# Getting started with push notifications

Push notifications are a powerful communication tool that delivers instant, personalized messages directly to users' devices, attracting their attention and inviting real-time interaction.

You can use push notifications independently or in combination with other channels like email, in-app messages, SMS, or WhatsApp.

## What can you do with push notifications?

**Boost sales and conversions**
- Send [personalized notifications](/product/how-to-guides/how-to-send-a-personalized-message/) based on product views or purchase behavior, offering tailored recommendations, promotions, or discounts.
- Implement abandoned cart reminders to nudge users into completing their purchases.

**Increase user engagement and retention**
- Send timely updates about new features, content, or personalized recommendations.
- Notify users about achievements, challenges, or rewards to keep them engaged.

**Strengthen brand loyalty**
- Share informative content beyond promotions—industry news, tips, or educational materials.
- [Celebrate user milestones](/product/how-to-guides/lifecycle-marketing-campaigns/how-to-create-anniversary-campaigns/) (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries) with personalized notifications.

## Prerequisites for sending push notifications

<Aside type="caution" icon="setting" title="Developer assistance needed"> 
You’ll need assistance from your developer team for these steps. Share the links below with them to get started. 
</Aside>


To send push notifications using Pushwoosh, you need to complete the following steps:  

<Steps>

1. **Configure your project**

   Set up platforms (iOS, Android, Web, etc.) for push notifications. [Learn more](/product/first-steps/start-with-your-project/configure-platforms/)

2. **Embed the Pushwoosh SDK**

   Integrate the Pushwoosh SDK into your app or website. [Learn more](/developer/pushwoosh-sdk/pushwoosh-sdk-overview/)

3. **Start subscribing users**  

   [Learn more](/product/first-steps/start-with-your-project/subscribe-users)

</Steps>

## Create push content 
Craft compelling push notifications that capture user attention and drive engagement. Ensure your messages are clear, relevant, and personalized for maximum impact.
<LinkCard title="Learn more about creating push content" href="/product/content/push-presets/" />

### Personalize push notifications for better engagement
Enhance user experience by sending personalized push notifications tailored to user behavior and preferences.
<LinkCard title="Learn more about how to send a personalized push" href="/product/how-to-guides/how-to-send-a-personalized-message/how-to-send-a-personalized-push-notification/" />

## Send push notifications

Once your setup is complete, you can send push notifications in several ways. Some options require additional developer configuration.

- **[One-time push](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/one-time-push/)**: Send a single notification to your audience.
- **[One-time push via Customer Journey](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/one-time-push-via-customer-journey/)**: Send a one-time push from a Customer Journey.
- **[Recurring push](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/autopushes/)**: Automate messages at regular intervals.
- **[Scheduled push](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/scheduled-push/)**: Predefine a specific time to send notifications.
- **[Targeted push](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/targeted-push/)**: Send push messages based on user segmentation.
- **[Push to all user devices](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/send-push-notifications/push-by-user-id/)**: Send notifications to all devices associated with a User ID.

<Aside type="caution" icon="setting" title="Developer assistance needed">
Push to all user devices and some other options require additional configuration. Share the links above with your development team for setup details.
</Aside>

## Subscription prompt

Implement a prompt in your app to request user permission for push notifications.

- **[Subscription prompt](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/subscription-prompt/)**: Overview and options.
- **[Default widget](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/subscription-prompt/default-widget/)**: Use the default widget to trigger the native subscription prompt.

<Aside type="caution" icon="setting" title="Developer assistance needed">
Requires developer assistance. Share these links with your team.
</Aside>

## Advanced push features

Extend push notifications with silent delivery, interactive buttons, deep links, custom data, and iOS-specific features. Each link below covers setup and configuration.

<Aside type="caution" icon="setting" title="Developer assistance needed">
Some of these features require additional developer setup. Share the links below with your team.
</Aside>

- **[Silent push notifications](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/advanced-push-features/silent-push-notifications/)**: Deliver push messages without user-visible alerts.
- **[iOS interactive push](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/advanced-push-features/ios-interactive-push/)**: Add actionable buttons to iOS push notifications.
- **[Deep links](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/advanced-push-features/deep-linking/)**: Direct users to specific in-app screens when they tap a notification.
- **[Using custom data](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/advanced-push-features/using-custom-data/)**: Pass custom data in push payloads to personalize experiences.
- **[iOS Live Activities](/developer/pushwoosh-sdk/ios-sdk/ios-live-activities)**: Display real-time updates on the iPhone or iPad Lock Screen and Dynamic Island.
- **[iOS custom foreground push](/developer/pushwoosh-sdk/ios-sdk/ios-custom-foreground-push-notification)**: Display custom in-app notifications with animated banners, haptic feedback, and Liquid Glass effects when the app is in the foreground.

## Geo campaigns

Reach users when they are near relevant places and control message frequency to avoid sending too often.

- **[Geo campaigns](/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/geo-based-push/)**: Learn how location-based triggers work and how to set up geozones and clusters.

## Track and analyze push notification performance
Pushwoosh provides comprehensive analytics to help you measure push notification effectiveness and optimize your messaging strategy.

- **Per push statistics**: Track delivery rates, open rates, and user interactions.
  [Learn more](/product/statistics-and-analytics/messaging-statistics/push-notification-statistics)

- **Campaign-level insights**: Analyze push notification performance within Customer Journeys alongside emails, in-app messages, and SMS interactions.
  [Learn more](/product/statistics-and-analytics/journey-statistics/overall-journey-statistics/#communications)

## Manage your push subscriber base

Keep your push campaigns efficient by regularly removing inactive or invalid push tokens.

<LinkCard title="Learn more about managing your push subscriber base" href="/product/messaging-channels/push-notifications/manage-push-subscriber-base/" />