Coupons: Not Just for Grandma Anymore
Coupon clippers. We know you know them. They’re the ones clutching the expandable portfolio wallets that have straining seams as they’re stuffed to capacity with tiny pieces of paper featuring screaming bold headlines “Save $.55!”, “Get One Free with Purchase”, etc. The coupon clipper can be found in any given retail store stalled on the side of the isle thumbing through highly-organized personal files dedicated to saving money. All that hard work and all that time spent hunting, clipping, and organizing. “Is it even worth it” you wonder while you push past them heading for the checkout line.
Well, a whopping 90 million consumer believe it is worth it. It’s reported that 78% of retail shoppers are coupon clippers and eagerly pour over newspapers and sales circulars weekly searching for deals. And 40% of retail shoppers are also turning their coupon clipping attention online; a trend only expected to grow as mobile phones catapult coupon popularity by using technology to text loyal customers with special savings offers, and as more consumers are accessing the internet on the go with their phones. If you think that coupon clipping is for old folks, think again. Studies show that 68-71% of consumers aged 18-34 are scouring the internet for coupons, specials, and savings. Just as your customers are using the Internet to find your business, they’re also spending more time online finding the best deals andscoring great savings.
The current economic crunch is responsible for fueling this value-focused, savings-minded trend, and it doesn’t discriminate in age or income-level; you can be sure that all of your clients are feeling the squeeze in some way or another. Take the opportunity this presents by offering discounts and rebates to entice potential customers to become purchasing customers. Whether your clients are shopping online or visiting your brick-and-mortar store, online coupons are one of your most valuable marketing weapons. The special savings that you offer, combined with your brand value, and online presence (website, SEO, and PPC efforts) is the winning combination to keep your cash register ringing. Don’t forget the power of suggestion that comes with coupon use – the beauty of online coupons is that they can be shared via email or link. Capitalize on this further by offering rebates to customers who bring friends (who bring their wallets) to you. Help a customer out, and you will reap the rewards.
Sure, it’s a tough economy right now, but that doesn’t mean that your business can’t survive and thrive. Business owners who know their products and know their customers will weather the financial storm.