Are you considering using a coupon to increase online sales? This is an excellent idea that works in many ways to benefit the owner of an e-commerce website.
Consumers enjoy getting discounts and using coupons for an added perceived value – especially during economic down times like much of the world is experiencing right now. Harness the power of using coupon codes with these key marketing components.
The Whys Of Using Coupon Codes
As previously mentioned, coupons add extra value to a product or service, at least in the mind of a consumer. Even an offer as small as a 5% discount or free shipping is perceived favourably. It’s all about getting a bargain; hunting on the internet for a coupon code right before checkout and getting something for nothing.
Coupons are also excellent at driving sales for a particular time period. Need to augment your bottom line in the third quarter? Develop a coupon code that expires the end of September and advertise it heavily to create a sense of urgency in your customers. Always add an expiration date so that the offer has an end.
Consider raising your prices in conjunction with a coupon discount. This allows you to still make a profit even with tight margins.
Types Of Coupon Codes
Coupon codes do not have to offer a monetary value to be effective. When using coupon codes, you can also offer a bonus of some type, such as a free eBook, online course, or an extra item with purchase. You might also want to make the coupon code redeemable on the customer’s next purchase in the hopes of making another sale.
If you make the coupon redemption dependent upon opting in to your email list, then you receive the added benefit of being able to send them promotional and marketing messages in the future. Create a link on your website to the coupon code, then install an opt-in window that asks for the visitor’s name and email address along with a check box for receiving future communications. The majority of visitors won’t uncheck the box.
When deciding on the code itself, make it meaningful and it is much more likely to be shared amongst consumers, or even go viral. Use something like ‘FREESHIPPING’ or ‘TWOFORONE’ which describes the offer and makes it easier to remember.
How To Use Coupon Codes
If you use PayPal for your merchant services, be aware that they will only accept eBay coupons. If you do business through eBay, then this will work.
Other types of shopping carts often support coupon codes, so check with the vendor offering your software if you have a question.
If you are having problems with your current shopping cart platform, consider using an application like Promo Code Software that works with any system set up to process orders and payments. You can easily set up a coupon code with an expiration date, a one-time validation, or even a permanent offer.
Coupon codes are very popular amongst consumers. Using coupon codes will benefit you by helping to attract new customers and enhance your bottom line. Be patient and vary the offers in order to find the one that works best for your online business.
See you at the top of Google!
Sean Rasmussen
SEO Australia Pacific
AussieSEO.com © 2007 - 2010
Hi Sean,
This is a great tip. I haven’t thought of using coupon codes but it makes sense. Everybody loves getting a bargain. By making them time sensitive you can also use them for your holiday marketing.
Now I just need to add a shopping cart to my site.
.-= Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Learn and Earn – It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint =-.
Using coupon codes would really get your sales moving. Knowing how to implement the coupon code technically could be a challenge for me though. Its a fantastic idea but I would definately need some help in setting it up.
.-= Jackie Stenhouse´s last blog ..Types of Child Anxiety Disorder =-.
I can see how using coupon codes will be to my advantage but at this stage I am not ready to do this.
I will keep it in my mind as it is a great incentive for customers in the future. Thank you.