How To Use Coupon Advertising To Make Your Business Grow

Everything is changing. So is marketing. Many promotional ways that worked 30 years ago have gone away now. But it’s not the case for coupon advertising!

This marketing tool has been of service to businesses for more than a century. And it’s still one of the most efficient ways entrepreneurs have to boost sales.

So, let’s take a closer look at coupon marketing!

Why coupon advertising is what you need

How to drive more sales?

That’s what every entrepreneur obviously wants to know.

And that was what pharmacist John Pemberton was wondering about in 1886 after inventing a drink meant to cure nerve disorders. The drink contained two main ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts. So, he named it Coca-Cola.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Right, it was the well-known beverage that is on sale at every corner today.

The question is: how did John Pemberton set the stage for such a huge success of Coca-Cola?

Well…actually, Pemberton wasn’t a great marketer. In the beginning, people didn’t shower his product with much attention.

But he had a business partner who should get credit for getting the ball rolling.

His name was Asa Candler. He was the actual founder of The Coca-Cola Company and the man responsible for its success.

He came up with the marketing strategy that allowed Coca-Cola to be served in every state in the United States by 1895.

This strategy was based on a thing that was brand new at the moment – coupon advertising.

Candler simply created the coupons that let people get a free glass of the beverage and sent them out to potential customers.

The result was striking.

Since then, using coupons has been known as one of the most efficient tools marketers have under the belt.

And this is understandable!

Who doesn’t want to get a good deal?

A penny saved is a penny earned. That’s how customer mind works.

The statistic backs this up. About 50% of Internet users from 22 to 59 years old claim that discounts and coupons are very important for them to make the decision about a purchase.

Thus, whether you want to get new clients for your online store or to keep the existing ones coming back, coupon advertising can be the perfect solution to both issues.

How to start coupon advertising for your online business

Of course, Candler’s idea was a breakthrough in marketing.

However, he had to put much effort and resources to implement it.

Today, if you decide to start your online business, you’re in for a treat. E-commerce software such as AliDropship plugin opens up great opportunities for you.

Among many useful features, it lets entrepreneurs create coupons for their online stores. There is no need in long preparations. You should set

• discount type (money-based or percentage-based)
• size of discount
• how many times the coupon can be used
• period of time when the coupon is valid
• minimum order requirement
• particular products the coupon can be applied to

+ you can enable the option that allows to apply the coupon both to product and shipping costs.

And you are good to go!

Launching coupon advertising campaign becomes a piece of cake.

7 effective ways to implement coupon advertising

Before putting this powerful marketing tool to the test, it’s useful to go through the most popular ways of using it.

This way, you’ll be able to weigh up each option and choose those that you can make good use of.

So, let’s take a look at them.

#1. Holiday and seasonal offers

Christmas, New Year, Black Friday, Cyber Monday…

What do all of these have in common?

Right, people go shopping these days. And they are looking for a good deal.

So, it’s the best time to use coupon advertising.

You just need to make the decision about the size of your discount, create your coupon code and let people know about your offer.

To make sure that customers won’t miss it, place a banner on your website.

Something like “Cyber Monday sale! Only this week 35% off on all items! Don’t miss it!” will definitely catch their attention.

Want to launch a large-scale shopping event? Check this detailed guide to planning an online sale and follow all the steps!

#2. Pre-launch coupons

If you’re just launching your online business, what do you expect to see?

I suppose, it’s tons of clients lining up to buy from your store.

However, many promotional tools need some time to work through.

The beauty of coupon advertising is that you know exactly when it should show the results. That’s you who chooses the time by setting the period your coupon code is valid.

So, if you want to get your first clients in the shortest time, creating pre-launch coupons is the best way to pull it off.

#3. Minimum order discounts

Another great way to implement coupon advertising is to tie the discount to the total value of the order.

If your clients know that they get 20% off when their order value reaches $100, it will be pushing them to add more items to their shopping carts.

This way, you can drive more sales and increase your average order size.

#4. Abandoned cart offers

There could be a lot of people who stop short of buying from your store.

The reasons why they backed out could be different.

The thing that matters is that they were interested in your offer.

So, if you make it more affordable for them, chances are they won’t be able to resist.

All you need is their contact details and the coupon code that lets them get the discount. The e-mail with your new offer should do the trick.

#5. Retargeting offers

To keep your existing clients coming back must be inseparable part of your marketing strategy if you want to achieve great results.

What could be more effective to retain them than offering products they might be interested in for exclusive prices?

Everyone likes being treated exceptionally, right?

So, the retargeting offers with your coupons give your customers this sense, remind them about you and drive loyalty to your store.

#6. Daily coupons

Creating a sense of urgency is really effective way to boost sales.

Who likes when opportunities slip away?

Nobody!

If customers see that your discount is valid only for a day, many of them are likely to take you up on your offer.

Thus, you can take a certain type of your products and create such an offer. Later, you can take another one and repeat the trick.

And so on. You’ve got the idea!

#7. Customer loyalty coupons

Make them stick with you!

Your clients need to feel themselves emotionally connected with your brand.

So, when you respond to their loyalty, it’s the best sign for your customers that they matter.

Sending your most loyal customers gifts, bonuses and exclusive discounts along with your gratitude helps you build a strong relationship with them. This, in turn, will push them to buy more and spread the word about your online store.

As you can see, coupon advertising can work like magic for your online business. So, put it into service along with the other marketing tools and you’ll be one step closer to your success.