Frequently Asked Questions | iZooto Web Push Notifications

General

What is iZooto? What are browser push notifications?

iZooto, is a user engagement and user retention platform that sends browser push notifications. Browser push notifications, is also known as web push notification. Website push notifications are crisp and succinct updates that are sent to the users even when they are not on your website..

How is web push notifications different than app notification?

Web push notifications involve two steps – Building subscribers and Sending notifications. For building subscribers, users are prompted to allow notifications from your website. The subscription step generates a unique key for the user. Subscription is associated with a website domain. Website owners can then send push notifications to all the subscribers. For app notifications, consent for sending notifications is usually taken at the time of app installation.

Why do I need to enter a sub-domain at signup for HTTP?

If the desktop and mobile site is on the same domain, you can place the pixel on desktop site and it will work on both mobile and desktop. Example: Desktop – www.xyz.com & Mobile – www.m.xyz.com
If the desktop and mobile site is in different domain, then you need to generate different pixel and deploy on mobile site. Example: Desktop – www.xyz.com & Mobile – www.abc.com

Which version of Chrome and Firefox supports browser push notifications?

Web push notifications are supported on Chrome version 42 and above and Firefox version 44 and above.

What is your pricing model and how can I buy a Subscription?

We have created our paid plans such that it matches your business needs (and growth path). Be it a small business, large enterprise, mom and pop store or a one-person-shop - we have a plan that can work for you. You can choose a pricing plan that suits you best on our pricing page

What is FCM and is it necessary to use your own Sender ID and Server Key?

FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) was earlier known as GCM (Google Cloud Messaging). Firebase is a mobile platform that helps you quickly develop high-quality apps, grow your user base, and earn more money. FCM has now replaced GCM.GCM/FCM It is a free service that enables developers to send messages between servers and client apps. This includes downstream messages from servers to client apps, and upstream messages from client apps to servers.

What is APNS ?

Apple Push Notification Service is the messaging service that communicates / routes notifications from various service providers to iOS and OSx devices. APN Each iOS and OSx device sets up an encrypted connection with APNs and receives notification over this persistent connection. Safari Push Notifications are delivered to the end device via APNs. In case the notification is delivered when the app is not running, the device alerts the user.

What information will be available on iZooto Dashboard?

On the homepage of the dashboard you can view the daily consents hourly data, total subscribers till date, when you scroll down you can see the reporting of recently pushed notifications. Key features: – Campaign manager – Create, edit, delete and push notifications. – Campaign reports – Monitor and analyse the notifications pushed. – Settings – Control all technical aspects of the iZooto. – Help, Product & FAQ...

What if your site runs on both http and https?

Register on www.izooto.com and generate pixel for your website.
Place the pixel in header of your website in async mode. You can also place the pixel via Google Tag Manager.
SDK Integration – Placement of the following JS files in the root folder :
- Manifest.json
- Service-worker.js

Note: These files should be accessible at www.yourwebsite.com/manifest.json and www.yourwebsite.com/service-worker.js.

What are the prerequisites for receiving website push notifications at user-end?

Any website on either http or https protocol can send website push notifications.

What are the implementation steps of web push for a HTTPS site?

Register on www.izooto.com and generate pixel for your website. Place the pixel in header of your website in async mode. You can also place the pixel via Google Tag Manager.

What are the implementation steps of web push for a HTTP site?

For HTTP site -Register on www.izooto.com and generate pixel for your website. Place the pixel in header of your website in async mode. You can also place the pixel via Google Tag Manager.

What is the character limit for a notification title, message and landing URL for web push notifications?

iZooto supports 40 characters in Notification Title and 130 characters in Notification Message. There is no limit on the length of the Landing URL.

My team handling technology is overloaded. How do I implement website push notifications?

For HTTP site -

Register on www.izooto.com and generate pixel for your website. Place the pixel in header of your website in async mode. You can also place the pixel via Google Tag Manager.

For HTTPS site -

Register on www.izooto.com and generate pixel for your website.
Place the pixel in header of your website in async mode. You can also place the pixel via Google Tag Manager.
SDK Integration – Placement of the following JS files in the root folder :
- Manifest.json
- Service-worker.js

Note: These files should be accessible at www.yourwebsite.com/manifest.json and www.yourwebsite.com/service-worker.js

My mobile site runs on a sub-domain ( m.example.com ). How can I implement web push notifications ?

If the desktop and mobile site is on the same domain, you can place the pixel on desktop site and it will work on both mobile and desktop. Example: Desktop – www.xyz.com & Mobile – www.m.xyz.com
If the desktop and mobile site is in different domain, then you need to generate different pixel and deploy on mobile site. Example: Desktop – www.xyz.com & Mobile – www.abc.com

I have a HTTP website but I also have an HTTPS page. How can I deploy ?

You can select HTTP protocol for your website, iZooto code generated using HTTP protocol works on both HTTP as well as HTTPS protocols.

