Roost

Roost is a software platform specializing in web push notifications designed to enhance audience engagement for websites. The service enables website owners to send notifications directly to users' desktops and mobile devices, even when the browser is not active. This functions as a direct communication channel, comparable to email marketing platforms, but for browser-based alerts. Roost offers a simplified setup, installable via plugins for content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, or by embedding a JavaScript snippet into a website's code. This approach removes the need for complex development or individual developer accounts for each browser platform.

The company was founded by Tim Varner and participated in Y Combinator's Summer 2014 batch. The platform's core service allows visitors to opt-in with a single click without providing personal information like an email address, which Roost claimed resulted in a significantly higher opt-in rate compared to email subscriptions. Key features include automated notifications for new content, A/B testing, analytics and tracking, geo-targeting, and user segmentation. A distinctive feature mentioned by users is "The Bell," an in-page notification center that organizes messages for visitors. Roost's business model included free and paid subscription plans, though details on later pricing structures became less public. The service initially supported Safari on macOS and later expanded to include Chrome and Firefox.

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