Set Up Push Notifications to Stay in the Loop

You are on a job site, focused on the work in front of you. Meanwhile, a client across town just approved your quote. Wouldn't it be great to know that instantly, without stopping to check your phone?

That is exactly what push notifications do. They bring important updates directly to your lock screen, so you always know what is happening with your business, even when you are not looking at the app.

This guide shows you how to set up and customize notifications to fit the way you work.

Why Notifications Matter

Running a trade business means you cannot sit at a desk waiting for updates. Your day takes you from job sites to supply runs to client meetings. Push notifications bridge that gap by delivering real-time information wherever you are.

With notifications enabled, you will know immediately when:

• A client opens your quote (they are interested!)
• A quote gets approved (time to schedule the work)
• An invoice is paid (money in the bank)
• A payment is overdue (time for a follow-up)
• An upcoming job needs your attention

This real-time awareness helps you respond quickly, close more deals, and keep your cash flow healthy.

Types of Notifications You Can Receive

SemaQuote sends different types of notifications, each designed to help you manage a specific part of your business. Here is what to expect:

Quote Notifications

• Quote Viewed: Your client opened and read your quote. This is a positive sign, they are considering your proposal.
• Quote Approved: Excellent news! Your client accepted your quote. You can start planning the work.
• Quote Declined: Your client decided not to move forward. You may want to follow up to understand their concerns or offer an alternative.
• Quote Expiring Soon: A reminder that a quote is approaching its expiration date. A great prompt to reach out before the window closes.

Invoice Notifications

• Invoice Viewed: Your client opened the invoice. Payment might be on its way.
• Payment Received: The invoice has been paid. Time to celebrate (and update your records).
• Invoice Overdue: The payment due date has passed. Time to send a friendly reminder.

Job Notifications

• Job Reminder: A heads-up about an upcoming scheduled job, giving you time to prepare materials and plan your route.
• Job Starting Soon: A same-day reminder that a job is about to begin. Perfect for staying on schedule.

Account Notifications

• Subscription Reminder: A notice when your subscription is about to renew or needs attention.
• New Feature: Occasional announcements about new capabilities that might help your business grow.

Enable Notifications on Your Device

The first step is making sure your phone is set up to receive notifications from SemaQuote.

During First-Time Setup

When you install the SemaQuote app, you will be asked to allow notifications. We recommend tapping Allow to get the full benefit of real-time alerts right from the start.

Accidentally tapped "Don't Allow"? No problem. You can enable notifications later in your device settings.

On iPhone and iPad

If you need to enable notifications after initial setup:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap SemaQuote.
3. Tap Notifications.
4. Toggle on Allow Notifications.
5. Choose where notifications appear: Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners.
6. Turn on Sounds if you want an audio alert with each notification.

Pro tip: Enable "Persistent" banners so notifications stay on screen until you dismiss them. This ensures you do not miss important updates while multitasking.

On Android

Here is how to enable notifications on Android:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by manufacturer).
3. Find and tap SemaQuote.
4. Tap Notifications.
5. Toggle on Allow notifications or Show notifications.
6. Customize individual notification channels (more on this below).

Pro tip: On some Android devices, you may need to disable battery optimization for SemaQuote to ensure notifications arrive promptly. Look for this option in your battery or power settings.

Control Notifications Inside the App

Beyond your device settings, SemaQuote has its own notification toggle that gives you quick control:

1. Open the SemaQuote app.
2. Go to the Settings tab.
3. Look for Push Notifications in the App section.
4. Toggle it on or off.

When this toggle is on, SemaQuote will send notifications based on your device permissions. When it is off, the app stays silent, even if your device allows notifications. This is useful when you want a temporary break without changing your phone settings.

Fine-Tune with Notification Channels (Android)

Android devices offer granular control through notification channels. Each channel represents a category of notifications that you can manage independently:

1. Open your device Settings.
2. Go to Apps and then SemaQuote.
3. Tap Notifications.
4. You will see separate channels like "Quotes," "Invoices," "Jobs," and "Account."
5. Tap any channel to enable or disable it, or customize its sound and vibration.

This flexibility lets you create the perfect setup. For example, you might want immediate alerts for payments but prefer to discover new features on your own.

Customize Notification Sounds

If the default notification sound is too loud, too quiet, or just not your style, you can change it:

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > SemaQuote > Notifications.
2. Tap Sounds to choose a different alert tone or turn sounds off entirely.

On Android:

1. Open Settings > Apps > SemaQuote > Notifications.
2. Tap on a notification channel.
3. Tap Sound to choose a tone or select Silent.

Some users prefer distinct sounds for different apps, making it easy to know whether that buzz is a new client or a text from a friend.

Work-Life Balance with Do Not Disturb

Both iPhone and Android have built-in features to silence notifications during specific times. Here is how to use them while keeping important business alerts flowing:

iPhone Focus Modes

1. Go to Settings and then Focus.
2. Create or edit a Focus mode (like "Personal" or "Sleep").
3. Under "Allowed Apps," decide whether SemaQuote notifications can come through.
4. You can allow business-critical notifications while silencing everything else.

Android Do Not Disturb

1. Pull down the notification shade and tap the Do Not Disturb icon.
2. Go to Do Not Disturb settings to configure schedules and exceptions.
3. Add SemaQuote as an exception if you want business alerts even when your phone is silenced.

Pro tip: Set up a "Work Hours" schedule that allows SemaQuote notifications from 7 AM to 6 PM but silences them during evenings and weekends.

Troubleshooting Notification Issues

Not receiving notifications? Here is how to diagnose and fix common problems:

No notifications at all

• Check device settings. Make sure notifications are enabled for SemaQuote in your phone's settings.
• Check in-app settings. Verify the Push Notifications toggle is turned on inside the app.
• Test your connection. Notifications require an internet connection. Try opening the app to confirm you are connected.
• Sign out and back in. This can reset your notification registration with our servers.
• Restart your device. Sometimes a simple reboot clears up communication issues.

Notifications are delayed

• Disable battery optimization. Some devices delay notifications for apps in "sleep" or "restricted" mode. Look for battery or power settings and make an exception for SemaQuote.
• Check your internet connection. Notifications travel through the internet. A spotty connection can cause delays.
• Update the app. Older versions may have bugs affecting notification delivery.

Too many notifications

• Use Android channels. Turn off specific notification types you do not need.
• Use the in-app toggle. Temporarily disable all notifications during busy periods.
• Set up Do Not Disturb. Schedule quiet hours rather than turning notifications off entirely.

Our Recommendations

Finding the right notification balance is personal. Here is what we suggest based on how most successful users configure their settings:

Keep these enabled:

• Quote Approved (so you know when to start work)
• Payment Received (to track your income in real time)
• Invoice Overdue (so you can follow up promptly)
• Job Reminder (to stay organized and prepared)

Consider disabling:

• Quote Viewed (useful but can feel frequent if you send many quotes)
• New Feature announcements (nice to have, but not urgent)

Start with everything enabled and adjust based on what feels helpful versus distracting. You can always fine-tune your settings as your business evolves.

What's Next?

Now that your notifications are set up, explore these related features:

• Understand quote statuses: Learn what each status means and how to act on it.
• Track invoice payments: Stay on top of your accounts receivable.
• Schedule jobs effectively: Get reminders for upcoming work.
• Secure your app: Add Face ID or fingerprint protection.

Stay connected, stay informed, and never miss an opportunity.