How to Use Discounts and Coupons to Attract More Customers?

Published On
August 1, 2025
Discounts and coupons are proven tools to attract new customers and increase loyalty. This blog shares simple, smart strategies to make offers work—like flash sales, referral codes, and personalized deals—to grow your retail business fast and effectively.

Discounts and coupons are super powerful tools for any business. They help you bring in new customers and keep old ones coming back. If you want to grow your business, you need to use discounts and coupons the right way. This blog will show you how to do just that, using simple language and real facts.

What Are Discounts and Coupons?

Discounts and coupons are special offers that give customers a lower price or a free gift when they buy something. For example, you might get 10% off your first order or a free item when you buy two. These offers make people feel good about shopping with you.

Why Discounts and Coupons Work

  • People love saving money. 92% of shoppers look for special offers and coupons before making a purchase online.
  • Coupons help people try new things. 86% of consumers say coupons influence them to try new products.
  • Discounts create urgency. When people see a deal, they want to act fast so they don’t miss out.
  • They build loyalty. Giving special deals to repeat customers makes them feel valued and more likely to return.

Types of Discounts and Coupons

Here are some of the most popular ways to use discounts and coupons:

  • Flash Sales: Short sales for a limited time. “50% off for the next 2 hours!”
  • Abandoned Cart Discounts: Special offers sent to people who leave items in their cart without buying.
  • BOGO Deals: Buy One Get One Free. Buy one item, get another for free.
  • Seasonal Sales: Special deals during holidays or big events, like Black Friday.
  • Mystery Discounts: Customers get a random discount when they shop.
  • Tiered Discounts: Bigger discounts for bigger orders. “Spend $100, get 20% off!”
  • Newsletter Discounts: Special offers for people who sign up for your email list.
  • Pre-Launch Discounts: Discounts for people who buy before a new product is officially launched.
  • Loyalty Discounts: Special deals for repeat customers.
  • Referral Discounts: Discounts for customers who bring in new shoppers. 

How to Make Discounts and Coupons Really Work? 

1. Know Your Customers

Find out who your customers are. Next, give them offers that match what they like and need.

Example: If you sell sports gear, offer a discount on running shoes to people who like running.

2. Make the Offer Clear and Simple

Tell customers exactly what they get. For example: “Get 15% off your first order” is clear and easy to understand. Also, don't forget to show how to use the coupon and when it expires.

3. Use Urgency and Limits

Put a deadline on your offer. This makes people act fast so they don’t miss out.

Example: “Offer ends in 24 hours!”

4. Use the Right Channels

Share your offers where your customers are. Use email, social media, your website, and even text messages.

Example: Send a discount code to your email list before a big sale.

5. Personalize Your Offers

Use customer data to give special deals. Personalized offers make people feel special and more likely to buy. Example: “Happy Birthday! Here’s a free gift from us!”

Facts You Should Know About 

  • Over 850 million coupons were redeemed worldwide in 2024.
  • 92% of shoppers use coupons at least once a year.
  •  The global mobile coupons market will reach $1.6 trillion by 2030.
  • 90% of U.S. consumers have used a coupon at some point.
  • 64% of U.S. retail media decision-makers say digital coupons are highly effective for boosting sales.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t give too many discounts. This can train customers to wait for sales and never buy at full price.
  • Don’t forget to track results. See which offers work best and use that information for future sales.
  • Don’t make your offers too complicated. Keep them clear and easy to use.

Examples of Great Discount and Coupon Strategies

  • Zappos: Gives new customers a 10% discount to encourage them to try the store.
  • Starbucks: Uses a rewards app with free drinks and bonus stars to keep customers coming back.
  • Polysleep: Leaked its Black Friday discount code early to its email list, creating buzz and driving sales.

Quick Tips for Using Discounts and Coupons

  • Try BOGO discounts and flash sales.
  • Use gamified offers and mystery discounts.
  • Send low-stock alerts and holiday-themed offers.
  • Launch referral promos and re-engagement deals.
  • Use pop-ups or exit-intent offers to catch shoppers before they leave.
  • Reward loyalty with personalized discounts.
  • Use social proof to show others have used your coupons.

Conclusion

Discounts and coupons are great ways to attract new customers and keep old ones happy. Use them wisely, and your business will grow. Remember to keep your offers clear, use urgency, and always know your customers. With the right strategy, discounts and coupons can make a big difference for your business. Want to utilize discounts & coupons as your best retail branding strategies? Connect with Vigyapan Mart marketing experts today!