Marketing Promotions: How Short-Term Deals Drive Big Results
When looking at marketing tactics, the word promotion tossed around a lot.
Sure, you want to promote your products. Heck, these days, you can even promote social media posts. But what does it really mean, and how is it different from advertising or other marketing activities?
If you’re not in the marketing industry, these terms can get confusing. That’s why we’re breaking down promotion in simple terms as part of our How to Explain Marketing series.
Find out what promotion is, why it matters, and when to use it below!
What Is Promotion?
Let’s start from the top. Promotion refers to the strategies and activities businesses use to encourage customers to take action quickly, often by offering incentives or special deals.
Promotion usually includes:
- Discounts
- Coupons
- Flash sales
- Giveaways
- Limited-time offers
Can you see the pattern? Promotion is all about driving immediate messages. You use it to get customers to buy, sign up, or engage right now rather than slowly building brand awareness over time.
Does Promotion Actually Work?
Yes! Promotion is a powerful tool for creating urgency and excitement around a product or service.
Imagine a store running an online shop that offers a limited-time 20% discount code, which ends in a few hours. Most would feel pressure to buy before the countdown ends.
These kinds of promotions grab attention and motivate customers to act fast, often out of FOMO (fear of missing out).
Remember, it’s all about urgency and short-term goals, such as:
- Driving quick bursts of sales
- Standing out in crowded markets
- New product launches or inventory clear outs
- Seasonal or event-related sales
How Is Promotion Different from Advertising?
Promotion and advertising both fall under the marketing umbrella and sometimes, terms are used interchangeably. However, they’re not the same.
Advertising is about paying for space or time to deliver a message to build long-term brand awareness. Think of TV commercials or online banner ads designed to get your brand name out there. Read the full advertising guide now.
Promotion, on the other hand, is more direct and immediate. It’s all about action and getting customers to hit buy ASAP.
A company might run an advertising campaign with TV adverts or social media ads to introduce a new product, then follow it up with a promotional offer like a one-time discount to encourage first-time buyers.
Common Types of Promotion
Need to promote your business but don’t know where to start?
Promotions come in many forms, and you can split them up into sales, events, loyalty, and digital promotions to help your team plan ahead.
Sales promotions include tactics such as discounts, coupons, and cash-back offers that encourage customers to make a purchase. Event promotions encompass special occasions, such as product launches or limited-time sales, created to generate excitement.
Similarly, loyalty promotions reward repeat customers through programs offering points or referral bonuses. Digital promotions often involve flash sales or exclusive promo codes shared via email or on social media to drive quick engagement.
You can get started with your in-house team. But don’t forget that a professional digital marketing agency can help you roll out the promotion with effortless visuals and a seamless timeline.
Is It Time To Promote Your Business?
Promotion is a powerful marketing tool that you shouldn’t overlook! When used strategically, it creates urgency, drives quick sales, and helps businesses meet immediate goals. Just make sure you balance it with a wider marketing mix for the best results.
Need help with digital marketing? Re:View Creative is here to help. We provide creative solutions across promotion, advertising, branding, and more.
