This article may help understand the different types of message that Quoox supports, and the best methods for sending them.
Message types
Quoox supports three different types of messages. Each has its own purpose as well as pro’s and con’s.
Emails
Emails are a great method for conveying longer messages. You can add attachments to emails; you can include links; and you can apply some styling to your message.
Emails are a two-way communication method, in that any emails that originated from Quoox and are replied to by a member, return to the Quoox message centre.
Emails are free-to-send from within Quoox.
Immersive Emails
Immersive emails are the name that we give to HTML emails that are rich in content, and are highly engaging to their recipients.
Immersive emails are a powerful and expressive way to get across your message or promote an offer.
Immersive emails are free-to-send from within Quoox.
SMS/Text messages
Text messages are another two-way communication method. They are great for shorter, personalised messages – such as “Hey Shawna, How are you finding the diet plan?”
Text messages have a cost to send, and Quoox charges this at cost in arrears. The cost varies per territory, and is generally charged per 160 character block.
Push alerts
Push alerts are concise, notification-style messages. They are outbound only, and are handled by the Quoox app on devices upon which it is installed.
A push alert is akin to a radio broadcast. There is no way of knowing who received the broadcast.
Both Android and iOS allow users to block notifications on a per-app basis. By default, Android allows push alerts and users have to turn them off. By default, iOS blocks push alerts and users have to turn them on. Consequently you will likely find roughly 80-90% of your Android using members will have notifications turned on, whereas only 20-30% of your iOS using members will have them turned on.
Push alerts are limited to a 60 character subject, and 160 characters in content. They cannot contain line breaks or links. Clicking on a push alert will always open the Quoox app.
Push alerts should be non-conversational, and ideally non-personalised. They should be along the lines of “You have a new FitFlix video entitled Staying Strong During Lockdown”.
Remember, there is no guarantee that members will receive your push message. You should use other means for “mission critical” messaging, but should also encourage members to turn on notifications for the Quoox app.
We very strongly recommend not over-using push notifications. Each messaging type has its place, and sending too many notifications will just cause members to turn notifications off and you’ll lose an important way of communicating with them.
Message methods
As well as semi-automated processes, such as RoboNudge reminders; Nurturing; Form/Questionnaire alerts etc, Quoox provides two main methods for sending messages.
Message Centre
The message centre is used as the main means for sending individuals and groups messages. It supports all three message types, and messages are recorded against the member record for audit purposes.
Scheduled Broadcasts
Scheduled Broadcasts are best used for group messaging. They are handled slightly differently by Quoox, and the response time after hitting the send button might be quicker for scheduled broadcasts than ad hoc messages via the message centre. Don’t forget, you can schedule a broadcast for as little as 5-minutes time. Scheduled broadcasts are sent ±5 minutes of their scheduled send time.
One advantage of a scheduled broadcast is that, if you are sending a routine message, the message is not recorded on the member record or in the message centre. This method of sending prevents your member’s message centre getting clogged up with newsletters or routine bulk messages.
