Walmart

I’ve only had Walmart’s app for a few months yet in that time I’ve received several push notifications to advertise seasonal sales.

As the messages come at a rate of less than once a month they aren’t annoying or spammy, and I’m quite happy to be kept informed of when Walmart is offering a discount on its normal prices.

                      

Asda

Asda is owned by Walmart, so it’s perhaps not surprising that they both use push notifications.

Even so, Asda stole a march on its competitors by sending a message just before Christmas to inform users of its click-and-collect service.

Click-and-collect is hugely popular in the UK, with an Econsultancy survey showing that 45% of UK online shoppers used the service over the Christmas period.

               

This example shows that push notifications aren’t only useful for advertising sales or discounts. Asda used its app to remind customers that there was still time to buy online before Christmas, which no doubt helped to capture a few additional sales. 

The Rolling Stones

The most impressive use of push notifications comes from the world’s greatest rock’n’roll band, who I’ve previously praised for having an excellent social media strategy.

Even when the band aren’t on tour or promoting new music releases The Rolling Stones’ app sends out frequent push notifications, and as I’m slightly obsessed with the band it’s always a joy to receive one.

For example, last year I received a message to tell me it was Keith Richards’ birthday, while another one let me know that the app now contained a new video of the band performing ‘Miss You’.

                      

Other examples have included tour announcements, fan votes and a video of Mick Jagger sending me season’s greetings.

Also, when the Stones announced their latest tour of the Middle East, Asia and Australia, users were sent a series of notifications and a video giving information about the tour dates.

                      

It’s a great way of keeping fans engaged with the band and making sure that people return to the app from time-to-time.

I really can’t understand why more retailers don’t make use of push notifications as a way of driving traffic and sales.