A computer screen with Slack open and text that says "Slack Notification Tips."

Make Slack Notifications Work for You

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Slack is amazing for collaboration, but managing notifications across platforms, devices, and applications can get messy fast. Especially when you add in email, text messages, phone calls, and collaborative documents! I’m kind of getting a headache just thinking about it. I hate headaches. But you know what I love? Using technology really well. And guess what? I GOT SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.

Before we get into the thick of it, I want to emphasize the value in spending time to thoughtfully configure your notifications. Just like configuring a new feature in Salesforce, setting aside time to design how and where you want to receive notifications will end up paying off down the line.

So let’s stop slacking and start Slacking!

Step 1: Know your notifications

By default, Slack notifications are triggered by three things:

  • Direct messages
  • Mentions (when you’re tagged in a channel)
  • Keywords (if you’ve chosen any)

You’ll receive these notifications on the desktop app, web experience, and mobile app by default.

Step 2: Design your notifications

Do you want to receive notifications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?
Me neither! So, spend a little time setting up how and when you want receive notifications.

For example: I work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, but I spend the first two hours setting my day up for success. I’m not available for collaboration during this time. I also like to spend my evenings with my family or working on hobbies. So, I’ve configured my Slack notifications to roll in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Are there certain projects or topics that need your attention?
Joining channels can help, but sometimes conversations can be far-ranging or difficult to follow. Setting up keyword notifications can be useful in this case.

For example: I’m the author of our Admin Configuration Kits. I want to ensure I’m aware of any conversations related to them. By setting up a number of keywords, I’ll be sure to receive valuable notifications whenever they’re used in channels I’ve joined.

Do you want sounds and message previews to appear in virtual meetings?
Virtual meetings are difficult to manage. It can be distracting to hear someone else’s Slack notification sounds, or to see the preview of a message in a banner as they screen share. Not only that, but it can also come across like they aren’t paying attention to the conversation, which can sour collaboration. Good thing we have full control of these settings!

For example: I frequently record videos and podcasts. So, I configure Slack to mute all sounds and disable message previews when I record. I can still keep Slack open and send/receive messages if needed, but this configuration doesn’t interrupt my work or meetings!

Step 3: Configure your notifications

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the available options, we can get to configuration. I’ve included my list of settings and screenshots below. For step-by-step instructions on how to configure these settings, please review Configure your Slack notifications.

J.’s Notifications:

    • Direct messages, mentions & keywordsPreferences menu displaying the settings listed above.
    • Hours: M-F, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMPreferences menu displaying the settings listed above.
    • Keywords: admin configuration kit, config kit, config kitsPreferences menu displaying the settings listed above.
    • Slack Sounds: Muted
    • Message Preview: OffPreferences menu displaying the settings listed above.

What are you waiting for? Let’s gooooo!

Slack notifications can be overwhelming, but with these configuration options, admins like you are empowered to help your users (and yourselves) have a much more pleasant experience. Go forth! Manage notifications! Live your best life!

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