Push Notifications or Text Messaging? Expanding Your Mobile Messaging Reach to Your Chamber

Push notifications and text messaging are both great mobile messaging options for your Chamber staff, but there are key differences in how they should be used to reach your members or community.

What are push notifications?

Push notifications are short messages sent by a mobile app that alert app users of any updates, offers, or reminders. These notifications can be sent even if the person isn’t actively using the app, but the app needs to be downloaded in order to receive them.

Text messages vs. push notifications

Text messages are also short messages, but they are sent from one smartphone to another smartphone using the mobile user’s phone number. Text messaging can offer a wider membership reach than push notifications.

Which mobile messaging system is best?

The best messaging system is one that is most effective. Some people prefer to receive text updates while others won’t. As a Chamber, it’s important to allow members to select the best way to contact them. 

A mobile app requires that the mobile user download your app, and then accept the invitation to receive push notifications. Members who don’t own a smartphone or haven’t downloaded your app won’t see your messages. Text messages allow anyone with a mobile phone to receive your message, regardless of the type of phone or cell service they might have. They don’t have to opt-in or download anything; they simply let your Chamber members know they would like to receive promotional or informational texts.

Mobile messaging can build engagement and interest in your Chamber, and it’s important the messages are relevant.

Less is more.

If you send out too many messages too often, you run the risk of pestering people who then unsubscribe to your messages or uninstall your app. One or two text messages per week are often plenty, experts say. Don’t overdo it.

The best member mobile apps will allow your staff to send push notifications to members who opt-in to these notifications, whether to receive hot deals or new member updates.

The right member management system will allow you to offer these communication options to your members.

Download Why Mobile Matters to learn how mobile app technology can benefit your Chamber of Commerce.