a platform driven by the mission to give all students the chance to build the career they want, no matter where they’re from or what school they attend.
Many of Handshake’s push notifications were written years ago and hadn't been updated since.
I improved outdated push notifications by addressing vague body copy, unclear titles, and a lack of conversational tone. By updating the copy to be more user-centered, concise, and engaging, I was able to enhance the overall user experience of the app.
When users are inundated with countless notifications from a plethora of apps all day, it’s important that each one provides clear value.
Handshake's previous notifications failed to provide clear value because they all contained the vague and redundant copy "Get ready to make a great impression," with no accompanying calls-to-action.
This made it difficult for users to distinguish between the notifications or find valuable information or next steps.
+ 19.1% open rate
+ 8.5% open rate
+ 13.9% open rate
I began by reviewing research to gain a deeper understanding of the triggers and goals for these notifications.
With this context in mind, I brainstormed a range of potential copy ideas. I refined my options, ensuring that the most important information was included and that the language was conversational.
I collaborated with another content designer, who provided valuable feedback. Once I had a solid set of revisions, I presented them in a design critique to a diverse group of stakeholders, including content designers, product designers, and design leadership.
This final stage allowed me to fine-tune the calls-to-action and voice and tone, ensuring that the notifications would be both effective and engaging for our users.
These notifications transformed from a bothersome interruption to a friendly nudge that users could actually appreciate.
Through A/B testing, I was able to compare the performance of the new copy to the old copy and found that it led to an impressive 19.1% increase in click-through rates.
The success of these new notifications is due to a range of factors, including their use of clear, conversational language and engaging calls-to-action.
By providing useful information in a friendly and calm manner, these notifications have become a valuable tool for Handshake users, helping them to stay informed and connected in the job market.