There are hundreds of online promotion ideas for eCommerce businesses, many of which require a considerable technical setup as a prerequisite. 

From this gigantic pool of ideas, we have compiled a list of 10 low-hanging fruits: 10 eCommerce promotion ideas that are easy to implement, don't require extensive technical knowledge, and have excellent ROI. 

Keep reading to boost your eCommerce business sales. 

What is an Ecommerce Sales Promotion?

eCommerce sales promotions are marketing strategies that brands adopt to attract new customers or boost purchases from existing customers. In the current competitive market, where several brands are fighting for customer attention, promotions are key to staying relevant. They not only attract new customers but also keep existing customers engaged.

Why Ecommerce Promotions Are Important

Here are the top four reasons to invest in eCommerce promotion techniques.

1. Increase Brand Awareness

Promotions increase your brand's visibility. On average, it takes potential customers eight touch points to become familiar with the brand and consider making a purchase. So, while every promotion may not lead to direct sales, it will nurture potential customers and lead to sales in the future.

2. Attract New Customers

Imagine the possibilities when you have a few website visitors already familiar with your brand. With the right marketing campaigns, you can convert them into paying customers. 

You can also attract potential customers who are already looking for a product you sell. You can show them why your product is the best with a compelling campaign.

3. Boost Sales

It's not just about converting a customer to make a first purchase. Knowing the art of upselling is essential to running a successful eCommerce business. With promotions, recommendations, and limited-time offers, you can motivate customers to buy more from you.

4. Build Customer Loyalty

Promotions can increase customer lifetime value. You can re-engage with customers who are no longer active on the platform with promotions and discounts. You can also design loyalty programs to foster long-term customer relationships and increase the chances of repeat purchases.

10 Best Ecommerce Promotion Ideas

You can implement the ten types of eCommerce promotions below through your regular SMS or email marketing software. You don't need any extensive tech setup to plan these eCommerce offers. 

1. Flash Sales

Flash sales are promotional events that announce discounts on products by an eCommerce store for a short period of time. The catch is that the sales last for a limited time. So, the promotion is enticing to customers and insists on impulse buying. Such sales result in bulk sales in a short timeframe. 

Flash sales examples

Dominos does flash sales effectively by understanding customer psychology and launching a sale when it can grab the most eyeballs. Take the below promotion for instance. Here is an exclusive discount on Friday. People like to end a hectic week on a relaxing note so many would be up for a pizza. 

Here is another flash offer launched by Dominos on Black Friday — the day people are open to swiping their cards on exclusive deals. 

Best buy, an electronics retailer brand, is also great at launching last-minute deals to create a sense of urgency. 

2. Exclusive Discounts

Rather than just another run-of-the-mill discount program, getting exclusive discounts motivates customers to make the most of the offer. You can segment customers based on purchase history, demographics, or engagement level and launch limited-time offers to boost sales.

Exclusive discounts examples

Mate, a clothing brand, offers exclusive discounts and access to upcoming launches to new users. It encourages users to make their first purchase. 

Kyc Fashion, another clothing brand, offers exclusive discounts to customers on their birthdays.  

3. Abandoned Cart Reminders

Abandoned Cart Reminders are nudges to customers to complete purchase of items lying in their shopping cart. It's a tactic to recover potential lost sales by:

• sending reminder
• giving discounts
• offering free shipping.

It takes a lot of effort to bring customers from getting to know your brand to adding a product to the cart. Abandoned cart reminders ensure the entire effort doesn't go to waste and persuades customers to complete the transaction. 

Abandoned cart campaign examples

Google Store sends a nudge to customers about their popular products that they may run out of inventory soon. 

Another good example is Target, a retailer that gives offers to products in an abandoned cart to motivate buyers to complete the purchase. 

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4. New Product Launches

You can create a buzz around your new products by launching them on campaigns. These could be teasers giving a sneak peek of the product, priority access to a new product line, or exclusive discounts.

New product launch examples

KKW Beauty, a cosmetic brand, used to inform its customers about new products launched via SMS campaigns. 

Macy, a sustainable clothing brand, launched its winter collection in an SMS campaign. 

5. Holiday Promotions

Holiday promotions are perfectly timed eCommerce offers when people are in the mood to buy, whether for gifts, decorations, or self-indulgences. It's an opportunity to reach maximum audience and boost your sales

Holiday promotions examples

Pottery Barn, a furnishing store chain, launched an end-of-season sale around Christmas to give discounts and clear out excess inventory with offers. 

Macy, another retailer, offered a 20% discount on purchases on Christmas.  

6. Referral Programs

Referral programs are the best eCommerce promotions that encourage word-of-mouth marketing and the acquisition of new customers. You can offer discounts, cashback, or coupons to existing customers who recommend their friends. 

Referral programs examples

GoPuff, a consumer goods brand, gives customers $25 worth of free products on each referral. 

7. Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a great way to retain existing customers and encourage repeat purchases. Usually, loyalty programs offer perks like:

• Priority access to products
• Perks/coupons for select products
• Free shipping

Loyalty programs examples

Myntra, a fashion eCommerce company, runs an Insider loyalty program for its customers. As part of the Insider Program, loyal customers get exclusive rewards, super gifts, free shipping, and early access to sales and events.  

8. Personalized Recommendations

79% of buyers look forward to personalized experiences. Sending personalized recommendations to customers is more likely to grab their attention. You can use past purchases and search queries to understand customer preferences and send product recommendations. You can also divide your customer base into segments based on demographics and purchase history and create recommendation campaigns for each segment.

Personalized campaign examples

Anine Bing, a clothing brand, sends personalized recommendations to its customers. 

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9. Cross-Sell and Upsell

Cross-selling and upselling are other ways to enhance customer experience by bundling relevant products at a discounted price. You can offer discounts on these bundles. A common touchpoint to upsell or cross-sell is during the checkout process. However, you can also email the recommendations to customers.  

Cross-sell and Upsell campaign examples

Barnes and Noble run an incentive program to resell books to existing buyers. It sends them a 15% off coupon along with recommendations for books they might like. It's not an easy offer to pass on. 

Oobli, a chocolate brand, sends recommendations to existing customers as an opportunity to upsell. 

10. Feedback Incentives

Running feedback campaigns helps an eCommerce business in the long run. 77% of shoppers specifically seek out websites with ratings and reviews. So, by getting feedback, you first build trust in your current customers and show them that you care about their opinions. Secondly, you also build a website that will be trustworthy for potential customers in the future. You can run a simple SMS or email asking for feedback. You can also give a discount, coupon, or reward points in return.

Feedback programs examples

Ajio, an eCommerce retailer, sends an SMS to request feedback on every product delivery. 

Boost Your Ecommerce Business with Plivo CX

Plivo CX simplifies SMS and Email (coming soon) marketing for you. You can use existing templates and AI features to design promotions with just a few clicks. Plivo is also cost-effective. You’ll get starter packs for up to 5,000 contacts for as low as just $19 per month and a pro plan with unlimited contacts at just $199 per month. Book a demo today!