What is a sales promotion?

Sales promotions are a way to drive more sales from your visitors. This is achieved using a series of techniques with popups and panels. In this article, we will cover some possible techniques you can apply.

Sales promotions are a great way to boost sales and generate buzz about your product or service. Some common types of sales promotions include discounts, buy-one-get-one-free offers, limited-time offers, and free gifts with purchase. Here are 25 examples of sales promotions that you can use to increase your sales.

Also check out another article we wrote showcasing some Shopify apps to help you achieve more.

How can you display sales promotions?

There are multiple ways to display your sales promotions, some are more effective than others. Some ways you can do so are:

1. Email marketing: Email marketing is a common way to promote sales and special offers to customers. You can use email marketing software to create and send newsletters or promotional emails to your email list, or you can use targeted email campaigns to reach specific segments of your audience.
2. Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are popular channels for promoting sales and special offers. You can use social media posts and ads to promote your sales and reach a large audience quickly.
3. Website banners: You can use website banners or pop-ups to promote sales and special offers on your own website. These banners can be placed prominently on your homepage or other high-traffic pages to catch the attention of visitors.
4. In-store displays: If you have a physical store, you can use in-store displays, such as signage, flyers, or posters, to promote sales and special offers to customers. You can also use point-of-sale (POS) systems to display promotions at checkout.
5. Online ads: Online advertising platforms like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads allow you to target specific demographics with your ads and promote sales and special offers to a specific audience.
6. Customer loyalty programs: Customer loyalty programs can be used to reward customers for their business and encourage them to return to your store or website. You can use loyalty programs to promote sales and special offers to your most loyal customers.

Some examples

1. Offer a discount code to customers who subscribe to your email newsletter.

When a customer is visiting your website, or a specific page, you can prompt a popup to appear to ask for their email address. The popup may contain an image with some captivating text to convince the customer to subscribe for future updates.

The popup would contain a form to allow the customer to add their email address, also perhaps agree to the terms of sharing their email address, and finally once submitted, the discount code can be provided either in the same popup or you could sent them an email with the code.

2. Host a flash sale, where customers can get a discount on a specific product or group of products for a limited time.

Run a limited time flash sale to boost sales around certain products. This is a great way to build demand around your store.

3. Offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

If a customer has a certain amount in their cart, then you could provide free shipping to help with the chances of them adding extra products and checking out.

4. Run a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on a popular product.

You could encourage more items to be sold by providing a buy-one-get-one-free promotion over a limited time, this could convince more purchases.

5. Give a free gift with a purchase, such as a free t-shirt or tote bag.

You could provide a free gift if the customer spends a certain amount on your store, or if they purchase a certain product.

6. Run a contest or sweepstakes where customers can enter to win a prize.

Running a contest is a great way to encourage user action, the idea of you need to be in it to win it can massively boost conversion. Just ensure you publicly announce the winner to maintain brand loyalty.

7. Offer a discount on a product when a customer buys a certain number of items.

After a customer has either added a certain number of products to their cart or if they have already purchased, you can offer them a discount code to encourage repeat purchasing or for them to add some more items to their cart.

8. Run a referral program, where customers can get a discount or free product when they refer a friend.

A referral program is a marketing strategy where customers are rewarded for referring new customers to a business. In a referral program where customers can get a discount or free product when they refer a friend, customers can earn discounts or free products by inviting their friends and family to try the business's products or services. The referred customer may also receive a discount or free product as an incentive to try the business. Referral programs can be an effective way to attract new customers and reward loyal customers for their support.

9. Offer a discount for customers who pay with a specific type of payment, such as using a mobile wallet or making a purchase with a credit card.

Offering a discount for customers who pay with a specific type of payment is a marketing strategy that can incentivize customers to use a particular payment method. For example, a business might offer a discount to customers who use a mobile wallet to pay for their purchases. Mobile wallets are digital wallet apps that allow users to store and manage their credit, debit, and loyalty cards, as well as make payments using their smartphone. By offering a discount for using a mobile wallet, the business can encourage customers to try out this convenient and secure payment method. Similarly, a business might offer a discount to customers who make a purchase using a particular type of credit card, such as a rewards card. This can encourage customers to use the credit card that the business is partnered with, and also potentially generate additional revenue for the business through credit card fees and interest charges.

