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Transactional Message Defined

A transactional message is an automated message sent to users in direct response to an action taken with your business or service. These communications are utility-based and strictly for the purpose of relaying key purchase or order information to recipients.

An eCommerce company may leverage transactional messages to keep a recent customer apprised of their order’s location and shipping schedule.

A FinTech company may implement transactional messages to keep traders aware and up to date on price movements or trade alerts.

A travel app may utilize transactional messages to notify users of itinerary changes or important transportation details.

These messages can be sent out to users over a variety of channels including transactional emails, push notifications, and SMS.

The goal of all transactional messages is to reduce friction in the user experience by proactively offering critical information at the time when people need to see it most.

How to Use it in a Sentence

Mobile-first companies rely on transactional messages to broadcast live updates to their users’ devices and increase app retention.

Common Transactional Message FAQs

There are a variety of transactional messages, all with the common theme of being high-priority. Transactional messages may include:

  • Digital receipts

  • Shipping updates and delivery details

  • Order confirmations

  • Two-factor authentication

  • Registration confirmations

  • Password reset notifications

  • Price tracking

  • Transportation updates

Transactional messages have become an expectation of most mobile apps today. A successful mobile app should utilize transactional messages to keep users engaged, loyal, and trusting of the services they are receiving. If your users’ time and/or money is involved with your services, they want to be kept in the know every step of the way.

The difference between promotional and transactional messages hinges on a necessary utility vs. marketed brand building.

Transactional messages are high-priority updates relaying key information, usually in direct response to a purchase or action a user made with your platform.

Promotional messages are marketing-based in nature and are used to draw attention to specific products or “sell” users on upcoming promotions.

Transactional messages should be tailored to include critical information in an easy-to-glance-at format. Content should be relevant and crystal clear — the emotional goal of these updates is to give your users peace of mind. A strong transactional message eliminates doubt and shows users they are in good hands with your business.

Additionally, high-performing transactional messages contain personalized user details and eye-catching language. Remember, these are not advertisements, but that doesn’t mean they need to be lifeless. Include users’ names, locations, and other order details to affirm their purchase decision. Don’t shy away from snappy headlines or conversational copy — every update is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your users and evoke a positive emotional response!