How to send push notifications – using emoticons and special characters – effectively

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We live in an era where users’ attention spans are increasingly short and fragmented. In this context, how can we ensure that our messages are not only read but also understood and remembered? When using tools like the virtual notice board of BookyWay, every word, space, and symbol must be optimized to capture users’ interest.

But what’s the secret to turning a simple communication into a truly effective message?

The importance of first impressions: formatting to grab attention

When users open the BookyWay app, one of the first things they see is the virtual notice board. That space is essential for service, promotional, or informational communications, but for it to be truly effective, it must be clear, readable, and well-structured. Sending push notifications directly to the user further amplifies the visibility of these messages, allowing you to reach customers even when the app is closed.

If this message is then turned into a push notification, which is received by your customers even when the app is closed and the phone is on standby—a communication that is far more visible than any email—the graphic quality of the communication becomes even more important.

Good formatting is like a well-organized storefront: it catches the eye, encourages further reading, and facilitates understanding. Despite the importance of the content, poorly formatted messages risk being ignored or, worse, misunderstood. Here are some key points to consider to improve the visual and communicative impact of your messages:

  • Concise and divided text: Blocks of text that are too long or dense can discourage reading. Breaking the text into short paragraphs makes communication easier to digest.
  • Spacing: Leave blank spaces between sections of text. This “visual breathing room” helps prevent eye strain and maintains attention.
  • Visual hierarchy: Use headings, subheadings, and paragraphs with different styles to create a clear visual structure. This way, the user will immediately know where to find the most important information.

A concrete example? If you’re announcing an upcoming event, highlight the date and time right away. Use a slightly larger font for the title and leave space around the main information to give it more emphasis.

Emoticons: a matter of balance  😊👍

Emoticons are now part of everyday language. When used correctly, these small images can bring your messages to life and make them more human and engaging. But it’s essential to know how to use them in moderation, especially when deciding to send push notifications.

In formal or service communications, the use of emoticons must be balanced. Here are some strategic uses:

Avoid excess: Even if tempting, don’t overload the message with emoticons. Too many colorful icons can be confusing and distract from the main content. Ideally, limit yourself to a couple of well-chosen emoticons to emphasize key points.

Visual attraction: Adding a smiley face 😊 or a relevant icon 🔔 next to key information can draw the user’s eye to that point.

Emotional reinforcement: Emoticons can convey the tone of the message. A phrase like “Don’t miss our special promotion! 🎉” can seem more enthusiastic and inviting than the version without emoticons.

Special characters: adding emphasis without losing readability ✨

In addition to emoticons, special characters and various typographies (like bold, italics, or underlined text) can be powerful communication tools. When deciding to send push notifications, using these tools correctly becomes even more important for immediately capturing the user’s attention.

  • Bolded keywords: Highlighting one or two words in a message can help the user focus on the most important elements. For example: “Remember, the promotion ends on September 30th!”
  • Strategic use of special characters: A touch of elegance can be added through decorative characters or stylized capitals, but it’s important not to overdo it. Over-stylized text can become difficult to read.

Online conversion tools allow you to generate texts with standout custom fonts, but use them sparingly: too many fancy characters can tire the eyes and reduce the professionalism of your message.

How to create special characters for push notifications?

Using special characters can make your push notifications more engaging and stand out. There are several websites that allow you to easily create and copy unique fonts, text styles, and symbols to enhance your messages.

We recommend exploring the following resources:

  • YayText – A versatile platform that lets you transform text into various custom styles.
  • Piliapp Fonts – Perfect for generating special characters, symbols, and styles often used on social media.

Simply copy and paste the selected characters directly into your push notification on BookyWay.

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Send push notifications: where content meets timing

Unlike the virtual notice board, push notifications are an even more powerful tool for reaching your audience. An email can go unnoticed or be forgotten in the inbox, while sending push notifications directly to the user’s smartphone ensures immediate visibility, even when the app is closed or the phone is on standby.

📊 A crucial fact: The visibility of a push notification is far greater than that of an email. However, here too, the content must be concise and well-structured. You only have a few characters to grab attention and prompt action, so it’s essential to create short but persuasive texts.

  • Clear and direct title: The initial part of the message must be explanatory, like “Last call for tomorrow’s class!”
  • Clarity and urgency: Push notifications are perfect for communicating limited-time promotions or deadlines. Using words that convey urgency, such as “Now” or “Last day,” can push the user to act.

Remember, you can send push notifications up to twice a day, so choose wisely the moments and content to promote. Then, analyze the reports to understand which notifications have been delivered and adjust your future communications based on that data.

How do BookyWay push notifications work?

What you write on the virtual notice board of BookyWay will be seen in real-time by all users on the homepage of their App.

If the communication is particularly important, you can turn it into a push notification: simply click on the “Send Message” button, and the push will be delivered even if the app is closed or the phone is in standby mode. You can send up to two push notifications per day.

BookyWay also provides detailed reports on the notifications that were actually delivered.

To learn more, watch the push notifications tutorial HERE.

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Wrapping up with a look to the future

Formatting and the graphic design of the message are just part of the equation. In upcoming articles, we will delve into the content of the messages and their ideal length. Good formatting is useless if the message is confusing or too long. On the other hand, clear, concise, and well-structured content can really make a difference.

Making communications through BookyWay more effective isn’t just a matter of design, but of strategy. Sending push notifications that are well-crafted can significantly enhance user experience and loyalty.


September 20th, 2024,