Can we customize a web push notification? If yes, which elements can be customized?

Yes, you may customize your web push notification. The following fields are customizable: Notification Title (40 characters), Message (130 characters), Image (200*200 png) and Landing URL.

How does a browser push notifications look like for different browsers?

Browser push notification on Chrome comes in the bottom-right corner of the screen. For Firefox and Safari, it appears on the top-right corner of the screen.

How do users subscribe to website push notifications? How can they revoke the subscription?

Users are prompted with a consent box asking them to ‘allow’ or ‘block’ notifications from the website, users who click on ‘allow’ become a part of the subscriber base. Chrome, Firefox, Safari provide notification settings for users to remove notification subscription from a site.

- On Chrome, User can go to Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Content Settings -> Notifications -> Manage Exceptions -> Remove permission for a specified website.

- On Firefox, User can go to Preferences -> Content -> Notifications -> Remove permission for a specific website.

- On Safari, User can go to Preferences -> Notifications -> Remove permission for a specific website.

Does your javascript impact our page load time ?

It does not. iZooto JS code is optimised to load in less than 200 ms. You may choose to include the JS after a specified delay, once all your critical resources are rendered on the website.

Features

How can I define and send browser push notifications to my subscribers?

You can click on 'Send Notification' and define a new notification by providing details - Notification Title, Message, Image Icon, Landing Page URL. You may choose to send notifications 'Right Away' or at 'Specified/Scheduled Time'.

What are the character limits for Notification Title, Message and Landing Page URL for web push notifications?

There are no character limits for Notification Title, Message or Landing Page URL. No. of characters displayed for Title, Message on actual notification depend on device screen size.

What is Notification Expiry time? How can I set it for new notifications?

Notification Expirty time, usually referred to as Time-to-Live (TTL), is a value that allows you to define lifetime of a webpush notification. For time-bound messages such as flash sale, limited period offers, breaking news, you may set notification expirty time ensuring that subscribers don't receive the notification after specified time. You can set this value while creating new webpush notification.

Can I add Call-to-Actions to website push notifications?

Yes, Chrome 48 and above support upto two call-to-action buttons for every website push notification. Using buttons, you may specify precise actions user is expected to take after he receives a notification. For instace, 'Buy-now', 'Subscribe' indicate clear actions on notifications.

Can I send browser push notifications using iZooto APIs?

Yes, using iZooto APIs, you may send browser push notifications to -

All subscribers
To defined Audience
To Individual Subscriber
To Multiple Subscribers.

More details here

How long does the browser push notification last on users screen?

On mobile, for Chrome and Firefox, browser push notification stays unless user interacts with it - dismisses or clicks on the notification.On desktop -

For Chrome - By default notification lasts for 20 seconds, you can make notifications sticky by enabling user interaction
For Firefox - Notification stays for 12 seconds
For Safari - Notification stays for 2 seconds.

Can subscribers receive notificaiton when the browser is closed?

This differes from browser to browser and depends on how closely a browser interacts with OS. For Chrome, subscribers can receive notifications even when the window is closed, however Chrome needs to run in the background. For Firefox on Mac, users can receive notifications when the browser is closed provided that browser is still running (indicated by '.' in menu). For Firefox on Windows, users can't receive notifications when the browser is closed as the background process gets killed when window is closed. Safari interacts with Mac OS very closely, hence users can receive notifications irrespective of whether the browser is running or not.

What is Subscriber Churn and why is it important?

Whenever a subscriber revokes notification permission, he is marked as Churned. Spamming or sending irrelevant notifications may prompt subscribers to unsubscribe. You can't send notifications to Churned subscribers unless they re-subscribe, affecting your 'Active Subscriber Base' directly. It's critical that you monitor daily subscriber churn to understand whether the subscriber churn rate is high. This information is readily available on the dashboard.

Can I customise subscription prompt with respect to content and design? What all customizations are possible?

For HTTP websites, you can customise the subscription prompt design and content. You may choose from four different options available - Native Browser opt-in, Dialog Box, Central Modal, Full Screen Pop-up. Apart from Native browser opt-in, the remaining designs can be customised for Subscription Message, Text on Subscribe/Later buttons.

Can I show subscription prompt after user spends certain time on the website?

Yes, you can set a delay in showing the subscription prompt. This configuration is available in 'Modify Subscription Prompt' section under Settings.

Can I prevent users from being prompted on every page visit?

Yes, you can set 'Repeat Subscription Prompt' delay ensuring that the user is prompted only once in specified time. Please note that once the user subscribes, he's not prompted again.

Can I enable/disable subscriptions on Mobile and Desktop platforms separately?

Yes, you can. This configuration is available in 'Modify Subscription Prompt' section under Settings.

Where can I see performance of web push notifications?

You may go to Notification Reports and see details such as - Audience Reach, Delivery, Views, Clicks, CTR for every notification pushed.