10. Host a special event, such as a sale or open house, and offer exclusive discounts or freebies to attendees.

Hosting a special event, such as a sale or open house, is a marketing strategy that can help a business attract new customers and generate additional sales. During a special event, the business can offer exclusive discounts or freebies to attendees as an incentive to participate. These discounts or freebies could be anything from discounted products or services, to free samples or gifts. Special events can be a great way for a business to showcase its products or services, and create a sense of excitement and urgency for customers to make a purchase. By offering exclusive discounts or freebies to attendees, the business can further entice customers to participate in the event and make a purchase.

11. Offer a discount for customers who follow your brand on social media.

Offering a discount for customers who follow your brand on social media is a marketing strategy that can help a business increase its online presence and engagement. By offering a discount to customers who follow the business on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, the business can encourage more people to follow its page and interact with its content. This can help the business build a loyal customer base, and also increase its reach and visibility online. Social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers, share updates and promotions, and gather feedback. By offering a discount for following the brand on social media, the business can incentivize customers to engage with its content and potentially make a purchase.

12. Run a limited-time sale where customers can get a discount on a product or group of products.

Running a limited-time sale is a marketing strategy where a business offers a discount on a product or group of products for a limited period of time. The purpose of a limited-time sale is to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to make a purchase before the sale ends. Limited-time sales can be effective for driving traffic to a business and increasing sales, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. The business can choose to offer a discount on a single product, a group of products, or its entire inventory. Limited-time sales can be a great way for a business to clear out excess inventory, attract new customers, and reward loyal customers.

13. Offer a discount on a product when a customer signs up for a loyalty program or rewards program.

Offering a discount on a product when a customer signs up for a loyalty program or rewards program is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to join the program and make additional purchases. Loyalty programs and rewards programs are designed to reward customers for their loyalty to a business, typically by offering points or rewards for making purchases. By offering a discount on a product when a customer signs up for the program, the business can incentivize customers to join and make a purchase. This can help the business build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat business. Loyalty programs and rewards programs can also be a useful tool for businesses to gather customer data and insights, which can be used to improve the customer experience and tailor marketing efforts.

14. Run a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt, where customers can win prizes or discounts by finding hidden clues or items.

Running a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt is a marketing strategy that can be a fun and engaging way to attract customers and drive sales. In a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt, customers can win prizes or discounts by finding hidden clues or items that are scattered throughout a store or location. Customers can participate in the scavenger hunt by searching for the clues or items and solving puzzles or riddles to uncover the next clue. Scavenger hunts or treasure hunts can be a great way to create a sense of excitement and encourage customers to explore a store or location, and potentially make a purchase while they are there. Prizes or discounts can be used as an incentive to encourage participation and drive sales.

15. Offer a discount or free gift when a customer leaves a review or feedback on your website or social media page.

Offering a discount or free gift when a customer leaves a review or feedback on your website or social media page is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to share their experiences with your business and help you improve your products or services. By offering a reward for leaving a review or feedback, the business can incentivize customers to share their thoughts and experiences with the business, which can help improve the customer experience and attract new customers. Reviews and feedback can also be a valuable source of information for businesses, as they can provide insights into what customers like or dislike about their products or services, and help businesses identify areas for improvement. Offering a discount or free gift as a reward for leaving a review or feedback can be an effective way to gather valuable customer insights and drive sales.

16. Run a “mystery discount” promotion, where customers can get a surprise discount when they make a purchase.

Running a "mystery discount" promotion is a marketing strategy that can create a sense of excitement and surprise for customers, and encourage them to make a purchase. In a "mystery discount" promotion, customers can get a surprise discount when they make a purchase. The discount amount is not revealed until the point of purchase, creating an element of surprise for the customer. Mystery discounts can be a fun and engaging way to attract customers and drive sales, especially when combined with other marketing efforts such as social media promotions or email campaigns. By offering a surprise discount, the business can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for customers, and potentially encourage them to make a purchase.

17. Offer a discount on a product when a customer completes a survey or questionnaire.

Offering a discount on a product when a customer completes a survey or questionnaire is a marketing strategy that can help a business gather valuable customer data and insights, and also encourage customers to make a purchase. Surveys and questionnaires can be used to gather information about customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement. By offering a discount on a product as an incentive for completing a survey or questionnaire, the business can encourage customers to participate and provide valuable feedback. This can help the business improve its products or services and enhance the customer experience. Offering a discount on a product can also be an effective way to drive sales and reward customers for their participation.

