Some prefer to read the news real-time on their phone, while others rather receive a message in their inbox. Because communication is never one size fits all, Publiq now offers email notifications alongside push alerts.

What may seem like just a small additional service, actually has a big impact. Because from now on, you decide how you want to receive project updates.

Responding to your preferences

Not everyone is equally active in apps. Push notifications are a quick way to capture attention, whereas email notifications have a calmer nature. A message in your inbox stays there until you act on it, while a push notification easily disappears among other messages. Email is therefore a more gentle alternative for anyone who does not want to check their phone constantly.

With this addition, we are following a growing trend towards communication that matches personal preferences. You decide how to stay informed, when and how to open your messages, and through which channel to receive updates.

A technical challenge

What looks like a simple update on the surface, was actually a complex project. To make this transition possible, more than two million active push connections had to be converted, without anyone missing an update. Every user had to still receive the information that mattered to them, even though we were doing major work behind the scenes.

This has been achieved, and the result is a system that now supports both app and email updates. In the future, it will also allow expansion to other channels such as SMS and WhatsApp. That means you will have even more ways to decide how you want to receive information about projects in your area.

More channels, fewer barriers

The addition of email notifications makes communication more inclusive. Not everyone uses a smartphone or wishes to enable push alerts. By offering alternatives, we make project communication more accessible. If you prefer email, you will still receive the same updates, simply in the place that suits you best.

It also helps prevent important information from being missed, a risk that exists when relying solely on push notifications that get lost among other alerts. Email notifications provide an organised overview and allow you to read messages at your own pace.

What this means for communication specialists

For communication specialists, the introduction of email notifications offers a new way to reach residents. Updates shared via Publiq are automatically sent through the channel each user has selected. This allows you to communicate in a more tailored manner, without managing separate newsletters or mailing lists.

It helps you serve your audience more effectively. You reach even the less active residents who have turned off their push notifications. This results in higher engagement, fewer missed updates, and a communication process that fits the diversity of your followers.

Towards a multichannel future

The launch of email notifications is an important step towards multichannel communication, with less noise, more relevance, and more control. By allowing users to choose how they receive information, communication becomes something they can shape themselves, rather than something that simply happens to them.

We will continue to develop our app to make communication more personal, relevant, and accessible. This way, you always stay informed about what is happening in your area, in the way that works best for you.