Many business owners are reluctant to consider offering coupons, as they do not wish to be thought of as a discounting business. But web coupons serve different purposes from print coupons, and do not have to be about offering broad-based discounts. (see: Why You Should Make Coupons)


Print Coupons vs Web Coupons

Print Coupons

Web Coupons

Designed to entice shoppers to buy something they otherwise wouldn’t buy, or wouldn’t buy yet

Designed to attract search engines for shoppers already looking for product or service

 

Require dramatic offers to work

 

Require only “feel-good” offers to work

 

Are for short-window offers

 

Can be short- or long-window offers

 

Are available for a short window

 

Should be available for a long window to attract search engines

 

Are often used by “bargain-hoppers”

 

Are more for introduction than for “bargain-hoppers”


Consider any of the following as offers worth making a web page to attract users and search engines:

  • Any offer you give all customers can be a coupon

  • Any current special can be made a coupon too

  • Leaders into your main product or service, such as free consultation or evaluation

  • Low-cost gifts with purchase or upgrades

  • Modest discounts

  • Donations to your regular charity with purchase


Pro Tip: Title your coupon with the important keywords that a consumer might search. For example, “Men’s Shoes – Free Spare Laces” is better than “Free Spare Laces with Purchase”


Related Article: How to Add a Coupon

Related Article: Why You Should Make Coupons