18. Host a “customer appreciation day” and offer special discounts or freebies to customers who visit your store or website.

Hosting a "customer appreciation day" is a marketing strategy that can help a business show gratitude to its customers and encourage them to visit the store or website. During a "customer appreciation day," the business can offer special discounts or freebies to customers who visit the store or website. These discounts or freebies could be anything from discounted products or services, to free samples or gifts. A "customer appreciation day" can be a great way for a business to thank its customers for their loyalty and support, and create a positive customer experience. By offering special discounts or freebies, the business can incentivize customers to visit the store or website and potentially make a purchase.

19. Run a “spend and save” promotion, where customers can get a discount when they spend a certain amount of money.

Running a "spend and save" promotion is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to make larger purchases and drive sales. In a "spend and save" promotion, customers can get a discount when they spend a certain amount of money. The business can set a minimum purchase amount that customers must meet in order to qualify for the discount. This can encourage customers to make larger purchases in order to take advantage of the discount. "Spend and save" promotions can be an effective way for businesses to increase average order value and drive sales, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions.

20. Offer a discount on a product when a customer shares a post or photo about your brand on social media.

Offering a discount on a product when a customer shares a post or photo about your brand on social media is a marketing strategy that can help a business increase its online presence and engagement. By encouraging customers to share content about the brand on social media, the business can increase its reach and visibility online, and potentially attract new customers. By offering a discount on a product as an incentive for sharing a post or photo, the business can further encourage customers to engage with its content and potentially make a purchase. Social media can be a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers, share updates and promotions, and gather feedback. By offering a discount for sharing a post or photo about the brand on social media, the business can incentivize customers to engage with its content and potentially make a purchase.

21. Run a “friends and family” sale, where customers can get a discount when they shop with a friend or family member.

Running a "friends and family" sale is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to shop with a friend or family member, and drive sales. In a "friends and family" sale, customers can get a discount when they shop with a friend or family member. The business can set a minimum purchase amount that both customers must meet in order to qualify for the discount. This can encourage customers to shop together and take advantage of the discount. "Friends and family" sales can be an effective way for businesses to increase average order value and drive sales, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By offering a discount for shopping with a friend or family member, the business can incentivize customers to shop together and potentially make a purchase.

22. You can offer a discount on a product when a customer follows a specific set of instructions, such as visiting a particular page on your website or sharing a post on social media.

Offering a discount on a product when a customer follows a specific set of instructions is a marketing strategy that can help a business increase its online presence and engagement. By asking customers to visit a particular page on the website or share a post on social media, the business can increase its reach and visibility online, and potentially attract new customers. By offering a discount on a product as an incentive for following the instructions, the business can further encourage customers to engage with its content and potentially make a purchase. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to gather valuable customer data and insights, and also drive sales. By offering a discount for following a specific set of instructions, the business can incentivize customers to engage with its content and potentially make a purchase.

23. Run a “limited edition” promotion, where customers can get a discount on a special, limited-time product or bundle.

Running a "limited edition" promotion is a marketing strategy that can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage customers to make a purchase. In a "limited edition" promotion, customers can get a discount on a special, limited-time product or bundle. The business can offer a discount on a product or bundle that is only available for a limited time, creating a sense of urgency for customers to make a purchase. "Limited edition" promotions can be effective for driving traffic to a business and increasing sales, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By offering a discount on a special, limited-time product or bundle, the business can create a sense of exclusivity and entice customers to make a purchase.

24. Offer a discount on a product when a customer completes a specific action, such as signing up for a free trial or downloading a mobile app.

Offering a discount on a product when a customer completes a specific action is a marketing strategy that can help a business attract new customers and drive sales. By offering a discount on a product as an incentive for completing a specific action, such as signing up for a free trial or downloading a mobile app, the business can encourage customers to try out its products or services and potentially make a purchase. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to gather valuable customer data and insights, and also drive sales. By offering a discount for completing a specific action, the business can incentivize customers to try out its products or services and potentially make a purchase.

25. Run a “customer rewards” promotion, where customers can earn points or rewards for making purchases, and then redeem those points for discounts or free products.

Running a "customer rewards" promotion is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to make purchases and reward them for their loyalty. In a "customer rewards" promotion, customers can earn points or rewards for making purchases, and then redeem those points for discounts or free products. This type of promotion can be an effective way for businesses to build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat business. Customer rewards programs can also be a useful tool for businesses to gather customer data and insights, which can be used to improve the customer experience and tailor marketing efforts. By offering points or rewards for making purchases, and allowing customers to redeem those points for discounts or free products, the business can incentivize customers to make purchases and reward them for their loyalty.

