McDonald’s app alerts users of free burger offers waiting

In this push notification, McDonald’s mobile app sent a push notification to alert its users of an offer waiting for them in the form of a free Junior McChicken burger or Cheeseburger.

Why we think this push notification is good

This push notification is effective because it leads with an immediately understandable and high-value incentive that requires little explanation. By framing the message as a “gift,” McDonald’s creates a sense of reward and exclusivity, while the word “free” removes any perceived friction or risk associated with tapping through. The offer is simple, familiar, and easy to redeem, which lowers decision fatigue and makes spontaneous action more likely. Visually, the recognizable McDonald’s branding and clean message hierarchy help the notification stand out and be quickly parsed in a crowded notification feed. Overall, the notification succeeds by delivering clear value, emotional appeal, and a low-effort call to action that drives short-term engagement without overcomplicating the message.