" instead of "New promotional system launched", they’re tapping into what players care about most.

Personalization takes this strategy even further. Action-oriented phrases like "Claim your bonus" or "Get free spins now" make notifications more engaging and encourage immediate action.

"InTarget has become a strategic part of our marketing team to develop personalization at scale, strengthen our player relationships, and drive revenue growth. InTarget makes it easy for us to send messages that make money." – Daniel V, Casino Manager

Understanding your audience is key. Sports bettors are drawn to live odds updates and betting opportunities. Casino players are excited by free spins and access to new games. High-rollers? They want VIP treatment, higher limits, and exclusive offers. Tailoring your messaging to these preferences ensures better engagement.

Real-time, personalized bonuses are the ultimate game-changer. For example, sending a player a notification about free spins on their favorite slot or offering a deposit bonus during their usual playing hours can dramatically boost response rates. In fact, this approach has helped InTarget clients achieve an average lifetime value growth of 28%.

Every message should answer one simple question for the player: "What’s in it for me?" Whether it’s early access to a new game, cashback on losses, or exclusive tournament invites, make the benefit crystal clear. Then, use player data to fine-tune your push notifications for maximum impact.

3. Use Player Data for Personalized Messages

Personalization takes your push notifications to the next level, turning generic messages into targeted ones that resonate with individual players. In the iGaming world, players expect messages tailored to their preferences, habits, and gaming patterns. The difference between a message that gets ignored and one that sparks action often lies in how personal it feels.

Tap into player data like recent activity (last game played, bet amounts, win/loss streaks), gaming preferences (favorite slots, sports teams, or table games), transaction history (deposits, withdrawals, bonus usage), and engagement patterns (session duration, frequency, and preferred times). This data lets you craft messages that feel relevant and timely.

For instance, instead of sending the same "Come back and play!" message to all inactive players, segment based on their last activity. A blackjack player on a winning streak might receive: "Ready for another winning hand? Your lucky table is waiting." Meanwhile, a sports bettor who missed their team’s last game could get: "Don’t miss tonight’s game – your Lakers are favored to win!" By connecting player data to actionable insights, you create messages that engage rather than annoy.

Research backs this up: personalized push notifications can boost engagement rates by 259% compared to generic ones. Timing matters too. Use login patterns, game sessions, and even failed login attempts to decide when to send your messages. For example, a player who typically logs in on Friday nights might receive their bonus offer on Thursday evening, not earlier in the week when they’re less likely to act.

RFM segmentation (recency, frequency, monetary value) is another powerful tool for personalization. It helps you reward frequent players with perks like early access to new games or entice dormant high-value players with exclusive win-back bonuses. While using detailed segmentation, always respect player privacy.

Transparency is key. Always get explicit consent for notifications, explain how player data is used, and offer easy opt-out options. Clear communication builds trust, which in turn drives better engagement.

Automation tools like InTarget make this level of personalization scalable. For example, if a player hits a losing streak, the system can send a comfort bonus automatically. On the flip side, a big winner might instantly receive an invite to a higher-stakes game. This kind of automation ensures that insights are turned into timely actions.

Bombarding players with generic messages leads to disengagement. But a single, well-timed, personalized message? That’s how you keep players coming back.

4. Add Urgency Without Appearing Desperate

Once you’ve personalized your messages, the next step is introducing a sense of urgency to encourage immediate action. Creating urgency in push notifications can be highly effective, but it’s a fine line – you want to motivate, not overwhelm. The trick is to make your time-sensitive offers feel genuine and worthwhile, steering clear of any tactics that might seem manipulative.

Urgency taps into FOMO (fear of missing out). Done right, phrases like "Ends Tonight" or "Limited Time Offer" give players a reason to act now. But go overboard with these tactics, and you risk losing their trust. Worse, they might start ignoring your messages – or even opt out entirely. The magic lies in reserving urgent language for legitimate time-sensitive opportunities.

Think about real scenarios where urgency makes sense: expiring bonuses, live tournaments with limited spots, or flash promotions that truly end at a specific time. For example, don’t slap "Last Chance!" on a welcome bonus that’s been running for months. Instead, use it for something that genuinely won’t be available tomorrow.

