In this time of economic crisis, coupons are some of the finest freebies you can distribute to your clients. Coupons mean one thing–savings–and saving is what everybody is looking for in a recession. Other than handing out coupons to random passersby, here are some ways to use coupons to effectively promote your brand:

Give away a coupon to your first 50 new clients. This strategy works very well especially for new shops. What better way of spreading the news about your new shop than through coupons, correct? By giving out a coupon to each client, you have better odds of getting repeat customers.

Reward recurrent clients with a coupon. Do you have a frequent rewards program? Show apprecation to regular clients for their support by sending them some coupons they can use over a specific period.

Give clients coupons they can share. Not everybody may be interested to buy, so design your coupons to be shared. In addition to giving your client an opportunity to be generous and share the savings to somebody who is in need, but this will also help you gain a new client.

Reward feedback with a coupon. Has a client put in a good word for you? Has a regular customer referred you a new one? A good recommendation from a client is matchless, so make sure you express your gratitude. It can be as simple as an e-mail, a postcard, a little gift with your logo, or even a coupon, offering savings that your client can use on his or her next visit.

Ask for forgiveness by giving a coupon. Did your staff let you down in giving quality service? Is an infuriated customer making a complaint about a tardy order? Has a client made a complaint about slow service in your restaurant? Giving the complainant coupons is a way of saying, “Please allow us to make it up to you.” It’s a chance to correct an initial wrong impression. It’s another way of saying, “We can do better.”

Build customer rapport by remembering their birthdays. Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions have made it a habit to remember clients’ birthdays by mailing them coupons they can use at any restaurant of their choice. This personal gesture is a way of showing appreciation to clients for bringing in good business.

Apolinario Hoxpia is a promotional items counselor on Promotional Imprinted Gifts & Promotional Items Nevada. Read articles by Apolinario Hoxpia on how you can market your products.