Getting touch with the users using Firebase In-App Messaging

30.01.2019 — 1 min read

Problem

"Bussit kartalla" is an app which shows all the HSL (Helsinki Public Transport) busses on a map. Sadly there is a problem with the vehicles real-time tracking. Any websites, apps even real-time info screens are unable to access the real-time data. Due to this error my app is unusable therefore it's getting bad reviews.

A Bad Review

Solution

Firebase In-App Messaging

Firebase In-App Messaging helps you engage users who are actively using your app by sending them targeted and contextual messages that nudge them to complete key in-app actions - like beating a game level, buying an item, or subscribing to content. - Firebase Website

Example use cases

Onboard new users with a custom message
Send personalized offers or coupons
Showcase your app's new feature
App tips to your users e.g. if you user has failed a game levels

With Firebase In-App messaging I can easily post a banner saying "Our app doesn't work right now".

Add Firebase In-App Messaging SDK to React Native

Include the SDK in your build files

Add the In-App Messaging dependency to your app-level build.gradle:

1// ...
2dependencies {
3    // ...
4
5    // Add the In-App Messaging dependency:
6    implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-inappmessaging-display:17.0.4'
7
8    // Check that your Firebase dependency is up-to-date:
9    implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-core:16.0.6'
10}

The SDK is really easy to implement if you are already using Firebase.

The Banner

Banner Configuration in Finnish

Its really easy to compose a message to users. On the right you can se the preview of the banner.

Job done!

Banner shows up for existing and new users once.