Pair time pressure with clear benefits. A vague "Hurry up and play!" won’t cut it. Instead, highlight what’s at stake and when it ends. Messages like "Deposit now for 50 free spins – expires at midnight!" or "Join the $1,000 jackpot tournament – only 1 hour left!" are specific and actionable, giving players a clear reason to engage.

Personalization also adds credibility to urgency. For instance, "Your exclusive bonus expires in 30 minutes – don’t miss out!" feels tailored and relevant. On the other hand, a generic "Don’t miss out on this amazing deal!" comes across as spammy and impersonal.

Timing plays a crucial role in urgency. Schedule these notifications when players are most likely to act. For example, sending a midnight deadline message at 2:00 PM gives players time to plan, while sending it at 11:55 PM feels rushed and might frustrate them. By aligning your messages with players’ activity patterns, you make it easier for them to take action.

Don’t overdo it. Bombarding players with multiple "urgent" messages in a single day will only train them to ignore you. Space out time-sensitive offers and keep an eye on opt-out rates to gauge whether your approach is working.

A/B testing can help fine-tune your urgency strategy. Some players respond better to softer nudges like "Ending Soon", while others might need stronger language like "Final Hours". Experiment with different phrases and track which ones drive action without increasing unsubscribe rates.

Tools like InTarget’s automation features can take this a step further. You can set rules to limit how many urgent notifications each player receives per week, ensuring they only get relevant offers. Plus, you can monitor performance metrics to keep refining your strategy over time.

5. Start with Action Verbs

The first word in your push notification sets the tone for the entire message. Using strong action verbs immediately communicates what you want players to do, cutting through distractions with a clear call to action. Placing the action verb at the very beginning ensures it stays visible, even if the message gets truncated. For example, instead of saying, "There’s a new bonus available", go for something like, "Claim your 50 free spins now!"

Action verbs are powerful because they eliminate uncertainty. Words like "Claim", "Play", "Bet", "Win", "Grab", and "Join" make the next step crystal clear, encouraging players to act without hesitation.

It’s important to choose the right verb for the specific action you want. For instance:

• "Claim" works well for bonuses or rewards.
• "Join" fits tournaments or live events.
• "Bet" is perfect for sports betting promotions.
• "Play" suits new game launches or slot promotions.

Tailoring your verbs to the context ensures players immediately understand what they’ll get when they tap the notification.

Different player segments may respond better to specific verbs. High-rollers might react to words like "Unlock" or "Access", while casual players might prefer "Try" or "Discover." Testing different verbs across segments can reveal what resonates most with each audience. Pairing the right verb with the right moment can also amplify its impact. For example, a "Play now" message works best during peak gaming hours, while "Claim your daily bonus" should be timed when players are most likely to log in.

Avoid weak or vague language that waters down your message. Words like "Consider", "Maybe", or "Check out" lack the urgency and clarity needed for push notifications. Similarly, starting with articles like "The" or "A" wastes valuable space and delays your point. Compare these two examples:

• "Claim 100 free spins – expires tonight!"
• "Free spins are available for you to claim tonight!"
  The first grabs attention and drives action, while the second feels less direct.

Steer clear of overly aggressive or generic verbs that might alienate players. Instead, experiment with different options to strike a balance between urgency and relevance. Keep your message concise and clear to build trust and maintain engagement.

Personalizing your action verbs can make them even more effective. For instance, a tournament regular might respond better to "Compete", while a slots enthusiast might prefer "Spin." Using player data and segmentation helps refine these choices, making your notifications feel tailored and relevant.

Finally, automation tools can take your strategy further by analyzing which verbs perform best for different segments. By setting up rules to automatically select the most effective language, you can ensure every notification starts with maximum impact.

6. Adjust Tone Based on Player Journey Stage

When it comes to push notifications, one size does not fit all. To truly connect with your audience, you need to adjust your tone based on where each player is in their journey. Whether they’re new, active, or lapsed, tailoring your messaging can make all the difference.

New players benefit from a friendly, welcoming tone. Think along the lines of: "Welcome to LuckySpin! Your $10 free bet is ready for you." It’s all about making them feel at home and excited to explore.

Active players, on the other hand, respond well to energetic, reward-driven messages. For example: "Hot tip: The Lakers game starts in 2 hours. Place your bet now!" This keeps them engaged and coming back for more.

