Coming up with direct mail coupon ideas to increase sales and attract new customers can seem like a never-ending process. Nevertheless, it is a necessary one for any business that wants to stay competitive. More than likely, there are hundreds of companies just like yours trying to attract customers, and coupons are a terrific way to do this because people love a good bargain.
There are many types of coupons and offers that you can use if you want to gain more exposure, increase your sales and profits, and reinforce your brand. This type of marketing offer has become very popular. Just because something has already been done before does not mean that you cannot do it again and be successful if the method still works.
Direct Mail Coupon Ideas
- If you are looking for fresh direct mail coupon ideas in order to market your business then try offering a percentage discount on a popular product or service. Even 10% off will give you a decent response rate as long as your mailer is well designed and it has a professional look. Those who have never tried your product or service are more likely to, and those who have appreciate the discount.
- Create a coupon for a bag or lot sale if this method works for your business model. Various products or services can be offered at a discounted cost. One method is to have people visit a physical store with a bag, and they can fill the bag for X amount. A lot of services or products could be offered by an online provider using the same method, with a package deal offered for less.
- One of the latest direct mail coupon ideas is to offer a coupon on an up sell or related item to something that a customer has already purchased. If a customer recently purchased a lawn mower, you could send a coupon for a discounted leaf bag or mulch attachment. If a customer had their gutters cleaned, offer a coupon for a winter gutter inspection at a lower price.
- Buy one get one free coupons usually do very well because consumers feel they are getting a great deal. This is true even if the price of the product or service is inflated in order to offset some of the coupon cost. Another variation is buy one product get a different or related product free, such as buy a towel get a washcloth free.
- Use headlines that are bold and commanding, no matter what direct mail coupon ideas you have come up with so far. You want people to notice your coupon right away. It is also important to set an expiration date and to include text explaining that this is a limited time offer that will end soon. This motivates the consumer to take action sooner rather than later.
- Add some illustrations or step-by-step guides when you create coupon mailers. This helps the recipient understand what you are offering or how your products should be used. Only using text in a coupon mailer could be seen as plain and uninspired, making consumers question whether you are the best person or best company to provide what you need.
- The best direct mail coupon ideas will be clear, easy to understand, and not overcrowded or crammed in any way. If you try to create a mailer and put everything possible in it along with a coupon, your materials will look crowded and unprofessional. This could cause the reader to associate your business and products or services as unprofessional as well.
- Use a coupon as a sweepstakes or contest entry. Provide space for contact information that the coupon recipient can fill out, and when the coupon is redeemed the individual will be entered into the drawing. If you use this advertising method make sure that the contest rules and requirements comply with all applicable laws.
Make sure that you are aware of the state laws in every state that your mail will be sent to with your direct mail contests.
Source: Are you Breaking the Law with your Direct Mail Contests?
- One of the innovative direct mail coupon ideas that has been used before is to offer a coupon for a small product sample and use this to generate leads for your company. Create a portion of the coupon that has space for contact information. Printing required information above this section will encourage the recipient to fill out this part of the coupon before they redeem it.
- Look at the mail that you receive at work and at home for direct mail coupon ideas that you like. If these appeal to you then they probably appeal to most consumers as well. Keep a resource box of inspiring mail with coupons that you can sift through to get your creativity flowing.
What other direct mail coupon ideas have you used to generate leads or drive sales?