26. Offer a discount code to customers who subscribe to your email newsletter after 2 days.

Offering a discount code to customers who subscribe to your email newsletter after 2 days is a marketing strategy that can help a business build its email list and drive sales. By offering a discount code as an incentive for subscribing to the email newsletter, the business can encourage customers to sign up and potentially make a purchase. Email newsletters can be a useful tool for businesses to connect with customers, share updates and promotions, and drive traffic to the website. By offering a discount code to customers who subscribe to the email newsletter after 2 days, the business can incentivize customers to sign up and potentially make a purchase. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to build their email list and drive sales.

27. Host a temporary sale to allow customers to get a discount on a specific group of products after they read your article.

Hosting a temporary sale to allow customers to get a discount on a specific group of products after they read your article is a marketing strategy that can help a business drive traffic to its website and drive sales. By offering a discount on a specific group of products as an incentive for reading an article, the business can encourage customers to visit the website and potentially make a purchase. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to increase visibility and engagement, and drive sales. By hosting a temporary sale and offering a discount on a specific group of products, the business can incentivize customers to visit the website and potentially make a purchase after reading the article.

28. Offer free shipping on orders if the customer selects a product on a certain page.

Offering free shipping on orders if the customer selects a product on a certain page is a marketing strategy that can help a business drive sales and improve the customer experience. By offering free shipping as an incentive for selecting a product on a specific page, the business can encourage customers to make a purchase and potentially increase average order value. Free shipping can be a powerful incentive for customers, as it can reduce the overall cost of their purchase and make it more convenient for them to receive the product. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to drive sales and improve the customer experience, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By offering free shipping on orders if the customer selects a product on a certain page, the business can incentivize customers to make a purchase and improve the customer experience.

29. Run a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on a product you want to push on your website.

Running a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on a product is a marketing strategy that can help a business drive sales and increase visibility of a specific product. By offering a buy-one-get-one-free promotion, the business can encourage customers to make a purchase and potentially increase average order value. This type of promotion can be especially effective for products that have a high margin or for products that the business wants to push on the website. Buy-one-get-one-free promotions can be an effective way for businesses to drive traffic to the website and increase sales, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By offering a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on a product, the business can incentivize customers to make a purchase and increase visibility of the product.

30. Give a limited-time discount with a certain product in the customer's cart

Giving a limited-time discount with a certain product in the customer's cart is a marketing strategy that can encourage customers to make a purchase and create a sense of urgency. By offering a limited-time discount on a specific product when it is in the customer's cart, the business can incentivize customers to complete the purchase and encourage them to act quickly before the discount expires. This type of marketing strategy can be an effective way for businesses to drive sales and increase average order value, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By offering a limited-time discount on a certain product in the customer's cart, the business can encourage customers to make a purchase and create a sense of urgency.

31. Run a limited-time contest where customers can enter to win a prize.

Running a limited-time contest where customers can enter to win a prize is a marketing strategy that can create excitement and engagement, and drive traffic to a business. In a limited-time contest, customers can enter to win a prize by completing a specific action, such as making a purchase or sharing a post on social media. The business can set a specific time period during which customers can enter the contest, creating a sense of urgency for them to participate. Contests can be a great way for businesses to build buzz and engagement, and drive traffic to the website or store. By offering a prize as an incentive for participating in the contest, the business can encourage customers to take action and potentially make a purchase. Limited-time contests can be an effective way for businesses to drive sales and increase visibility, especially when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions.

32. Run a “spin the wheel” promotion, where customers can get a discount by spinning a virtual wheel.

Running a "spin the wheel" promotion is a marketing strategy that can create a sense of excitement and engagement, and drive sales. In a "spin the wheel" promotion, customers can get a discount by spinning a virtual wheel. The business can offer a range of discounts on the wheel, from small discounts to larger discounts or even free products. "Spin the wheel" promotions can be a fun and interactive way for businesses to engage with customers and drive sales. By offering a range of discounts on the wheel, the business can create a sense of anticipation and excitement for customers, and incentivize them to make a purchase. This type of promotion can be especially effective when coupled with other marketing efforts such as email campaigns or social media promotions. By running a "spin the wheel" promotion, the business can create a sense of excitement and engagement, and drive sales.