Anthony Villegas — May 30, 2018 — May 30, 2018
ProSmile / Pixabay
If you’re an online business with any sort of customer base, you’re probably wondering how to set yourself apart from your competitors. With 24/7 access to any product, anytime, anywhere, it’s really easy for consumers to get lost in the world of online shopping, but it’s even easier for you to get overlooked. Differentiating yourself from your competitors is not only necessary, but it’s the smart thing to do. As consumers become smarter and savvier, your business needs to do the same. That’s why discounts and coupon code incentives could be the smart, simple strategy that keeps customers buying and your business thriving.
Why coupon codes?
While lowering your prices, no matter how slight, may not seem like the most optimal practice, you might be pleasantly surprised by how successful a promo code campaign can be. Even if increasing sales is the overall goal for your business, there are many other benefits to incorporating the strategy outside of just the numbers. We’ve taken some time to piece together those pros of using promo codes and some of our recommended secrets to success.
The Benefits of Using Coupon Codes
- Can boost customer loyalty
What do customers love more than a good deal? The business that provides them. Consumers respond extremely well to discount and coupon incentives. While a nominal discount might not seem enticing from your perspective, from the eyes of your customers, it can make all the difference in how they perceive their experience with your brand. Customers come back to brands that give back – coupon codes are a great way to build that loyalty.
- Increase the average order value (AOV)
While a discount is intended to lower prices, implementing a ‘X% off purchases over $ XX’ may actually increase your customer average order value. For example, if a customer is on your site and has a cart of $ 30, but they see a 10% OFF orders of $ 50+, they may add the extra $ 20 to their order to redeem the deal. When customers are required to reach a purchase minimum in order to earn a percentage or dollar off, the incentive in turn increases your AOV. It’s a win-win!
- Increase conversion rate & overall sales
Some businesses see the traffic, but have a hard time capturing the purchase. While remarketing is a great way to get customers to see you again, a coupon code could be the little push they needed to purchase real-time. Incentivizing purchases on-site could ultimately help with converting a visitor to a customer. Remember, sometimes the small gesture is best for the big picture.
According to MarketingProfs, 57% of US online shoppers who used a coupon code said that if they had not received the discount, they would not have bought the item(s). This data shows that even if you have visitors, conversion and sales may not exist without a proper incentive to seal the deal.
- Help business stay competitive
Do something your competitors might not be doing for their customers by offering a discount. By creating that differentiation point with consumers, you show them you care, give back a little, and give yourself a competitive edge. Remember, when businesses are only out to get sales, customers are the first to notice. With a good discount, a little goes a long way.
- Attract new & old customers
Discount and coupon codes are an amazing way to attract new customers while bringing back previous purchasers. They incentivize new visitors and give them a reason to shop with you, while giving previous customers a reason to shop again. It’s a win-win-win strategy that makes everyone happy.
Coupon Code Secrets to Success
The biggest side effect of using coupon codes is (accidentally) convincing customers not to pay full price for products. This happens when businesses provide coupon codes too often and put themselves in a position where customers know they can get something for less if they hold out. For this reason, you want to avoid overuse and tread lightly if implementing a coupon strategy for the first time. You can set yourself up for success by following these strategy suggestions:
- Position coupon codes as temporary and create urgency to purchase
By convincing your customers that your coupon codes are temporary, you create an urgency to buy. If your customers believe the coupon code will be there later, they won’t purchase and will expect a discount to be available every visit. - Define the length of time a coupon will be valid (i.e. 2 weeks)
Having a clearly defined length of time, such as a one or two-week promo offer, can create urgency and motivate customers to buy. Additionally, the defined promo period will remind late-to-the-show shoppers to purchase when a code goes live, otherwise the offer will expire. - Use a minimum purchase strategy
If you’re still unsure about using a promo or coupon code strategy, establish a minimum purchase that feels right for your business. Define that value and what it means for you, then move forward with rolling it out to your customers. Track & monitor the differences in performance to see what impact it had on your AOV. - Make coupon codes one-time use per customer
When savvy shoppers catch wind of discounts, they sometimes find a multi-use loophole. Having repeat customers is great, but not when they find the chink in your coupon code’s armor. Define your codes as one-time use, ensuring each customer is receiving the same fair use and you’re not falling victim to a loophole in your own strategy.
Coupon code strategies can be very fruitful for all types of businesses, as potential customers are shopping at any given moment. Assuming they stumble across your site, maximize their visit by throwing an incentive their way. Remember, even if they don’t purchase right away, it gives customers great reason to go back.
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