The best, most straightforward coupons are offers that convince your potential customer they are receiving a worthwhile deal without over-discounting your own products and services.
Determine the Offer
The first step to creating a successful coupon is to determine the terms of your special offer. If you choose to offer a percentage or dollar amount off of a particular service, ask yourself how much you can afford to mark down your offer and still make a profit for your business. For example, suppose you choose to write a coupon for a product that costs you $12 to stock from your supplier, and you sell this product to your customers for $30 off your shelves. This means that your profit per sale on this item with no discount is $18, or 60%. Your special offer should remain less than this amount so that you can maintain a profit for your time and services.
Make Your Pitch
Once you have determined an offer, it is time to make your pitch. Make it direct, exciting, and easy for the potential customer to understand, with a special emphasis on the value of your offer. Take the opportunity to explain exactly what you want the customer to do.
Here are some examples of strong coupon text:
- "Show your cashier this coupon at checkout to receive 15% off of your bill."
- "Mention this coupon when you book your service for $20 off."
- "Get free shipping when you use the discount code LOCALSAVER at online checkout."
Create a Sense of Urgency
When you publish your coupon, consider selecting expiration dates for your special offers. This creates the impression that there is a limited time for your customers to claim a great deal, and encourages them to seek your services as soon as possible to avoid missing out. We generally recommend running a coupon for about three months, or alternatively, ending coupons on strategic dates to promote seasonal or holiday offers.
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