Advertising is the most commonly used way to think of “sales promotion”. Advertising, on the other hand, is one type.

Promotions aim to increase the short-term demand for a product/service.

Sales promotions can be a powerful tool to increase sales, customer satisfaction, and brand awareness.

• Increase customer interest in products or services.
• Sell new products and services.
• Retailers may be motivated to market your product or services.

Before creating a promotion, identify your target audience

What are some examples of sales promotion?

• No shipping or return fees
• Flash Sales
• BOGO: Buy One, Get One
• Get Discounts
• Holiday Promotions
• Loyalty programs
• Giveaways and Contests
• Special Promotions

1. No shipping and return charges

Incentives are a great way for customers to purchase a product or service. 49% of customers abandon carts due to unexpected extra costs like shipping and taxes.

Shoppers can get free shipping. Customers have the option to order additional products at no extra cost.

2. Flash Sales

Flash sales are e-commerce stores that offer a limited-time discount or promotion.

• It informs customers when the sale starts and ends. It also tells them when it will occur to avoid confusion if it isn’t visible within a few days.
• Clear and concise Call-to-Action.

To Attract More Customers, Use Popups

Popups can serve many purposes. They increase brand recognition.

Popups are a great way to promote sales.

A call-to-action button that works should communicate your message to customers and direct them to action.

This is another flash sale that includes a countdown to National Puppy Day.

Sign up for email newsletters

Email newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with your customers and encourage them to return to your site.

Newsletters are an easy way to inform your customers about new offers. Flash sales can also be promoted by email newsletters if you offer daily discounts or other special offers. 

3. BOGO: Buy One, Get One

Some of the world’s largest retailers use this strategy to increase sales. A liquidation strategy is a way for retailers to dispose of stock at low prices.

Sephora added a tab to their website for all BOGO deals.

You can create an exit-intent popup to prevent cart abandonment by offering BOGO.

4. Get Discounts

Lifestyle discounts:

Lifestyle Discounts are an incentive to increase the value and attractiveness of a lifestyle. 

Discounts are available for those who have certain medical conditions. Many gyms offer discounts to individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

Lifestyle Discounts are a great way for word-of-mouth advertising to grow.

Tiered discounts:

Tiered Discounts (also known as Buy More, Save More), can be a powerful tool to encourage customers to spend more on your business. Businesses may offer discounts of 10% to 15%, 20%, and 20% on purchases over $50, $100, and $200.

Referral discounts:

Ask loyal customers to share your brand love in exchange for a reward. Dropbox Increased its user base by 27.9% per month through its customer referral program.

If you have the funds, consider expanding your referral program. Both the referrer as well as the referee should be rewarded.

5. Holiday promotions

The holiday season is busy for retailers, and a great time for consumers to shop.

Your business could experience increased revenue if you use this time well. Marketers may take advantage of the holiday season to highlight related products or introduce new products.

Halloween candy, pumpkins, and other scary items are available!

6. Loyalty programs

70% refers to the likelihood of selling to an existing customer, and 20% refers to selling to a prospect. Customer loyalty is key to success.

You can get 1 free drink for every 9 coffees you purchase if you have a loyalty card.

A promotional offer to customers: Double your loyalty points in a short period An airline might double its loyalty points on flights between February 1st and February 28th.

Some retailers might offer 40% off their next order within the same month as the first.

7. Contests and Giveaways

Hosting a contest or giveaway on social media can help you increase your visibility.

A landing page should be created for your contest or giveaway. This is where your customers will enter their information once they are interested.

You can prevent potential customers from leaving your brand by giving them a gift card with a popup.

Your existing audience is your best resource when it comes to spreading the word about your giveaway.

You want to increase participation by using social media. 

Contests can be used to promote your business. You can offer a prize to the winner. 

Marketers love contests that are event-based. People are more likely to show interest in your brand when they have the chance to win a Valentine’s Day necklace.

8. Special Promotions

Everyone wants to be treated like a VIP. 

Limiting your offer to prospects can make them feel special.

• Offer long-term customers special discounts to encourage them to buy. Loyal customers are those who return time and again to your business.

This is especially true when it comes to ecommerce. Online shoppers tend to shop at the same websites often.

Summarizing.

When deciding which type of sales promotion you will use, it is important to consider your target audience.

Would they like a trial period? Would they be interested in a free trial?

• No matter what your choice, promote urgency and scarcity.
• Sales can be increased by using persuasive triggers. It is important to balance urgency and scarcity.

This will let you avoid placing too much pressure on visitors, but still, provide enough incentive for them to take action on your offer.

• It is important to choose the right options for your business. Flash sales and holiday promotions can help you make your brand stand out and get customers to buy your products.

We are glad you found this article useful. Which strategy do you prefer?

Leave us a comment with your thoughts.