Best Practices and Templates for Push Notifications

Our Tips on Using Push Notifications in your Marketing and Communications Strategy

Best Practices

• Create an email account for your program to funnel questions to; this account can be passed down to Graduate Assistants, student workers, etc.
• Introduce Suitable to new students during orientation (you can include a QR Code to download the app on flyers or in slide decks!)
• Build a web page that provides more information on what the program is and what it’s value proposition to students is 
• If your program is required, host drop-in office hours for students

Marketing Timeline

1. Start with a kickoff email
   1. This should always include instructions on how to download the mobile app and log in on the website (app.suitable.co) so students can take action right away
   2. Include program information and a “Getting Started” badge if you have one
2. Host a Kickoff event / Info session
   1. This could be for faculty/staff as well
   2. Put a face to the program
   3. *Programs should consider a separate cadence for Transfer Orientations to introduce to this population at another specific time
3. Determine a sustainable communication strategy
   1. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly emails
      • Include upcoming events, competitions, recognize students on the leaderboard and/or have completed achievements, highlight an achievement to complete
4. Continued engagement
   1. Utilize push notifications to students who have started utilizing the mobile app 
   2. Utilize social media posts, based on what you have access to

Weekly Push Notification Template of Upcoming Events

Follow the steps in this article to create a push notification, create it as a News & Nudges type notification, and use the below template to send a weekly agenda of upcoming events directly to student’s devices:

What's Happening This Week

**Monday, 1/9/23**

- Event 1

- Event 2

**Tuesday, 1/10/23**

- Event 1

- Event 2

**Wednesday, 1/11/23**

- Event 1

- Event 2

Be sure to complete the event on [PATHWAY NAME] for points!

This notification will appear as:

Here are some ideas for FUN Push Notifications!

Push Notification Template for Achievements:

SUBJ: You are so close to “achievement name”, *School Mascot* will be sad if you don’t finish!

Body: You are almost done with “achievement name” and *School Mascot* is cheering you on! <insert instructions on finishing>

SUBJ: Congratulations on your Achievement! 

Body: 🎉 Congratulations, you're crushing it! 🌟 You've just completed another achievement on your student development journey! Be sure to share your achievement to LinkedIn, and keep up the fantastic work! 🚀✨<insert directions on sharing to linkedin>

Push Notification Template for Activities:

👏 Way to go, superstar! 🌟 You've just completed an activity in [PATHWAY]! Keep up the awesome engagement and watch your journey unfold! 📚✨

Push Notification Template for Upcoming Event 

100% of students who attend x event think it's great! Join us for...<insert details on activity>

Pro Tips

• Fill in the [Pathway Name] section for your pathway
• Duplicate the notification every week instead of creating a brand new notification by returning to the past notification, clicking on the three dots, and choosing ‘Duplicate Notification’. Make appropriate edits for the week, and you’re good to go!

If you have additional questions, chat with us below or send us an email at support@suitable.co.