Flash sales have become one of the marketing industry’s hottest new ways to not only grab attention but also boost web traffic and create front-of-mind awareness. While email is typically the key driver of flash sale campaigns, social media is a close follower. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your next flash sale marketing campaign:

  • Create urgency with a short time window for your sales. These can range from a few hours to a day or two maximum. The longer customers put off buying, the less likely they are to make a purchase. Studies show that flash sales with a three-hour window have the best transaction-to-click rates. Most purchases are made within the first hour.
  • Be sure your inventory is adequate for a flash sale, and alert customers if supplies are limited.
  • Consider a flash sale with an open-ended coupon promo to increase foot traffic. For example, you might offer a $150 salon coupon for only $75 from 11am-1pm.
  • Use multiple avenues to spread the word quickly. These may include email, texting, mobile coupons, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social sites.
  • Encourage recipients to share or forward your message to their friends.
  • Create an attention-grabbing subject line or header, and follow through with a concise message that communicates the necessary details of your sale.
  • Consider sending a reminder. Light a fire under the feet of customers who are interested but dragging their heels, and remind them that your offer expires soon.
  • Remember that timing is everything, so determine the best times to blast your recipients. The most common times for a flash sale revolve around lunch or evenings, making the sale accessible to buyers who work during the day.
  • Monitor your social accounts closely during a flash sale, since customers will want immediate answers to any potential questions or concerns before the sale expires.
  • Consider mailing postcards for big weekend flash sale events to grab attention and give customers a little extra time to prepare for your sale. For example, grab attention with an oversized postcard that says “Save 40% off everything in our store for four hours only on Saturday!”
  • Consider offering a live online counter to show how many “deals” have been purchased. Popularity sells, so if XX other people thought it was a good deal, many others will think they need to buy one, too.
  • Suggest that shoppers follow you on Facebook or Twitter to ensure they don’t miss out on your next exciting sale!