For lapsed players, a softer approach works best. Acknowledge their absence and tempt them back by highlighting updates or rewards they’ve missed. A message like "We’ve added exciting new features! Come check them out and claim your bonus!" can rekindle interest. Personalizing these re-engagement efforts has been shown to significantly improve retention.

To make this work, segment your audience using behavioral data. Look at factors like how often they log in, their deposit history, favorite games, and how long it’s been since their last activity. This kind of data ensures your messaging hits the right note for each group.

Automation tools are key here. Platforms can handle the heavy lifting by triggering specific message templates for different player segments. Instead of manually creating messages for every scenario, automated rules ensure the tone and content are perfectly aligned with each player’s stage.

Of course, testing is crucial. A/B testing different tones and content for each segment helps you figure out what resonates most. Relying on your own data for continuous improvement is far more effective than sticking to general advice.

"InTarget has become a strategic part of our marketing team to develop personalization at scale, strengthen our player relationships, and drive revenue growth. InTarget makes it easy for us to send messages that make money." – Daniel V, Casino Manager

7. Schedule Based on Player Behavior Patterns

Timing is everything when it comes to push notifications. Sending messages at the right moment can mean the difference between grabbing a player’s attention and having your notification ignored. The secret? Knowing when your audience is most active and ready to engage.

Player activity varies depending on the type of game they enjoy. For example, sports bettors are usually more active in the evenings and on weekends, especially when major games are happening. On the other hand, casino players often log in later at night on weekdays and stay active throughout the weekend. Use your data to understand these patterns and schedule your notifications accordingly.

It’s also smart to send notifications triggered by specific actions. For instance, if a player just made a deposit or scored a big win, that’s a great time to promote a bonus or suggest a related game. After a significant win, players might also be more interested in hearing about upcoming tournaments or similar opportunities.

Automating notifications based on real-time data can save time and improve accuracy. By tracking behaviors like deposits, wins, favorite games, login habits, and session lengths, you can set up rules to automatically send messages at the perfect time – no manual effort required.

Balancing notification frequency with a player’s activity is just as important. If someone logs in five times a week, stick to that frequency for your messages to avoid overwhelming them. Every notification should feel relevant and aligned with their recent actions and preferences.

Don’t forget about time zones, especially if your players are spread across different regions. A message sent at 8:00 PM Eastern Time might interrupt a West Coast player during dinner, reducing its effectiveness. Automating time zone adjustments ensures your notifications land at the right moment for each audience.

Avoid overloading players with too many notifications or ignoring their engagement patterns. Regularly update your behavioral models to reflect changes in habits, and use A/B testing to refine your timing. For example, test whether players respond better at 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM, and adjust your strategy based on the results.

When you send notifications during natural engagement windows, they feel like part of the gaming experience rather than an interruption. This thoughtful timing also lays the groundwork for experimenting with other elements, like visuals and emojis, to further enhance player engagement.

8. Test Emojis for iGaming Audiences

Emojis can bring a splash of visual interest to your push notifications, but in the iGaming world, they need to be used thoughtfully. The wrong emoji can make your message feel unprofessional or even spammy, which could harm your brand’s reputation with players.

Start simple – one emoji per message – and place it where it enhances the message without overwhelming it. In iGaming, emojis are often used to highlight rewards, urgency, or achievements. For example, a star emoji (🌟) can draw attention to daily rewards, while a clock emoji (⏱️) reinforces time-sensitive offers. The key is to keep the message clean and focused.

Let the type of notification guide your emoji choice. Bonus and reward alerts pair well with celebratory emojis like stars or gift boxes, while account updates might call for straightforward symbols like checkmarks or warning icons. For re-engagement messages, consider using game-related emojis that align with your platform’s theme. However, steer clear of overly playful emojis that could undermine the tone of your message.

Different player demographics respond to emojis in unique ways. Younger players often enjoy colorful and expressive emojis, while older audiences may prefer simpler, cleaner notifications. For high-value players, excessive emoji use might come across as unprofessional, so it’s critical to test carefully with this group. Experiment with variations to uncover what resonates most with each segment of your audience.

