Three coupon tips for 2010

Although consumers are shopping and spending more than in the past twelve months, many are shopping differently. They are looking for deals, which means now could be the perfect time to invest in a coupon campaign. Over the past year coupon distributors have seen coupon clipping and redemption increase by more than 20%.

by Kristina Knight

There are more consumers clipping and redeeming coupons than ever before. But it isn't just grocery stores which are seeing the redemption. Consumers are now looking for coupons for everything from computer purchases to banking offers. Which means now is the time for brands to develop their own coupon campaign to cash in on the trend.

"We're seeing more and more retailers offering coupons," said Andrea Woroch with CouponWinner. "We're seeing coupons for financial services, dental care, health products. It isn't just grocery stores who are offering coupons now."

Tip #1: Consumers look for specific deals. Although different types of retailers are offering coupons, it is still the tried-and-true coupon offer - a percentage or dollar off - that appeals to the consumer.

"By offering a specific dollar amount for a specific product it's a way to give that product more appeal to consumers," said Woroch. "More people are looking for coupons these days than ever before."

And most are turning to the Internet rather than waiting for the Sunday circulars to come around.

Tip #2: Don't forget about online coupon hubs. Although printing coupons in the Sunday circulars is still important, retailers must also look to online couponing hubs for distribution because those hubs are hotter each day.

"Brands can target a larger amount of consumers online," said Woroch. "And, with social networks we're seeing more consumers sharing coupons with friends through social networks."

Some coupon destinations give consumers the ability to re-post or re-tweet coupon deals to friends and family.

Tip #3: Add in a code. The majority of coupons are still redeemed offline, by the consumer handing a physical coupon to a clerk. But online coupons and mobile coupons are growing faster each day. So add in a coupon code that consumers can use at their favorite e-commerce hub so that they get the deal online as well as offline.

Tags: coupon codes, couponing, coupons, CouponWinner, ecommerce, online coupons, online spending