TechCrunch recently discovered that Facebook is also testing this coupon ‘offer’ with e-commerce sites, opening the feature to web-based businesses. Great news for web based companies, even better for brands that offer e-commerce and in-store sales.

While Facebook ‘offers’ for e-commerce is currently in the test phase and not available beyond the testing bracket, Facebook is working with select clients like Walmart and Lady Gaga’s online store to test the new feature and its functionality. Macy’s was the first to introduce the ‘offer’ to its audience in April and the results were outstanding. They offered Facebook fans a 25% discount for purchases over $100 – more than 40,000 fans claimed the coupon!

Facebook ‘offers’ are an innovative way to bridge the gap between consumers’ social media activities and brand’s POS and will be a key driver of sales for companies that use the platform effectively. Coupon ‘offers’ will be able in Facebook ads, sponsored stories and fans’ newsfeeds.

The offers are easy-to-use and are setup the same way as the brick-and-mortar offers:

1. click “offer” at the top of your page’s Timeline
2. choose a headline
3. select a thumbnail
4. set your redemption limit and expiration date
5. input the terms and conditions of your offer
6. preview to ensure that it appears exactly the way you want it to in your Timeline Facebook ads and sponsored stories.

Be sure to inform your staff and give advance notice for when the offer will be in play to avoid any awkward moments between your employees and loyal customers when Facebook fans arrive to redeem the offer.

The Extra Mile

Facebook goes the extra mile by sending users a message on Facebook and to their email inbox once an ‘offer’ is claimed.

Check out this screenshot courtesy of TechCrunch of an offer that Kate Spade ran for 25% off purchases online and in stores.

At the top it gives your consumers clear instructions on how to redeem the offer either by showing the email to a staff member, printing it out or displaying it to an employee from their mobile phone.

For businesses that don’t have brick-and-mortar locations the process is even easier, no direct employee interaction or training necessary. Simply incorporate the new coupon code into your e-commerce system and you’re good to go.

P.S. For a free consult on how social media can benefit your business, contact Grüv Media.

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It’s important to note that only businesses categorized as “local business” will be able to use this new feature. So, if you want to take advantage of it you will have to change your page’s settings if is not currently listed as such. This also means that if you’re a celebrity or online business you will not be able to use it as it is intended solely for brick-and-mortar operations.

The first time you attempt to make an offer you’ll be prompted to take the tour.

This is what the offer posting field looks like on Facebook:

How to create an offer for your Facebook page.

1. Start here: Select “offer” from the top your page’s timeline.
2. The headline: Choose a strong headline and include a call to action using clear language that explains what the offer is. For example, “buy one Ferrari, get one free” or “receive 50% off your next purchase”. Facebook has some choice recommendations for headlines.
3. Thumbnail: You can upload a thumbnail image to accompany the text of your offer. Be sure to choose an image that represents the offer directly or the intended target market – Facebook recommends against using your company logo since it is less likely to capture attention and spark conversions.
4. Redemption limit: You may want to limit the number claims so as not to put yourself in a position where you have to redeem an exorbitant number of offers which may prove very costly – similar to what many businesses experienced when using Groupon for the first time. Remember Groupon? This is done by clicking “unlimited” and selecting the desired number from the drop-down.
5. Set the expiration date: Allow sufficient time for fans of your page to take advantage of the offer and word-of-mouth among your customer base to spread. Two to four weeks is generally best.
6. Terms and conditions: Add the specific details – the terms and conditions and make them simple and easy to understand. Avoid tongue tying your fans with legalese, it’s a turn off.

Preview your offer carefully to ensure that it is exactly how you want it to appear and then post to your timeline.

Be sure to alert your staff and give them advance notice of when the offer will be in play to avoid any awkward moments between your employees and customers when Facebook fans arrive to redeem.

P.S. Interested in social media for your business? Contact Grüv Media for a free consultation.

The post Facebook Launches New Coupon Feature For Local Businesses appeared first on Gruv Media.