by Sheri Fink

Created on: March 01, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

As consumers become more comfortable with online shopping, it is important for online retailers to be innovative in the ways they market to them. Today, many Internet retailers are successfully using promotional codes to offer discounts on their products. Promotional codes enable retailers to offer incentives and discounts to consumers with the goal of boosting product sales and customer retention.

Many online retailers are finding promotional discount codes an effective method of getting customers to their site to try their products. As the online marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, more Internet retailers will implement this technique to vie for customers.

Using promotional codes will give your business the ability to compete with your competitors on price and to encourage repeat customers, both of which will contribute to your company's bottom line. Here are some ways you can implement marketing campaigns using promotional discounts:

- Free/Complimentary
Email offer to existing/previous customers: You're invited to enjoy a free __________ service for 6 months! Simply enter promo code FREE6TA at checkout to begin your free service today! Offer available for a limited time.

Once the promotional period has ended, send customers an automatic email asking them to renew their membership. This technique provides you the ability to ask for the renewal, as well as up-sell, down-sell, and cross-sell other products.

- Percent Off
Homepage promotion for new customers: Sign up for ___________ service today and save 20% off the retail price! (clicks through to webpage containing promotional discount code, details of offer, and Buy Now button)

- Google Paid Ad: New customers save 10% on the purchase of __________! Use promo code GOOGLE10 at checkout.

- Dollar Amount Off
Tax Season special direct mail to non-customers: Enjoy $10 savings now through April 15th when you go to our website and purchase any personal finance product. Choose from a wide selection of products to meet your financial needs. Simply enter promo code TAXDEAL10 at checkout to take advantage of this special offer today!

- Buy One, Get One Free or at Discount
Banner Ad offer Buy _________ today and you'll get _______ free! (clicks through to webpage containing promotional discount code, details of offer, and Buy Now button)

Homepage Pop-Under (customers who left the site without making a purchase): Buy _________ today and you'll get _________________ for just $__!

- Bonus Offers
Email offer to existing customers:

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