How gaming apps boost engagement with personalized messaging

With thousands of new mobile games released every year, retaining users requires more than flashy graphics and engaging gameplay. Personalized messaging has become a true game-changer for gaming apps, helping build stronger connections with players, keep them engaged longer, and turn them into loyal fans. Even non UK casino sites can leverage personalized messaging to enhance user experiences, increase player retention, and build lasting loyalty among their audience.

Drawing insights from successful gaming companies, we’ve compiled examples to help you leverage personalized messaging to its fullest potential and stay ahead on the MAU leaderboards.

1. Segment Your players for tailored messaging

Personalization begins with segmenting users. Gaming apps have diverse players (casual, competitive, high-value spenders). Categorizing them lets you create messages that truly resonate.

Example: behavioral data drives targeted campaigns

Beach Bum Games re-engaged inactive users and motivated active players with personalized push notifications based on behavior. This strategy boosted their Gin Rummy game’s push notification CTR from 1% to 12%.

Why it works: Tailored messages ensure relevance and reduce churn. Casual players respond to “Claim your daily bonus!” while competitive gamers prefer “New leaderboard rewards await!”

2. Gamify the messaging experience

Gaming apps thrive on streaks and rewards, so messaging should too. Aligning messages with in-game mechanics creates an immersive experience, making players feel engaged by the game itself.

Example: progress-oriented notifications

Automated journeys reminding players to complete daily missions and claim rewards significantly improve retention. Beach Bum Games used a multi-step journey for inactive players, achieving a 6.5% conversion rate and enabling tailored future messages.

Why it works: Gamified messages tap into players’ desire for tasks and rewards, boosting engagement and long-term retention.

3. Use real-time messaging to drive engagement

Timing is key. Real-time messaging connects users during critical moments like live events, challenges, or collaborative gameplay.

Example: highlighting time-sensitive offers

Betmate, a sports betting app, uses real-time updates via push, email, SMS, and in-app messages to engage players during key events. Data Tags automate campaigns (e.g., ID verification, first deposits), boosting ID verification by 11% and new user deposits by 30%.

Why it works: Real-time messages create urgency and exclusivity, encouraging immediate action, especially for live events where FOMO is high.

4. Personalize onboarding with behavior-based flows

First impressions are vital. Personalized onboarding builds lasting engagement by tailoring the journey to each user’s behavior and needs, crucial in mobile gaming where apps are often uninstalled quickly.

Example: incentivized welcome messages

Betmate uses referral journeys based on specific customer actions. Users with promo codes receive onboarding messages aligned with those offers, leading to a 600% increase in monthly active users.

Why it works: Behavior-based onboarding feels tailored, making users more likely to stay. Rewarding specific actions creates early value and reduces drop-off.

5. Create context-aware messaging for immersive experiences

Context-aware messages integrate seamlessly into the game, aligning notifications with current player progress or challenges. This strengthens immersion and makes notifications feel like a natural gameplay extension.

Example: gameplay-specific notifications

Beach Bum improved from generic quest nudges to “Quest_ID” Data Tags, tailoring messages to specific quests. This increased CTR for quest-related notifications by 250%.

Why it works: Context-aware messages enhance immersion by addressing immediate player needs, increasing engagement and monetization opportunities.

Build long-term engagement with personalized messaging

By adopting strategies from leaders like Beach Bum Games and Betmate, gaming apps can effectively engage users, reduce churn, and build loyalty. Personalized messaging is no longer optional; it’s essential for standing out. Start creating tailored experiences today!

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