A/B testing is your best friend when it comes to emoji optimization. Try sending two versions of the same notification – one with an emoji and one without – and see which performs better. Test different emojis, placements, and usage frequencies to find the sweet spot for your audience. Tools like InTarget make this process easier by offering advanced segmentation and real-time tracking, helping you measure emoji effectiveness based on player behaviors and preferences.

Remember, emojis can look different depending on the device. What looks great on an iPhone might appear distorted or off-brand on an Android device. Always preview your notifications on both platforms before hitting send.

Quality over quantity is the golden rule. Overloading your messages with emojis can dilute their impact and even push players to disable notifications. Pay attention to metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates during your tests. If emojis aren’t boosting engagement, stick to text-only messages. With so many notifications competing for attention on a player’s device, your message needs to stand out – but for the right reasons.

9. A/B Test Copy and Track Results

A/B testing takes the guesswork out of crafting effective messages, especially in the competitive iGaming industry. With so many notifications vying for attention on crowded mobile screens, testing different versions of your copy helps you figure out what truly drives players to take action. It’s a way to refine your messages with precision.

Start by testing one element at a time to understand what impacts performance. Headlines are a great place to begin since they’re the first thing players see. For example, compare options like "Claim Your Bonus" and "Get 100 Free Spins" to see which grabs attention and encourages clicks.

Track key metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and opt-out rates. Click-through rates reveal how many players tap on your notification – an indicator of initial interest. Conversion rates show whether players follow through on the desired action, like making a deposit, placing a bet, or claiming a bonus.

"This feature isn’t just about tracking; it’s about empowering your decision-making with real-time data on the profitability of your communications." – InTarget

Segment your audience based on behavior before testing personalized messages. For example, split players into groups like high-frequency bettors and casual players, or segment them by game preferences and betting history. A high-roller might respond well to a message like "Your favorite provider just released 3 new games – play now with 25 free spins", while a casual player might prefer something simpler like "New slots available." By testing these variations, you’ll see how personalization impacts engagement.

Run tests over a full week to capture accurate trends and avoid skewing results from notification fatigue. Make sure to use frequency capping to prevent overwhelming your players.

Pay attention to secondary metrics to ensure long-term engagement. A notification that drives a high number of clicks but increases opt-out rates may not be worth it. Metrics like engagement time – how long players interact with your app after receiving a notification – and transaction-based data, such as deposit confirmations, can provide deeper insights.

"Reporting enables you to monitor the performance and effectiveness of your campaigns. Make your emails be opened, clicked, and with more deposits as a result." – InTarget

Platforms like InTarget make testing easier with features like advanced segmentation and real-time performance tracking tailored for iGaming. You can create personalized notification variants based on player behavior and track how they perform.

Dive into detailed metrics to refine your strategy. Look at how different player segments respond to various messages and analyze the timing of notifications to see when engagement peaks. Make testing a regular part of your workflow – player preferences change, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Recurring tests for key notifications, such as bonus offers or tournament updates, will help keep your messaging relevant and effective.

10. Use InTarget for Automation and Player Insights

Once you’ve nailed down optimized messaging and timing, automation can take your push notification strategy to the next level. Managing notifications manually becomes overwhelming as your player base grows, and that’s where InTarget steps in. It automates message delivery based on real-time player behavior while offering detailed insights to help you create more impactful messages.

InTarget pulls together player data, tracking everything from transaction history and login trends to more specific iGaming metrics like spin counts, win amounts, and favorite game types. This consolidated data allows you to create targeted player segments that align perfectly with the personalized messaging strategies we’ve already covered.

Triggered notifications ensure your messages hit at the right moments. For instance, InTarget can automatically send a custom bonus offer to a player who hasn’t logged in for three days or notify high-value players about new games tailored to their preferences. This kind of timing keeps players engaged without overwhelming them.

What sets InTarget apart is its AI Data Helper, which transforms player data into actionable insights – even if you’re not a data expert. You can ask straightforward questions like, "Which players haven’t made a deposit in the last 10 days?" and get immediate answers based on actual player activity.

