H&M's flash sales are an example of this trend on Instagram Stories! They alert followers to limited-time offers, creating impulse purchases and engagement .
How to perform
Choose a platform where your audience is already engaged. If your customers are on Instagram, what’s the point of running an exclusive offer on Twitter?
Use posts that stand out. Bold visuals, clear text, and urgency go a long way.
Don't drag it out. Time-sensitive offers will make people act quickly, so make it short.
Measure what works. Use unique discount codes for each platform to see which one drives the most sales.
Hashtag challenges with discounts
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If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen these challenges everywhere. They’re simple, fun, and get people talking about your brand. Add in some discounts as a reward, and you’ve got a campaign that people actually want to get involved in. It’s a great example of using sales promotion to increase engagement.
For example,
Guess launched the #InMyDenim challenge on TikTok and it exploded. People posted videos styling their denim moj database and received discounts in return. Not only did it create a buzz, it also increased Guess’s sales.
How to perform
Come up with a catchy hashtag that ties into your brand or product. Make sure it's easy to remember and spell.
Set rules. Whether you post a video or tag friends, keep it simple and clear.
Offer rewards that people care about. Discounts, free items, or even a shout-out to your brand can work wonders.
Interact with posts. Like, comment, and share the best ones to keep the momentum going.
Live promotion
People tune in because they don’t want to come, and if you add time-sensitive offers, it’s even better. It’s personal, interactive, and forces people to act immediately, making it one of the most engaging sales promotion ideas.
Example:
This is what QVC has been doing for ages. They show products on sale live and people rush to buy them before they disappear. That's the formula that works; and like I say, it always works.