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Geofencing

Geofencing is a location technology that triggers an automatic action, most often a push notification, when a user's device enters or leaves a defined geographic zone.

Why it matters

A message is far more effective when it arrives at the right place and moment. Geofencing lets a local business speak to customers exactly when they are nearby: a shop announcing an offer to people around the block, a venue welcoming visitors as they arrive, a service reminding users of a pickup when they approach the store. It turns location into relevance.

How it works

The app defines one or several virtual perimeters, each centered on coordinates with a given radius. The operating system monitors the device's position using an energy-efficient mix of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell signals, and notifies the app when the device crosses a perimeter. The app then reacts: sending a push notification, displaying content, or logging the visit. The user must have granted location permission, and can withdraw it at any time.

How GoodBarber relates to this

GoodBarber's Geofencing extension sends push notifications based on your users' location: you draw the zone, write the message, and the app does the rest. It pairs naturally with local delivery and pickup apps where proximity is the whole point.

Frequently asked questions

Does geofencing drain the phone's battery?
Not with modern systems. Region monitoring is handled by the operating system with low-power techniques, not by the app polling GPS continuously, so the impact on battery life stays marginal.
Do users need to give permission for geofencing?
Yes. Geofencing only works for users who granted location access, and the permission can be revoked at any time. Being transparent about the value they get in exchange is what makes users say yes.

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