Coupon websites provide up-to-date deals for millions of savvy consumers. Stores both online and off know that providing shoppers with perks is a great way to boost business and increase customer loyalty. Successful coupon sites know when and where to get the best coupons for their users. If you've got the gift of gab and excellent research skills, you may do well to start your own coupon website. You can do it for less than $1,000 if your design skills are good and you don't need to pay much for help.
Instructions
1. Visit successful coupon sites like Retailmenot.com to get an idea of what you are up against. Peruse their comments, coupons, forums and web pages. Consider the sites' designs and ease of use.
2. Select a catchy name for your coupon website that includes one or more relevant and searchable terms like "coupons," "deals," "bargains" and "sales." Visit GoDaddy.com to check for domain availability and purchase your domain name.
3. Select an e-commerce site to host your website. There are hundreds of sites to choose from. Look for one that will provide you with constant access to customer support. Other tools to look for include business email addresses, the ability to create forums, blogs and comments sections, plenty of bandwidth, marketing tools, newsletters and website templates. Most hosting companies will provide you with a number of perks. The most important factor is how easy it will be for you to design your site once you create an account. E-commerce sites that provide video tutorials on this are particularly helpful.
4. Design your coupon website or hire someone to do it for you. You'll need an About Me page that details your commitment to customer satisfaction by providing up-to-date coupons and removing expired ones. You'll need to create an Advertising page where advertisers can find information about get their coupons on your site. You'll need to ensure that you have provided an easy way for users to leave comments about the success rate of coupons or to contact you if a coupon doesn't work.
5. Get coupons. Contact companies that are providing other websites with coupons. Until you've demonstrated an ability to garner heavy traffic, you may have to let them advertise for free. Contact your local coupon publisher. Join affiliate sites like Commission Junction at CJ.com, which will provide you with impressive coupon banners. Once you demonstrate that your site gets heavy traffic, you can begin charging advertisers. If you get enough visibility, they may come to you.
6. Heavily promote your site. Take advantage of your web host's marketing tools. Create newsletters. Cash in any free Google Adwords or Yahoo! credits. Use social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook and My Space. Put a link to your site in your signature and post on related blogs and forums. Exchange links with other blogs. Start a blog that directs people to your site. Write about your latest deals, sales, products or services. Include helpful advice or money-saving tips. Once your website starts to take off, ask companies to provide you with giveaways that you can offer to your users.
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