Guide for Shopify stores to use eCommerce App Push Notifications to Win Back Customers

In today’s digital age, shopping apps have revolutionized the way consumers interact with brands, finding a permanent place in their minds and smartphones — especially for brands operating a mobile app for Shopify. However, not every app enjoys the same level of engagement and retention.

Surprisingly, a significant number of installed mobile apps do not get opened after the first week or become forgotten over time. This is where the importance of app push notifications to win back customers comes into play.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the complete process of using mobile app push notifications to win back customers. We will dive into best practices, automation tools, and effective strategies that can help businesses create compelling win-back campaigns.

Discover how push notifications can be a powerful tool in re-engaging customers, reducing churn rates, and fostering long-term brand loyalty.

What Are App Push Notifications To Win Back Customers?

App push notifications are messages sent directly to a user’s mobile device, even if they are not currently using the app. They appear as a pop-up or a banner, enticing users to engage, revisit, or take action within the app.

While push notifications are commonly used for promotional purposes, there is a powerful approach that focuses on winning back customers and bolstering customer retention. These types of push notifications are designed with the specific goal of reconnecting with customers who might have become inactive or dormant.

By using app push notifications to win back customers, businesses can reignite interest, re-establish engagement, and re-capture the attention of users who may have drifted away. This approach recognizes the value of customer retention and aims to re-establish a valuable connection with these customers.

Why Is Customer Win-Back Strategy Important?

While acquiring new customers is undoubtedly essential to a business’s success, it’s equally crucial to retain and re-engage with existing ones. Customer win-back strategy or customer retention should be part of every business’s strategy, whether they are in the e-commerce industry or have mobile apps.

Here are several reasons why –

• Cost-Effective: With customer retention, businesses can focus on driving repeat business and building long-term relationships, which often proves more cost-effective than acquiring new customers through advertising or promotional efforts.
• Increased Revenue: Retaining customers can increase revenue streams by providing a steady stream of business from loyal customers who are likely to make repeat purchases and refer others.
• Strengthen Brand Loyalty: By focusing on customer retention, businesses can strengthen their brand loyalty, which is crucial for fostering a sense of connection and community between the brand and its customers.
• Better Customer Experience: Customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that provides personalized, relevant, and engaging experiences, improving customer satisfaction.
• Reduce Customer Churn: A win-back strategy can reduce customer churn, the rate at which customers stop using products or services. A high churn rate can be detrimental to revenue and can signal underlying issues in the business model.

For mobile apps, a customer win-back strategy is even more important. Disengaged users can eventually churn or delete the app, resulting in lost revenue and a dip in the app’s user base. Re-acquiring them can be a costly affair. Hence, a win-back strategy can re-establish engagement and re-capture the attention of users who may have drifted away, making it cost-effective and beneficial in the long run.

It’s essential for businesses to understand the value of building customer loyalty and providing a quality user experience. Customer retention should be viewed as a critical component of any business strategy, and a proactive approach to win-back disengaged customers can work wonders for overall business success and maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded market.

How To Use Mobile App Push Notifications To Win Back Customers?

To effectively win back disengaged customers, businesses can leverage mobile app push notifications strategically. Here are some specific ways to utilize push notifications and regain the attention and loyalty of your customers –

1. Send a miss-you message if you see inactivity for a week

When customers have been inactive in your app for a certain period of time, it’s an ideal opportunity to send a personalized and friendly “miss-you” message. This notification serves as a gentle reminder, expressing that you value their engagement and want to reignite their interest. It, in turn, prompts them to revisit the app.

Examples of such app push notifications –

• “We’ve missed you! 👋🏼💔 Come back and discover what’s new!”
• “It’s been a while! We’re here with something special just for you!

2. Seek customer feedback

Engaging with customers through push notifications to gather feedback is another effective win-back strategy. By asking for their opinion or suggestions, you demonstrate that their voice matters and that you are committed to improving their experience. Thus, this approach not only re-engages customers but also helps in identifying areas for improvement and addressing any concerns they may have.

Examples of such automated app push notifications –

• “We want to hear from you! Share your feedback and help us serve you better 📣✨”
• “Your opinion matters! Take a quick survey and get a chance to win exciting rewards 🎁📝”

3. Send product recommendations based on previous activity in the app

Personalized product recommendations can rekindle the interest of disengaged customers. By leveraging data on their browsing history, purchases, or preferences, businesses can deliver tailored recommendations that align with the customer’s interests and preferences. This approach not only reminds customers of the app’s value but also enhances their shopping experience by providing relevant suggestions.

