Best Practices and Templates for Push Notifications

What's my access level?

Access Level: Administrator

This article is intended for users with Administrator access in Suitable. If you don’t have this role, some of the steps outlined below may not be available in your account.

Ineligible Roles: Student, Contributor, Advisor, and Publisher

Looking for ways to effectively engage students with Suitable's push notification suite? Read below for best practices and templates!

Best Practices

1. Create a Dedicated Program Email
   • Funnel questions to a specific email account that can be passed down to Graduate Assistants or student workers.
2. Introduce Suitable to New Students During Orientation
   • You can include a QR Code to download the app on flyers or in slide decks!
3. Build a Web Page
   • Give more information on your program to students, including the 5 Ws and an H
     • Who benefits from the program
     • What is your program
     • Where is the program office located
     • When is the program most beneficial
     • Why does your program exist
     • How will students achieve their goals with your program?
4. Drop-In Office Hours
   • If your program has a requirement, such as for a grade or graduation, host drop-in office hours where students can ask questions to the program administrators or a student worker to ensure they fully understand the program and how to complete the requirement.

Marketing Timeline

1. Start with a kickoff email
   • 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. Include program information and a “Getting Started” badge if you have one.

2. Host a Kickoff event / Info session

• This could be for faculty/staff as well to put a face to the program.
• Programs should consider a separate cadence for Transfer Orientations to introduce to this population at another specific time

3. Determine a sustainable communication strategy

• Send weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly emails. Include upcoming events, competitions, recognize students on the leaderboard and/or who have completed achievements, and highlight an achievement to complete.

4. Continued engagement

• Utilize push notifications to students who have started utilizing the mobile app.
• 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.