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On-Site vs Push notification

On-Site vs. Push Notifications: Everything Marketers Need to Know

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On-Site Notifications vs. Push Notifications

Sarah, a dedicated marketer for an eCommerce brand, had a problem. Her website was getting a steady stream of visitors, but they weren’t converting into loyal customers. Some browsed for a few minutes and left, others added items to their cart and never returned. She was stuck wondering how to keep her audience engaged.

That’s when she stumbled upon two powerful tools: on-site notifications and push notifications. Both promised better engagement, but Sarah needed to figure out which one to use—or if she could use both.

By testing them strategically, she unlocked a way to boost her conversions and re-engage her audience effortlessly.

If you’ve ever faced the same dilemma as Sarah, this guide will help you understand what on-site and push notifications are, when to use each, and how they can work together to create a seamless marketing strategy.

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What are On-Site Notifications?

On-site notifications are messages displayed directly on your website or app while users are actively browsing. They’re designed to provide real-time engagement and guide users toward desired actions.

Types of On-Site Notifications (with Examples)

  1. Promotional Popups
    • Example: “Get 20% off your first order! Use code WELCOME20.”
      Best For: Highlighting offers or discounts to new users.
  2. Cart Reminders
    • Example: “Don’t forget your cart! Checkout now and save 10%.”
      Best For: Recovering abandoned carts during user sessions.
  3. Social Proof Nudges
    • Example: “Anna from New York just purchased this product!”
      Best For: Building trust and creating urgency through real-time activity.
  4. Exit-Intent Popups
    • Example: “Wait! Here’s 10% off your first order—don’t miss out.”
      Best For: Catching users who are about to leave without converting.
  5. Live Chat Prompts
    • Example: “Need help? Chat with us for quick assistance!”
      Best For: Offering support on product pages or during checkout.
  6. Event Announcements
    • Example: “Join our live webinar starting in 10 minutes!”
      Best For: Promoting live events or time-sensitive activities.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

  • Real-time engagement ensures users act during their session.
  • No opt-in required—available to all users on-site.
  • Highly contextual, targeting specific behaviors.

Limitations:

  • Only effective while users are on the site.
  • Can frustrate users if overused or irrelevant.

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What are Push Notifications?

Push notifications are alerts sent directly to a user’s device—either through their browser or mobile app. These messages work even when users are not actively on your site or app, making them a great tool for re-engagement.

Types of Push Notifications (with Examples)

  1. Browser Push Notifications
    • Example: “Flash Sale! Get 30% off today only. Shop now!”
      Best For: Reaching web users who have opted in, even without an app.
  2. Mobile Push Notifications
    • Example: “Your order has shipped! Track it here.”
      Best For: Keeping app users informed about their orders or updates.
  3. Cart Abandonment Reminders
    • Example: “Still thinking about these? Your cart is waiting!”
      Best For: Re-engaging users who didn’t complete their purchase.
  4. Time-Sensitive Alerts
    • Example: “Only 2 hours left for our end-of-season sale!”
      Best For: Driving urgency to boost conversions.
  5. Personalized Recommendations
    • Example: “Based on your recent views, you’ll love this product.”
      Best For: Suggesting related or complementary items.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

  • Reach users even when they’re not on your platform.
  • High personalization and timing potential.
  • Boosts re-engagement and drives users back to your site or app.

Limitations:

  • Requires opt-in, limiting the initial audience size.
  • Can feel intrusive if not used thoughtfully.

On-Site Notifications vs. Push Notifications: When to Use Each

When to Use On-Site Notifications

  • Engage Active Users: Interact with users already browsing your site or app to guide them toward desired actions.
  • Promote Real-Time Offers: Highlight flash sales or discounts, like a popup saying, “Limited time: 20% off ends in 2 hours!”
  • Leverage Social Proof: Build trust with notifications like, “15 people are viewing this item right now” or “Anna from New York just purchased this product.” These create urgency and encourage action.
  • Provide Instant Assistance: Offer help through live chat prompts or support notifications, such as, “Need help deciding? Chat with us now.”
  • Collect Feedback: Use timely surveys or polls, such as, “Rate your experience with our site today” or “What product features would you like to see?”

When to Use Push Notifications

  • Re-Engage Inactive Users: Bring users back to your site or app with personalized reminders like, “Still thinking about that item? It’s waiting for you!”
  • Send Timely Updates: Notify users about order statuses, shipping updates, or upcoming events, such as, “Your package is on the way! Track it here.”
  • Create Urgency: Drive action with time-sensitive alerts, such as, “Hurry! Only 2 hours left to claim your 30% discount.”
  • Personalized Recommendations: Share tailored content based on user preferences, like, “We’ve got new arrivals you might love!”