Examples of such notifications to win back app customers –

• “We found something just for you! Explore now and find your perfect match 🫶”
• “Discover more of what you love! Here are some handpicked recommendations just for you 🎁🔍”

4. Promote your latest discount

Offering exclusive discounts or promotions through push notifications can motivate customers to return to your app. Notify them of ongoing sales, limited-time offers, or special events. By sending targeted push notifications about exclusive discounts and deals, businesses can capture the attention of customers who may have been inactive for a while. This approach not only creates a sense of urgency but also incentivizes customers to revisit the app and make a purchase.

Examples of such app push notifications –

• “Don’t miss out! get [x]% off on our latest collection. Shop now and save big! 💸🎉”
• “Exclusive app offer! enjoy [x]% discount on all orders today. Grab the deal before it’s gone! 💥🛍️”
• “Flash Sale Alert! Enjoy 30% off all items for the next 24 hours. Hurry, limited stock! 👯”

5. Offer shopping assistance

Sometimes, customers may become disengaged because they are unsure how to navigate the app or make a purchase. You provide reassurance and guidance by informing them about in-app chat support or customer service options. This approach not only demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service but also helps re-engage customers by offering them guidance and support.

Examples of such automated app push notifications –

• “Need help finding the perfect product? Our experts are here to assist you. Chat with us now for personalized recommendations! 🛍️💬”
• “We’re here to make your shopping experience exceptional! Let us assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for. How can we help today? 🎁✨”

6. Provide an incentive

To entice customers to return, offering incentives like free shipping, discounts, or rewards can be highly effective. Push notifications can highlight these incentives, reinforcing the value of re-engaging.

Examples of such push notifications strategy for customer retention –

• “Welcome back! We’ve missed you. Enjoy [x]% off your next purchase as a thank-you for your loyalty. Shop now and save! 💙💰”
• “It’s time for something special! Unlock a free gift with your next order. Hurry, the offer expires in 24 hours! 🎁✨”

By implementing these strategies and customizing your push notifications accordingly, you can maximize the chances of winning back disengaged customers. Remember, personalization, relevant content, and providing value are key to successful customer re-engagement.

Don’t Let Disengaged Customers Slip Through The Cracks: Best Practices for Customer Win-Back Strategy

Implementing an effective customer win-back strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to consider –

• Automate it: Automation plays a crucial role in streamlining the win-back process. If you have built your app using Shopney, you can automate the task of sending personalized and timely win-back messages to disengaged customers. This helps save time and effort while ensuring that customers receive targeted and relevant notifications, increasing the chances of re-engagement.

With Shopney’s app push notifications, you can –

• Deliver your brand message to where your customer’s attention is during the entire day with push notifications!
• Get 3x more results than your email marketing campaigns with free and unlimited rich push notifications.
• Instantly retarget your customers again to promote your products or campaigns to save on your marketing ad spend!
• Segment your customers by leveraging Klaviyo integration, and send your messaged to right customers at the right time!

• Use Other Channels in Tandem: Not all customers may have push notifications enabled or prefer communication through the app alone. Utilizing various communication channels, such as email marketing, social media, or SMS, in conjunction with app push notifications can give businesses a higher chance of reaching and re-engaging disengaged customers. Adopting an omnichannel approach ensures that customers receive consistent messages across multiple platforms, increasing the visibility and effectiveness of the win-back efforts.
• Don’t Spam: While it’s crucial to initiate contact with disengaged customers, bombarding them with excessive notifications or emails can have a detrimental effect. Customers are more likely to churn if they feel overwhelmed or annoyed by constant messages. Instead, strike a balance by sending relevant and targeted content at reasonable intervals. Personalization is key – consider factors such as the customer’s previous interactions, purchase history, and preferences to tailor win-back messages and offers appropriately.

Remember, a well-executed customer win-back strategy focuses on providing value, re-establishing relationships, and creating compelling reasons for customers to return. With the right tools and practices in place, businesses can successfully win back customers, reduce churn, and foster long-lasting customer loyalty.

Want To Explore The Full Potential Of Using Mobile App Push Notifications To Win Back Customers?

It’s vital to understand that disengaged customers may not have intentionally abandoned your app; they may simply have become distracted by the multitude of other shopping apps available to them. As a result, it’s crucial to implement a proactive push notifications strategy to remind them of the value your app provides and recapture their attention.

As you embark on your journey to win back customers, consider partnering with tools such as Shopney, which can streamline and automate the win-back process. With Shopney, you can easily schedule and send targeted push notifications, ensuring that your win-back efforts are efficient and effective.

Remember, each disengaged customer represents an opportunity to reignite their interest and strengthen your relationship. With the right strategy, personalized content, and the help of tools like Shopney, you can successfully win back customers and drive your business toward sustained growth and success.

To explore the full potential of using mobile app push notifications to win back customers, book a demo Shopney today. Take advantage of this powerful tool to re-engage customers, reduce churn, and foster long-term brand loyalty.