How to Use Push Notifications to Enhance Visitor Experiences

In today's fast-paced world, delivering timely and relevant information is crucial to enhancing visitor experiences. Push notifications serve as a direct line of communication, allowing organizations to engage with their audience in real-time. 

Whether it's alerting attendees about a schedule change, guiding them through a venue, or sharing exclusive content, push notifications ensure that visitors have the best experience possible. 

In fact, studies show they can increase engagement by up to 88%.

Take the 18th Annual Savannah Book Festival, for example. By using STQRY push notifications, they effectively kept 9,000+ attendees updated on session times, venue capacities, and special events, all while fostering a sense of community and excitement. 

This proactive approach not only streamlined the event experience but also minimized confusion and maximized participation.​

With STQRY's intuitive platform, sending push notifications is straightforward. 

Organizations can craft concise messages, schedule them for optimal times, and target specific audience segments, all within a user-friendly interface. 

From art museums to arboretums, historic landmarks to self-guided tours—when done right, push notifications help create smoother, smarter, and more connected visitor journeys. 

Read on to discover why push notifications are such a valuable tool for visitor engagement—and how to make the most of them through the STQRY Builder.

What are the Benefits of Push Notifications?

Push notifications can transform a good visitor experience into a great one—by delivering value at just the right moment. 

Whether it’s a museum, gallery, cultural event, historic site, or self-guided tour, timely, thoughtful messages can reduce confusion, increase participation, and deepen engagement. 

Here are four powerful ways push notifications enhance the experience:

1. Delivering Timely Information

Unexpected changes happen—like a schedule shift, weather update, or room reaching capacity—push notifications provide an immediate way to keep visitors informed and confident in their next steps.

2. Offering Helpful Tips

From reminders to bring headphones for an audio tour to suggestions on where to find restrooms or quiet spaces, notifications can serve as a friendly guide, helping visitors feel more prepared and supported throughout their journey.

3. Improving Engagement and Retention

Research shows that users who opt in to push notifications are retained at nearly double the rate of those who opt out. A well-timed message can spark curiosity, encourage interaction, or deepen a visitor’s connection to the content.

4. Driving Participation

Highlighting a just-starting talk, a scavenger hunt, or a limited-time experience can gently prompt visitors to explore more of what’s available—turning passive interest into active involvement and improving overall satisfaction.

Case Study: How the Savannah Book Festival Used Push Notifications to Engage 9,000+ Attendees

Set in Savannah’s historic district—surrounded by centuries-old architecture, blooming azaleas, and Spanish moss—the 18th Annual Savannah Book Festival welcomed over 9,000 attendees across four days. 

With dozens of sessions, author talks, and book signings spread across multiple venues, clear communication was essential.

That’s where push notifications made a big impact.

How They Did It with STQRY

• Pre-Event Preparation: Organizers sent reminders in the days leading up to the event to help attendees plan their visit and navigate venue logistics.

• Real-Time Alerts: During the festival, STQRY push notifications kept guests informed about session start times, venue capacity updates, and last-minute schedule changes.

• Friendly Touchpoints: Organizers also used messages to welcome attendees, provide wayfinding tips, and boost excitement with reminders like “The Book Sales Tent is Open!”

The Results

• Attendees were better informed and more likely to arrive on time for sessions they cared about.

• Capacity management was smoother, with fewer bottlenecks and less confusion.

• Friendly, timely messages enhanced the overall tone of the event and helped attendees feel supported and welcomed.

This case study is a great example of how push notifications can go beyond logistics—helping to shape the emotional tone of an event or experience and making sure every visitor feels part of something special.

How to Send Push Notifications with STQRY

Sending push notifications through STQRY is fast, flexible, and intuitive. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Open the Messaging Center

Log in to STQRY Builder and click the “Messaging” tab in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Create Your Message

Click “Create New Push Notification” to begin composing your message.

Step 3: Customize Your Notification

• Craft Your Message: Add a clear, helpful title and message. You can also include an image or link to a specific screen in your app for added context.

• Decide when to send your message by choosing between immediate delivery with the "Send Now" option or scheduling it for a specific date and time.

Step 4: Track Performance

See how many users received and opened your message—all within the Messaging Center.

For detailed step-by-step instructions: check out the full help article here:  How to Send Push Notifications on STQRY

Best Practices When Implementing Push Notifications

The most effective push notifications share three things in common: they’re clear, timely, and welcoming. The goal is to enhance the visitor experience—not overwhelm it. 

Below are a few simple do’s and don’ts to help guide your approach:

✅ Do: Keep messages short and actionable

Visitors should be able to read the message at a glance.
Example: “Doors close at 10:20—arrive early to get your seat!”

✅ Do: Time your messages strategically

Send reminders just before a session starts, or use real-time updates to notify users of full venues or schedule changes.

✅ Do: Use a friendly, helpful tone

 Think of each message as a nudge from a guide, not a directive.
Example: “Join us in five minutes for an exciting discussion on storytelling!”

✅ Do: Personalize when possible

Segment your audience so only the most relevant visitors receive certain messages—like alerts for nearby experiences.

❌ Don’t: Overdo it

Too many notifications can lead to fatigue or app opt-outs. Only send messages that truly enhance the experience.

❌ Don’t: Forget to promote opt-ins

Let users know upfront how notifications will improve their visit—whether that’s fewer lines, insider tips, or surprise opportunities.

When done thoughtfully, push notifications can increase participation, improve navigation, and leave visitors feeling more informed and connected to your experience.

Deliver Impact with Push Notifications Powered by STQRY

Whether you're guiding guests through a historic museum, welcoming attendees to a multi-day festival, or helping visitors explore a self-guided tour, a well-timed push notification can reduce stress and spark curiosity.

With the STQRY Builder, you have the tools to create and manage impactful notifications in just a few clicks—no technical expertise required. 

It’s easy to schedule messages, segment audiences, and track results—all from one intuitive platform designed for cultural sites, attractions, and experience creators like you.

Ready to create more connected, informed, and inspired visitor experiences?