Feature

Push notification campaigns for a converted app

Push is the reason many businesses convert their website into an app at all. It's also the fastest way to get uninstalled. Plan it like a channel, not a megaphone.

Updated October 20262 min readwebtoappconverter.dev

Key takeawayConverted apps send native push through an SDK like OneSignal or Firebase Cloud Messaging — browser web push doesn't work inside app WebViews. Ask for permission (required on Android 13+) after the user sees value, segment by interest or behaviour, include a URL so a tap opens the right page, keep marketing pushes to a few a month, and measure opens and conversions, not sends.
Technology
Native SDK (OneSignal / FCM)
Android 13+
Runtime permission
On tap
Opens a URL in the app
Frequency
Transactional > marketing

Native push, not web push

Your website's browser notifications rely on the Push API, which Android WebViews don't support. A converter with push built in includes a native SDK; you send from the provider's dashboard or API, and messages arrive even when the app is closed.

Ask at the right moment

Android 13 and newer show a system permission prompt. If it appears on first launch, many users tap “Don't allow” — and rarely change it later. Better moments:

  • After the first order: “Get delivery updates?”
  • After following a topic or saving a search.
  • From a settings screen on your site, triggered by the app.

Campaign types

TypeExampleFrequency
Transactional“Your order is out for delivery”As it happens
Reminders“Class starts in 1 hour”As scheduled
Content“New: autumn menu”Weekly at most
Promotional“20% off this weekend”A few a month
Win-back“Your cart is waiting”Once, sometimes twice

Every push should open the exact page it talks about. Pass a URL in the notification data; the app loads it in the WebView. A push that opens the home page wastes the tap.

Measure

Track opens and the action after the open (purchase, booking) — tag push URLs with utm_source=push so your website analytics shows the result.

Frequently asked

Is push free?

Firebase Cloud Messaging is free; OneSignal has a free tier for mobile push. Check current limits.

Can I send push to iPhone users from an Android app?

No — push goes to installs of your app. iPhone users need an iOS app or web push on a home-screen PWA.

Keep going

PlaybookRetention for converted appsWhy users uninstall converted website apps and how to keep them: fast first screen, reasons to return, useful push and day-1/7/30 retention.FeatureOnboarding screensAdd first-run onboarding to a website converted into an app: what to say on 3 slides, when to ask for push permission, skipping, and when to skip it.FeatureIn-app review promptUse Google Play's in-app review API in a converted website app: when to trigger it, quota limits, why you can't control whether it shows, and what not to do.FeatureBottom navigation tabsAdd native bottom tabs to a website converted into an app: how many tabs, which URLs, icons, labels, active states and how tabs interact with the back button.FeatureSplash screenDesign the splash screen of a website converted into an app: Android 12+ SplashScreen rules, icon sizing, background colour, duration and load flash.FeaturePull-to-refreshAdd pull-to-refresh to a website converted into an app: where it helps, how it conflicts with scrolling maps, carousels and modals, and how to fix the conflicts.