Going Groupon?

Social buying websites are the newest craze among online deal seekers. These sites have done an excellent job in demonstrating the power of group buying and social media marketing. Social buying sites rely on group buying to lower the cost of goods and services; thus, providing customers with great deals and local companies with opportunities for new business. Social media sharing icons within social buying sites also enable customers to share deals with their social networks while instantly increasing businesses’ reach.

“The best thing about Groupon is the immediate exposure utilizing the various Social Media outlets,” said Space owner John Hill. “Exposure (PR, marketing, networking, etc.) was costly, took far too long, and it wasn't always the full representation of a business prior to Groupon and Social Media; Groupon has a solid product that works.”

As the founder of SpaFitFinder.com, a local salon, spa and health facility deal finding website, showcasing fitness and beauty deals is one of my primary goals. I’ve found that Groupon is one of the most popular, effective and cost efficient way to market a business. If you’re thinking about participating in a Social Buying deal, here are some helpful tips on what to expect.

1. Don’t expect leads. Most sites will not give you the contact information of the people who purchase your deal. So, don’t expect a list of potential clients to reach out to.

2. Get your website up to par. Social Buying deals are a huge website traffic driver, so if you’re going to do one make sure your website is up-to-date and looking good.

3. Expect to be busy…really busy for the next month after the Social Buying site features your establishment.

4. Train your staff accordingly. Make sure your employees know and understand the terms and conditions of your deal. Also make sure you have enough staff to cover the influx of customers from your deal.

5. Expect potential new customers, not profits. Due to the discounted rates of Social Buying deals, you’ll only be making about 25 percent profit off each purchaser. So consider your Social Buying-venture a new client marketing tool rather than a profit-maker.

6. Glorify your prospective clients experiences. Make your potential new clients’ experiences exceptional to entice them to come back, even without a discount.

John Hill provided further insight into being a Groupon business.

“Groupon users a fickle bunch; they want the best of everything for half (or less) of the cost. They will go to their favorite pizza place, if you don't ‘wow’ them the first time that they walk into your pizza joint.” said John Hill. “The odds are that the Groupon user is merely there for a deal, sample or special-occasion. It is up to you, as the savvy business owner, to convince them otherwise.”

For more marketing tips and social media advice join Spa Fit Finder and Red Hot Marketing for S. E. X. Y Marketing, a Marketing Expose on August 9th at Terroir Wine Pub in Scottsdale from 11am to 1pm.

Cost of event is $12. Participants will enjoy a light lunch, glass of wine and marketing tips relevant for spas, salons and health facilities.

Visit Spa Fit Finder for more information and to Register for the event!