Integrating Both for Maximum Impact

Instead of choosing between the two, marketers can use on-site and push notifications together for a seamless user experience.

Example Strategy:

  1. On-Site Notification: A user sees a banner announcing a 20% discount during their session.
  2. Browser Push Notification: If the user leaves without purchasing, they get a reminder: “Don’t miss your 20% off—only 12 hours left!”
  3. Mobile Push Notification: App users receive a personalized message: “Exclusive deal for app users—get free shipping today!”

Pros and Cons of On-Site Notifications

 

Pros
  • Perfect for real-time engagement during active sessions.
  • No opt-in required—reaches all visitors.
  • Perfect for real-time promotions, like discounts or limited-time offers.
  • Immediate impact—encourages users to take action on the spot..
  • Less intrusive for users already on your site.
Cons
  • Limited to active users; no reach after they leave.
  • Overuse can disrupt the browsing experience.
  • Requires design and setup to blend seamlessly into your website.
  • Not suitable for long-term follow-ups or re-engagement.

 

Pros and Cons of Push Notifications

 

Pros
  • Reach users anywhere, even if they’re not on your site or app.
  • Effective for re-engagement, like cart abandonment or personalized offers.
  • Works on both browsers and mobile apps, offering versatility.
  •  Can be highly personalized based on user preferences and behaviors.
Cons
  • Requires opt-in, which limits the number of users you can reach.
  • Overuse or irrelevant notifications can lead to user opt-outs.
  • Timing needs to be managed carefully to avoid interrupting users.
  • Maintenance of an effective notification strategy requires effort.

Best Practices for Notifications

For On-Site Notifications

  • Keep it Relevant: Tailor notifications to match the user’s activity and behavior on your website. For example, show a cart reminder only if they’ve added items but haven’t checked out.
  • Limit Frequency: Avoid bombarding users with multiple notifications during a single session. Use only what’s necessary to enhance their experience.
  • Focus on Timing: Display messages at the right moment, such as offering discounts when users are about to leave (exit-intent popups).
  • Design for Clarity: Use clean, non-intrusive designs that don’t block the user’s view or disrupt navigation.
  • Test and Optimize: A/B test different types of on-site notifications to identify which ones drive the best engagement.

For Push Notifications

  • Personalize the Content: Use the user’s name, preferences, or past behavior to craft messages that feel tailored. For example, “Hi John, your favorite item is back in stock!”
  • Time It Right: Schedule notifications when your audience is most active. For instance, send promotional updates during lunch breaks or evenings for better engagement.
  • Keep It Short and Actionable: Use concise, compelling language with a clear call to action, such as “Shop Now” or “Claim Your Deal.”
  • Respect Opt-Outs: Always provide an easy way for users to opt out, and avoid sending notifications to those who have opted out.
  • Monitor Performance: Track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to refine your push notification strategy.

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How to Choose the Right on site & push notificationTools

For On-Site Notifications

When selecting a tool for on-site notifications, consider the following:

  • Social Proof and FOMO Features: Tools like WiserNotify excel in showcasing real-time social proof and creating urgency through FOMO widgets. This is essential for building trust and driving conversions.
  • Customization Options: Look for tools that allow you to fully customize notifications to match your brand’s style and tone.
  • Ease of Integration: Ensure the tool integrates seamlessly with your existing platforms like CRM, email marketing, or eCommerce solutions.
  • Targeting Capabilities: Advanced targeting ensures that your notifications reach the right users at the right time, improving effectiveness.
  • Real-Time Updates: Tools that offer dynamic, real-time updates make notifications more accurate and credible.

For Push Notifications

For push notifications, prioritize tools that offer:

  • Cross-Platform Support: Ensure the tool supports both mobile and browser notifications for maximum reach. Tools like OneSignal are great options.
  • Personalization and Automation: Choose tools with segmentation and automation capabilities to deliver personalized, timely messages.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Look for detailed analytics to track engagement metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates.
  • Ease of Use: Tools with an intuitive interface will make it easier to set up and manage campaigns, especially for small teams.
  • Scalability: Ensure the tool can grow with your business, whether you’re handling a few hundred users or millions.

By focusing on these features, you can choose the tools that best align with your goals and maximize the impact of your notification strategy.

Picture of Krunal Vaghasiya
Krunal Vaghasiya
Krunal Vaghasiya is a marketing tech expert who boosts e-commerce conversion rates with automated social proof and FOMO strategies. He loves to keep posting insightful posts on online marketing software, marketing automations, and improving conversion rates.
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