Even as the economy slowly improves, price-conscious Americans are increasingly turning to digital coupons as a way to get a good deal. According to Coupons.com, more than 45 million Americans use digital coupons. More than a third (over 15 million) no longer clip newspaper coupons compared to over nine million in 2008. Digital coupons received via email through a computer or on a cell phone appeal to younger, wealthier consumers that enjoy the convenience of instant access, as opposed to clipping coupons through traditional print newspapers.
How can digital coupons help to increase your sales for your business? Digital coupons are advantageous to both the retailer and consumer. Usually customers request or agree to have special offers emailed to them, so they are more likely to use the coupons. Retailers find email offers help to grow existing customer databases. For example, customers may forward the digital coupon to others, thus creating a positive endorsement of the product. Personalized emails thank customers for their continued loyalty by issuing digital coupons to them after they reach a certain dollar amount or number of purchases. Local businesses can use digital coupons to help boost spending to benefit their community, since consumers are more likely to open emails from familiar retailers of hometown goods and services.
For customers that tend to make one-time only purchases, offering digital coupons for incentives such as discounts on future purchases or free shipping, may turn them into repeat buyers. These coupons can be included in the “order confirmed” email.
Businesses will also find they can reduce costs by emailing coupons to their customers. The savings will add up in the reduction of printing expenses and paper waste. Digital coupons also can be updated quickly.
The average user of online coupons is the customer many businesses hope to attract. Customers who print digital coupons generally have a higher than average household income, are more likely to have a college or advanced degree, and usually live in metro areas. Women make up the majority of digital coupon users; however, according to Harris Interactive, about one in two adult men have used a coupon in the past six months.
Increased public awareness of the ease and convenience of digital coupons is expected to grow. Although businesses have different needs, start today to think about the many ways digital coupons can help your business to expand.
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