Business Ideas Marketing & Sales Retail

Common Promo Codes That Attract Shoppers and Boost Small Business Sales

Written by Emy Wilson

Offering discounts and promo codes is a proven strategy for business growth in the retail market. Indeed, discount codes are one of the most effective tools for turning random visitors into loyal customers and keeping them returning for future purchases. Small businesses can increase their customer base using promo codes as a marketing tool. In this article, we’ll explore common promo codes capable of attracting maximum shoppers and how useful these incentives are for small businesses in Australia. 

Why promo codes matter for small businesses

Promo codes are also called discount codes or coupons. These incentives are an organised way to boost average order value, reduce abandoned carts, encourage brand loyalty, and generate more revenue. These are often offered as free shipping, percentage discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers, loyalty rewards, or more. 

Common discount codes specially curated for target audiences can assist small businesses in accomplishing these objectives. EMUCoupon.com is a renowned Australian coupon website for discount coupons from famous brands and small businesses. 

Most common promo codes to attract customers 

Here are some of the most common discount codes that can help to increase small business sales and keep customers coming for more shopping.

1. Percentage discounts

One of the most popular promo codes is percentage discounts. These provide a discount of a fixed percentage of the entire purchase value (for example, 5%, or 10%). The percentage-off code “X%OFF” is used by various brands. These are effective for small businesses to attract savvy customers looking for a great offer. 

Businesses often provide percentage discounts to first-time buyers or in sales to clear inventory. These compelling offers entice customers to add additional goods to their carts. These incentives are best for selling high-volume products.

2. Free shipping coupons

Many shoppers tend to abandon their carts because of shipping costs. A free shipping offer with a minimum purchase amount can help overcome this barrier. It encourages buyers to complete their purchase without worrying about extra costs. Small businesses can benefit from this technique as it eliminates a significant reason for abandoned carts, eventually leading to more sales. Common free shipping codes businesses offer include “FREESHIP, SHIPFREE, and FREE SHIPPING”. These promotions are best for online stores with flexible delivery charges.

3. Dollar-amount discounts

Dollar-amount discounts are another common type of promo code. These promotions require shopping a specific amount, such as “$5 off a $30 purchase”.  The plus point is that they are simple and easy for clients to understand at first glance, increasing cart values and promoting upsells.

4. Flash sale discount codes

According to a report, flash sales can increase traffic by 66% during the sale period. These stats demonstrate that flash sale promo codes drive impulse purchases by triggering a sense of urgency among customers. 

These are especially effective for small businesses to clear out limited-stock items as soon as possible. Businesses often announce flash sales through email and social media to ensure maximum reach. These eventually increase customer traffic, hence, generating more revenue.

5. Buy-one-get-one promo codes

Buy-one-get-one deals allow customers to receive an extra item for free or at a reduced price. An example is “Buy one, get one 50% off”. These are commonly offered by stores clearing out seasonal or excess inventory. 

BOGO deals are one of the common discount codes ideal for boosting bulk purchases and increasing per-customer order amounts. Additionally, these incentives are also best for new product launches. 

6. Social media exclusive discount codes

Coupon advertising on social media channels is another common promo code strategy. This technique helps to improve customer engagement and boost sales. Additionally, use social media analytics to see which platforms are driving the most sales. Common examples of these codes are “INSTASALE” and “FOLLOW20”. These reward followers while expanding the online network of small businesses.

7. Limited-time and seasonal discounts

Customers feel a sense of urgency with limited-time offers and get motivated to purchase quickly. Common coupon code examples for limited-time offers include “SUMMER20” or “HOLIDAY10”. These include monthly offers, holiday sales, Black Friday deals, etc. These discount codes are only for a specific period and help boost sales during slow periods. Also, seasonal promotions help clear out products for the respective season of the year (e.g., Christmas or Halloween). This makes them ideal for boosting sales during peak shopping seasons.

8. New customer discount codes

New customer promo codes are one of the most common ways to attract new consumers and make their first purchase easier. Therefore, these help small businesses expand their audience and boost sales by offering exclusive gifts to new buyers.

“WELCOME” or “NEW” are the most common new-customer discount code prefixes. Ensure these deals are prominently advertised on your website and social media platforms to convert casual browsers into buyers.

9. Loyalty or VIP membership coupon codes

Exclusive coupon codes for the most loyal clients are a common way to make them feel cherished. These foster customer retention and make customers feel valued. These codes are frequently provided via a loyalty program or email. 

For example, a common code is “LOYALTY15” for a 15% discount. VIP memberships or loyalty rewards improve customer loyalty and boost sales, helping small businesses grow.

10. Referral discount codes

Referral discount codes encourage existing customers to refer their friends by providing a discount to both the referrer and the referee. These shoppers’ coupons are an excellent marketing strategy. For instance, “REFER10” could provide a 10% discount for the referrer and the referee.

These codes engage loyal customers while getting them to introduce your brand to their circle. Therefore, they help small businesses increase their consumer base organically through referrals.

Coupon codes can help your business grow

Overall, coupon codes are a powerful tool for small businesses. If offered correctly, they increase sales, reduce cart abandonment, and build a loyal customer base. Check out coupon websites like EMUCoupon which work in partnership with businesses to provide coupons to customers plus help small businesses grow. By strategically deploying the proper promotional codes and adhering to best practices, you can attract new customers while keeping a stronger relationship with the current ones. The above-mentioned most common promo codes may be customised to meet the specific demands of your business and audience. Remember that discount codes are also an excellent investment in the growth of your business.

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About the author

Emy Wilson

Emy Wilson is a small business co-owner and a published contributor. She's passionate about digital marketing and how it's constantly evolving in the modern age. Emy hopes to create a wider understanding of the latest marketing trends through her writings.