Top 10 tips to make daily deals sites work for your business

Top 10 tips to make daily deals sites work for your business

About to list a deal on a coupon site and not sure what to expect? With the massive impact daily deals sites have had on the SME sector in markets all over the world, merchants in New Zealand are looking for tips to best utilise the benefits of these sites to their business.

Colin Fabig, CEO LivingSocial and Jump On It Australia and NZ, says, “Small businesses recognise that the hardest part of business is generating leads. Daily deals sites carry out this hard work for you – but you need to be prepared for the new business that comes knocking.

“It is up to each business to structure the deal based on the money that’s coming in. With alternative marketing channels coming at a hefty price tag, daily deals offer good value.”

Colin Fabig’s top 10 tips for businesses using daily deals sites

1. Understand it’s a way to reach new customers: It’s best not to treat daily deals websites as a revenue stream. Listing on daily deals sites are a way to bring in new customers and generate brand awareness.

2. Do your homework: Know the date the deal will go live. Daily deals sites can reserve the right to post your deal at any time, but staying in close contact with them can save you from any inconvenient surprises.

3. Know your deal: Know the full details of the deal – what is being promoted and brief your staff. Don’t rush customers through – what you are seeking is return business.

4. Read the fine print: Understand your commission on each deal, and how and when it is paid to you.

5. Man your phones: In the first week, and especially on the first day, ensure your staff are briefed to take calls and make bookings.

6. Ensure you have the resources: Think about hiring additional staff to take bookings in the first three days, and prepare a script for them. This internal process is just as important as any external marketing.

7. Don’t let down your existing customers: Ensure you are prepared for the extra business. You need to provide the same high quality service to your existing customers. They will notice if you don’t.

8. Develop an ongoing strategy: Before the deal goes live, have sales and marketing strategy in place to create loyalty and maximise repeat bookings. Don’t use daily deals in isolation.

9. Take ownership of the process: Make it work for you on your terms. Only take on what you can handle.

10. Track the success of your deal: Collect information on purchases new customers make beyond the deal. This will help you determine the success of the deal and whether you should do it again.

About LivingSocial & Jump On It
LivingSocial adds surprise to every calendar with at least 50 percent off on the best, local experiences for members. Local businesses get an easy and cost effective marketing tool to attract new, loyal customers. In 2010, one of the fastest growing companies in the space launched in Australia. In May 2011 LivingSocial expanded with LivingSocial Escapes bringing online travel shoppers in Australia and New Zealand, unforgettable travel experiences at unbeatable value. The company is currently present in 37 markets across Australia and New Zealand.
Jump On It is ranked in the top four daily deals sites in Australia, with an audience of 1.4m via email and Facebook. It launched in Australia in May 2010.

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