"InTarget has become a strategic part of our marketing team to develop personalization at scale, strengthen our player relationships, and drive revenue growth. InTarget makes it easy for us to send messages that make money." – Daniel V, Casino Manager

To top it off, smart frequency management ensures you’re not bombarding players with notifications. The system adjusts the frequency of messages based on individual engagement levels. Plus, detailed reporting tracks conversion metrics specific to iGaming, such as deposit confirmations and revenue generated from each campaign.

InTarget users have reported an average 28% boost in lifetime value. The platform integrates quickly with popular iGaming systems, so you can start seeing results in days instead of weeks. Unlike enterprise-grade tools that require complex setups and hefty budgets, InTarget offers a straightforward pricing model that’s perfect for small to mid-sized operators.

Conclusion

Push notifications have the power to elevate player engagement in the iGaming world. The 10 strategies outlined in this guide – from keeping messages concise to using automation tools effectively – provide a solid starting point for building connections that boost both retention and revenue.

The key is treating push notifications as conversations, not one-way broadcasts. By focusing on what benefits the player, leveraging behavioral data for personalization, and timing messages to align with actual player activity, you create relationships that go beyond a single gaming session.

Every tip shared here builds on the last, helping refine your approach. Testing is a cornerstone of success. A/B testing different message styles, emoji use, and timing can reveal what resonates most with your audience. Since no two player bases are the same, ongoing optimization is essential.

Automation adds another layer of efficiency without losing the personal touch. Tools like InTarget have shown how combining smart segmentation with behavioral triggers can deliver messages at just the right moment, leading to measurable improvements.

While the iGaming industry evolves, player expectations remain steady: they want timely, relevant messages that enhance their experience. By implementing these strategies, you can foster relationships that encourage sustainable growth.

Start with clear, benefit-driven messages and well-timed delivery. As your strategy matures, incorporate advanced personalization and automation to transform push notifications into meaningful invitations to engage. Consistently applying these techniques can help you drive immediate results while laying the groundwork for long-term success.

FAQs

How can I personalize push notifications to engage different player segments in the iGaming industry?

To craft personalized push notifications for various player segments in the iGaming industry, it’s all about understanding your audience. Focus on tailoring messages based on player behavior, preferences, and activity patterns. Using a CRM and marketing automation platform like InTarget can make this process seamless by helping you segment your audience and create messages that truly connect.

With specialized tools for iGaming, you can track details like recent deposits, favorite games, or even periods of inactivity. This insight enables you to send offers, reminders, or updates that feel timely and relevant. By personalizing your approach, you not only increase player engagement but also build stronger loyalty and boost revenue.

How can I create a sense of urgency in push notifications without overwhelming iGaming players?

To create a sense of urgency in push notifications without overwhelming your players, focus on using clear, concise, and actionable language. Phrases like "Limited Time Offer" or "Ends Tonight" work well to prompt immediate action, but be cautious not to overuse them. Repeated exposure can lead to players feeling fatigued or tuning out entirely.

Make your notifications relevant by aligning them with the player’s preferences or recent activity. For instance, you could mention a "special bonus for your favorite game" or a "last chance to grab your free spins today." Personalization like this keeps the messages engaging and meaningful.

Experiment with different strategies to strike the right balance between creating urgency and maintaining user interest. Tools like InTarget can simplify this process by helping you segment players and analyze campaign performance, ensuring your notifications stay effective and well-targeted.

How can I use tools like InTarget to improve my push notification campaigns for iGaming?

You can tap into tools like InTarget, a CRM and marketing automation platform designed specifically for the iGaming industry, to craft push notifications that truly resonate. By using its behavior-focused marketing features, you can segment players based on their actions, preferences, or even periods of inactivity. This ensures your messages hit the right note – personalized and delivered at just the right time.

What sets InTarget apart is its AI assistant, which offers real-time insights. For example, it can pinpoint players who haven’t made a deposit recently or evaluate the success of past campaigns. These insights help you create notifications that re-engage inactive players, spark interest, and ultimately increase revenue. Plus, the platform’s intuitive interface makes it simple to set up, run, and track campaigns – no technical know-how required. It’s a time-saver that lets you focus on strategy while streamlining execution.

Related Blog Posts

• Push Notifications in iGaming: Best Practices for 2024
• Push Notification Laws by Region for iGaming
• Push Notifications for Real-Time Player Engagement
• Personalization Tips for Bonus Push Notifications