Consumers love deals and discounts, and both smartphone and tablet use has made coupon and code usage so much more simple. With no coupons to clip, or no emails to print out, customers can simply take their mobile device to a store, or enter a code online for a great deal. With a few simple strategies in place marketers can take advantage of digital coupons.
Keep Up With The Latest Technology
As the digital world is constantly changing, the same goes for digital coupon marketing. Consumers often store their credit cards and/or debit cards on their phones and can use them to pay directly with their phone. Besides that, many consumers also have couponing apps such as Checkout51, Flipp or loyalty apps like Air Miles or PC Points. Depending on your budget you might be able to sponsor coupons/ads through various apps that consumers already have.
Use Push Notifications
One of the most important aspects of using the latest technology is having the knowledge to use push notifications. This is a great way to grab the customer’s attention when they are on their smartphone or tablet. Customers love using apps, and a great way to use push notifications is to have digital coupons or a coupon code sent when a customer is in the vicinity of a store. The only catch is the consumer must already have your app on their phone. A great example of this is the Starbucks app, if you have it on your phone it will popup if you are within range of a nearby store to give you a gentle reminder.
Build An Opt-in List
Approximately 10% of all coupon codes that are sent out via text are used. That doesn’t sound like a huge margin, but it truly is a great way to build revenue. Get customers on your text list however possible, simply to get them access to the codes. Of course, they can stop texts whenever they would like, but this is a terrific way to reach a bigger audience. Similarly, keep your email lists current and build as big of a list as you can.
Use Social Media
To be successful, social media must be a big part of digital coupon marketing. Keep in mind that social media doesn’t just stop at Facebook and Twitter – these days, you need to have a presence on all of the big networks to keep customers interested. Consider making a YouTube channel, and make sure that you have an Instagram, Pinterest as well.
Offer Rewards Or A Loyalty Program
Customers are much more willing to download apps, receive texts, or subscribe to email lists if there is something in it for them in the long run. Have a loyalty program, or offer points for items purchased or coupons redeemed. Getting five or ten dollars off for a certain amount of points spent is a terrific incentive to not only keep customers coming back, but to keep them active on your opt-in lists.
Set An Expiration Date
This very much stays in line with having clear objectives and strategies. Coupons and deals should be introduced for a specific reason, and should expire when that specific reason does. Make sure that you return with another deal or discount highlighting a different idea or product, but every event should have an ending.
Closing Thoughts
In the digital marketing world, things are constantly changing, so it’s best to just keep on top of what works and use the latest technologies wherever possible. If you understand your target market and have clear objectives, digital coupon marketing will no doubt boost your sales and revenue in just a short time. Remember to always use social media, and your digital coupon marketing will be a success.
Want more? Learn about consumer promotions, traditional coupons, in-store coupons, or coupon redemption tactics.
Or, check out the following blogs focusing on consumer promotions:
Digital Coupon Redemption Rates
Consumer Promotions Tactics & Techniques
RAVEN5 is a contest marketing agency, that works with clients in developing and administering consumer programs in Canada and the United States. RAVEN5 works with clients to develop strategies and tactics with a focus on both traditional, digital and online coupons as well as redemption solutions that work for both B2B and B2C consumers. RAVEN5 Ltd. are leaders in Consumer Promotions that produce results.