Push Notifications that Convert: What to Send (and When)
The easiest way to grow your app isn’t always finding new users. It’s getting the ones you already have to come back. It’s easy to get caught up chasing new subscribers and forget about your most valuable group of all: the people who’ve already signed up and want to be there. These users are your core community, and engaging them is absolutely vital for long-term app growth. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do that? Push notifications.
Push notifications are your direct line to your users, helping them stay motivated, feel supported, and wanting to keep coming back for more. When done right, they’re not just reminders, they’re relationship-builders that can activate your community, boost retention and increase revenue. The key? Sending the right message, to the right person, at the right time.
What are push notifications?
Push notifications are short messages or alerts sent directly to a user’s device from an app or website. They’re triggered by the app owner (like you!) to share updates, reminders, or promotions. They “pop up” on a phone lock screen or notification centre, even when the app isn’t open.
Why push notifications matter for app growth
Here’s what push notifications can do for your app:
Send motivating workout reminders to boost engagement.
Announce new classes, challenges, recipes and content as it drops.
Boost live class attendance by reminding users as a live workout starts.
Share quick, actionable wellness tips to add value to your users.
Reconnect with inactive users.
Build personal connection:: Celebrate wins, encourage rest, or simply send a thoughtful nudge when your users need it most.
These aren’t just nice-to-have moments, they’re essential for building long-term loyalty and sustainable growth. Because if your users aren’t engaging, they won’t stick around, and if they don’t stick around, no amount of new subscribers will make up for that churn. The goal? Keep the people who’ve already said “yes” coming back engaged, supported, and happy on their journey.
The golden rule: make it feel personal (even if it's automated)
Before you hit send, ask yourself: “Would I want to receive this notification?” If it feels generic, pushy, or irrelevant, it’s time to tweak it. Your goal? Make the message feel like it’s coming from a coach who truly gets them. The message should be helpful, timely, and supportive. That’s the energy your users will love.
What to send (with examples!)
Here are the top engaging push notifications , and when to use them for maximum impact.
1. The Daily Nudge
Example:
“Time to move! Your 20-min HIIT session is ready to go 💪🏼 Let’s make it count.”
or
“Reminder: Your daily meditation is waiting 🎧”
When to use it:
Send once a day or a few times per week, ideally in the morning when users are planning their day. You can time it based on when your community typically trains or checks in.
Why it works:
This type of notification builds routine. It’s clear, specific, and action-oriented, which helps users show up without overthinking. A well-timed nudge like this becomes something your users can rely on to stay consistent.
2. The Challenge Check-in
Example:
"Day 3 is usually the toughest - don’t stop now! Your strength workout is waiting. You’ve got this 🙌"
When to send it:
Midway through a challenge, or on common drop-off days. You can also send daily challenge messages to keep people excited, engaged, and hyped throughout the journey.
Why it works:
It anticipates the user's dip in motivation, offers timely encouragement, and reinforces their progress so far. These nudges help users push through sticking points and stay committed.
3. The New Class Alert
Example:
"New class just dropped: 30-min Mindful Flow to reset your energy. Tap to roll out your mat 🧘🏻♀️"
When to send it:
Any time you release new content, whether that’s a workout, meditation, recipe, or resource. Weekly drops? Monthly? Push it out when it goes live!
Why it works:
It builds anticipation and excitement, letting users know that there’s something new waiting for them. These alerts drive clicks and increase content visibility.
4. The Win Celebration
Example:
"You did it! 🎉 You completed the Summer Sweat Challenge! That’s serious commitment. You should be proud!"
When to send it:
Right after a user finishes a streak, or hits a milestone, like the end of a challenge.
Why it works:
Celebrating wins reinforces positive habits. It makes users feel proud, supported, and more likely to keep going and wanting to come back. A little recognition goes a long way.
5. The Re-Engager
Example:
"Hey, we miss you! Come back for a quick 10-min stretch to ease back in 🧘"
When to send it:
When a user hasn’t opened the app in 5–7 days. This nudge is perfect for re-activating users without guilt or pressure.
Why it works:
It’s a low-pressure, friendly reminder that lowers the barrier to re-entry. Offering something short and manageable helps users feel like it’s easy to get back on track.
How often should you send push notifications?
The sweet spot? 2–4 times per week. That’s enough to stay top of mind without overwhelming your users. If you’re running a challenge or a special event, daily notifications can work too, just make sure they’re timely, relevant, and genuinely motivating.
Final thought: you’re not bugging people, you’re helping them
If your message is genuine, timely, and helpful, people want to hear from you. Push notifications are just another way you get to coach, inspire, and connect, beyond the screen. So go ahead: schedule that nudge, hype your new class, and remind someone they’re doing great. Because when you show up for your people, they’ll keep showing up for themselves, and for your app.