In-app notifications are an effective way to guide and engage your users while they're actively using CommuteHub. This article explains how in-app notifications work within Journeys and how you can manage and customize them as a Manager or Admin.

What Are In-App Notifications?

In-app notifications are messages that appear inside the CommuteHub application when users are actively using it. They help provide guidance, share important updates, and encourage users to take specific actions—all within the app experience.

In CommuteHub, in-app notifications are delivered as part of Journeys—automated communication flows designed to guide and engage users over time. For a complete overview of how Journeys work, check out our dedicated Journeys Help Center article.

Key difference from push notifications: While push notifications are sent to a user's mobile device even when they're not using the app, in-app notifications only appear when users are actively inside the app.

Important to note:

• Not all Journeys include in-app notifications—some may use email or push notifications instead
• Only Managers or Admins have permission to enable, disable, and customize Journeys
• Check the Journey’s active networks in the Target Networks tab beforehand

How to Access In-App Notifications

Follow these steps to access in-app notifications:

1. Log into the Management Dashboard 
2. Click "Journeys" in the left sidebar
3. Select one of the preconfigured Journeys from the list
4. Stay on the Overview tab (the default view)
5. Use the toggle in the upper-right corner to enable the Journey
6. Click on individual steps within the Journey to customize messages

Customizing an In-App Notification

Let's use the Trip Log Reminder Notification Journey as an example. Here's how to customize the in-app notification step:

Step 1: Select the In-App Notification Step

Click on the in-app notification step, which is marked with a bell icon.

Step 2: Customize the Fields

You'll see several editable fields. Here's what each one does:

Category

• We recommend keeping the default category
• In-app notifications cannot be opted out of, so choosing the right category is less important in this case

Message

• This is the main content of your in-app notification
• The message field supports Markdown formatting, allowing you to create richer, more engaging messages with headings, bold text, links, and lists
• For formatting options, refer to our Markdown cheat sheet linked in the editor
• Keep your message clear, concise, and action-oriented

Target URL

• Determines what happens when users click on the notification itself (not the button)
• To customize the link, paste the desired dashboard URL into the target field
• We recommend keeping the default link for the best user experience

Call to Action Title

• This is the label that appears on the action button within the notification
• Best practices:
  • Keep it short and action-oriented (e.g., "Log a Trip", "View Details", "Get Started")
  • Use clear, compelling language that tells users exactly what will happen
  • Aim for 1-3 words for optimal button design

Button URL

• Determines where users are directed when they click the Call to Action button
• Align this URL with your message intent and the action you want users to take
• For example, if your message encourages trip logging, the button should take users directly to the trip logging screen

Step 3: Preview Your Notification

Before saving, review the preview window on the right side to see how your in-app notification will appear to users. This helps ensure your Markdown formatting displays correctly and your message is clear and engaging.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Once you're satisfied with your customizations, click the blue "Save" button at the top of the page. Your changes will be applied immediately to the Journey.

If you have questions or run into any issues while setting up in-app notifications, our support team is always happy to help.