As seasoned WordPress developers who've helped thousands of sites boost engagement, we've seen web push notifications transform user retention. Popular platforms like Facebook use them—now you can too. This proven guide walks you through adding them via OneSignal, a reliable free service.
These opt-in alerts appear at the top of users' desktops—even with browsers closed. They also work seamlessly on mobile browsers.
Sites like Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn rely on them for higher engagement than SMS or email. Surveys show 50% open rates on mobile, driving more pageviews and returning visitors to your WordPress site.
Let's set them up with OneSignal, trusted by millions of sites.
OneSignal offers free push notifications for websites and apps. Install and activate the plugin—see our step-by-step plugin guide for details.
Activation adds an "OneSignal" menu in your admin bar, leading to settings with tabs for configuration and documentation.
Enter your API keys and App ID here—we'll generate them next.
Visit the Google Services Wizard.
Enter an app name and any Android package name (required but unused by OneSignal). Select your country, then "Choose and configure services."
Enable "Google Cloud Messaging" to reveal your Server API Key and Sender ID (Google Project Number).
Paste the Sender ID into your plugin's "Google Project Number" field. Save the Server API Key for later.
Create a free OneSignal account at OneSignal.com, log in, and click "New App/Website."
Name your app and select "Web." Choose "Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox."
Enter your site URL, Google Server API Key, and default notification icon URL. For non-HTTPS sites, check "My site is not fully HTTPS"—OneSignal handles Chrome's HTTPS requirement via subdomain. Add your Sender ID.
Save and continue later if needed.
From the dashboard, go to App Settings > Keys & IDs.
Copy these to your WordPress plugin settings.
Back in OneSignal app settings, under Web Platforms, configure Apple Safari.
Enter site name/URL, upload icons (square images in exact sizes via Photoshop or similar).
Save. Refresh to get the Safari Web ID, then paste into your plugin.
Configuration complete!
A subscribe bell appears on your site. Click it in a supported browser.
You'll see "Thank you for subscribing."
In OneSignal, go to App Settings > Chrome/Firefox settings > Save > Continue > Select WordPress SDK.
Send test notification.
When it appears, click it.
Confirmation screen appears.
Check status for success.
The plugin auto-sends on new posts. For manual: In OneSignal dashboard, click "New Push."
Add title, message, and customize via Options, Audience, Schedule.
This setup delivers real results. Check our top WordPress membership plugins next. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, Twitter, or Facebook for more expert tips.