Can I send personalised browser push notifications?

Yes, iZooto APIs let you define notification for individual subscribers, group of subscribers. More details here

What are User-Properties and how can I start passing data against User-Properties?

User properties are attributes defined against subscribers. You can assign demographic details such as Name, Age, DOB, information specific to your website such as Customer Type, Sign-up date. You may onboard your CRM data using User-Properties. Here's how you can start assigning User-Properties to your subscribers.

Implementation

I am currently using a different service provider. How can I migrate my subscriber data to iZooto web push platform ?

Great decision. To start with, you need to ensure that your subscribers have subscribed to your domain directly and you should have a SSL certificate installed on your website. You don't need to do anything to migrate subscribers. Just signup on iZooto and activate web push and your previous subscribers will start migrating to iZooto automatically. Read this post for more details.

How do I cancel my account?

You can archive your website from your iZooto Dashboard. Head to the settings section and archive your website. To delete your account, please write to support@izooto.com. Do note that cancelling your account would mean deletion of your subscriber data.

Can I export my Subscribers from iZooto?

Yes. While you can export subscribers and import them in your system, you will not be able to use them directly by simply importing. Be it an inhouse solution or a 3rd party platform like ours, your subscribers can be ported only when they visit your website again. Read more here Once they visit your website again, the registered service worker will get updated and you will be able to push out notifications using your new platform.

Migration

I am currently using a different service provider. How can I migrate my subscriber data to iZooto web push platform?

Great decision. To start with, you need to ensure that your subscribers have subscribed to your domain directly and you should have a SSL certificate installed on your website. You don't need to do anything to migrate subscribers. Just signup on iZooto and activate web push and your previous subscribers will start migrating to iZooto automatically. Read this post for more details.

How do I cancel my account?

You can archive your website from your iZooto Dashboard. Head to the settings section and archive your website. To delete your account, please write to support@izooto.com. Do note that cancelling your account would mean deletion of your subscriber data.

Can I export my Subscribers from iZooto?

Yes. While you can export subscribers and import them in your system, you will not be able to use them directly by simply importing. Be it an inhouse solution or a 3rd party platform like ours, your subscribers can be ported only when they visit your website again. Read more here Once they visit your website again, the registered service worker will get updated and you will be able to push out notifications using your new platform.

Partners

Do you have an affiliate program? If yes, how can I register for it?

Yes, we do have a dedicated affiliate program. Please reach out to us on affiliates@izooto.com and we will be happy to assist you with the details.

I represent a digital marketing agency and I want to pitch iZooto browser push notifications to my clients. How can I get started?

Great. You can get in touch with our partners team who will work with you to ensure that you have the right resources and tools to extend iZooto to your clients. For specific queries, drop a line on partners@izooto.com.

What is the discount available for agencies?

iZooto offers upto 15% discount for agencies. To join our agency program, get in touch with us here

What is the difference between Agency and ReSeller?

Resellers work very closely with iZooto team to drive adoption of the product while providing support to all local clients. Resellers basis their scale, also command a higher revenue share. Agencies on the other hand are focused on their given set of clients.

What are the pricing plans for Agencies?

We have standard pricing plans that allow agencies of different scale to cater to clients - across categories. Our agency plans start at $300. To know more, drop us a line on partners@izooto.com

What are the prerequisites to become a Partner?

We have a specific evaluation process for partner evaluation. You can drop a line on partners@izooto.com and we will get in touch with you at the earliest.

Pricing & Payment

Is there a discount available on annual or half yearly plans?

We offer standard discount on our half yearly and annual plans.

I have more than 5 websites. What will be the pricing for us?

For more than 5 websites, you can drop in a line on customersuccess@izooto.com and we will be happy to create a custom plan that suits your requirements. Alternately you can chat with our reps here directly - izooto.drift.com

I have a business based out of India. Will I be charged in Dollars or INR?

You can select the currency that you want to pay in. We allow payments in multiple currencies. To place a request, drop a quick line on customersuccess@izooto.com and we will be happy to set this up for you.

What happens if I cross the allocated subscriber limit during the subscription period?

You will not be able to push notifications to subscribers outside of your allocated plan. For instance, if your plan allows you to send notifications to 10,000 active subscribers and you active subscriber count is 10,500, you will not be able to send notifications to the additional 500 subscribers.

Do you charge separately for every site that I create in iZooto?

No. We don't have a per website based pricing structure. You can add upto 3 websites in Team plan and 5 websites in Business plan. If you want to add more websites to your account, please reach out to us on customersuccess@izooto.com and someone will be with you right away.

Is it safe to pay by Credit Card on iZooto?

Yes. It is totally safe to enter credit card details to purchase on iZooto. We use Stripe, a payment gateway certified to PCI Service Provider Level

This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.

Can I use a debit card to purchase iZooto's Subscription ?

Yes, absolutely!