From Browsing to Buying: How Promo Codes can Supercharge Conversion

Promo codes are a powerful conversion boosting tool and can be easily created using my discount code generator.

Offer them in the right way and they will help your business generate incremental sales, by featuring them on sites like HotUKDeals.

However get them wrong, and you can unintentionally give away valuable margin.

This post will give you a better understanding of what promo codes are, how they work and why they should become one of your most used sales levers.

What are Promo Codes?

Promo codes, short for promotional codes, are a short combination of numbers and letters. That customers enter during the online checkout process.

These promo codes usually offer a predefined discount, special offer or free postage.

But they also create an enticing extra reason to press the "buy now" button.

Example: Imagine you're shopping for a holiday online. At the checkout stage, you enter the promo code SUMMER150, and suddenly the original price drops by £150.

Mechanics of Promo Codes

So, how do promo codes work? It's quite simple.

When your business sets up a promo code, you are essentially creating a limited-time marketing campaign.

The code can be shared with a target audience via various channels such as email, social or affiliate websites (more on these later).

Customers then copy these codes, and paste them in to the checkout. Resulting in a reduced basket cost - a win for the customer.

Acquire enough additional customers and the loss in margin on a sale will be made up by the increased total revenue.

Types of Promo Codes

There are many different types of promo code, each fulfilling a different marketing need and offer a unique incentive for a customer:

1. Percentage discounts: These codes offer a specific percentage off the total purchase price. For example, a 10% discount on a £100 purchase would save £10.
2. Fixed price discounts: Instead of a percentage, these codes deduct a set £ amount from the basket total. A £20 discount on a £150 purchase would reduce the basket down to £130.
3. Free postage: Promo codes for free postage can be especially appealing, as they eliminate one of the commons barriers to purchase, paying for delivery.
4. Buy one get one free: Some codes give a customer something for free when another item is purchased. For instance, "Buy one shirt, get another free".
5. Limited time offers: These codes are time sensitive, encourage customer to make a purchase within a specific timeframe to enjoy the discount. 24-hour flash sale, use code FLASH30 for 30% off.
6. Stackable Codes: Some retailers allow customers to stack multiple promo does for even greater savings, allowing the customer to feel more value has been gained.

The Thrill of Hunting for Promo Codes

For customers, searching for promo codes can feel like being on a treasure hunt. Often turning shoppers into amateur detectives, scouring the internet for the elusive code that could offer a discount.

Here are some common ways to promote your codes:

• Email sign-up forms: I'm sure you've seen these before, encouraging customers to sign-up to your newsletter in return for a discount.
• Voucher affiliate websites: be sure to work with a network like Vouchercodes to promote your offer. This site attracts many thousands of discount hunters.
• Social media: utilise social media platforms to promote your codes. Create engaging posts and encourage sharing to expand your reach. Be careful with
• Mobile apps: wanting to encourage to use your app instead of website? Offer an exclusive discount for customers to download and use your app.

How Promo Codes can help your Business

Promo codes aren't just a win for your customers, they can also benefit your business in these ways:

• Increased sales: typically, when you launch a promo code, it will be a for a short period of time. That creates a sense of urgency and encourages customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later.
• Customer loyalty: offering a one-time discount to loyal customers can strengthen the relationship with your brand.
• Clear inventory: no business likes to hold stock for too long, offer a discount code and it should help clear items.
• Competitive edge: in a competitive marketplace, offering attractive promo codes can help your business stand out and attract new customers.

Example: Two Chimps Coffee Discount Code

Ready to see how a discount code works in real life?

My favourite local coffee roaster Two Chimps Coffee, don't just offer the best tasting beans or fastest delivery. They also know how to use promo codes on their site brilliantly.

How do they feature promo codes?

• Sign-up to newsletter form: whenever you land on their site, a pop-up is displayed and an incentive is give to share your email address.
• Refer a friend: after signing up for a coffee subscription, within your account section there's a referral link that encourages existing customers to share a unique code with friends.

They have also kindly created the Two Chimps discount code below, be sure to check them out.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, promo codes are more than a short combination of numbers and letters; they present a powerful way to acquire new and engage existing customers.

By testing out different ideas and strategies, you will find out what approach resonates best with your audience, whilst also enhancing their online shopping experience.

If you're looking for other ways to improve your conversion rate, be sure to check out my other posts.

PS. Enjoy your Two Chimps Coffee!