Writing

How to Write a Discount Offer Message

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Writing

Discount offers are everywhere. From your inbox to your social media feeds. They’re the little nudges that can make you hit "buy" faster than you planned. But writing a discount offer message that’s both enticing and effective? Now, that’s a skill worth mastering. In this guide, we’ll break down the art of crafting messages that not only grab attention but also drive sales.

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Why a Discount Offer Message Matters

Before we jump into how to write a killer discount offer message, let’s talk about why these messages are so powerful. Think of a discount offer as a direct line to your customers. It’s your chance to speak directly to them, addressing their needs and offering a solution. A great deal that’s hard to refuse.

Discounts create a sense of urgency. They tell your customers, “Act now, or miss out.” This urgency can be the nudge a hesitant shopper needs to make a purchase. Not only does a well-crafted message boost sales, but it also enhances customer loyalty. When customers feel they’re getting value, they’re more likely to return.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

Your subject line is the gateway to your message. It’s the first thing your customers see, and it’s crucial to get it right. A compelling subject line can mean the difference between your email being opened or ignored.

Here are some tips for writing a catchy subject line:

  • Be clear and concise: Tell your customers exactly what they can expect. If it‚Äôs a 20% discount, say so.
  • Use numbers: Numbers stand out and grab attention. ‚ÄúSave 30% Today‚Äù is more appealing than ‚ÄúGreat Savings Inside.‚Äù
  • Create urgency: Phrases like ‚ÄúToday Only‚Äù or ‚ÄúLimited Time Offer‚Äù create a sense of urgency.
  • Personalize when possible: Use the recipient‚Äôs name or location to make the message feel more tailored.

Here’s an example of a strong subject line:

“John, Save 25% on Your Next Order. Today Only!”

Engaging Your Audience with the Opening Line

Once your subject line has done its job, the next step is to hook your reader with an engaging opening line. This is your opportunity to make a personal connection and set the tone for the rest of your message.

Consider these strategies for your opening line:

  • Start with a greeting: A simple ‚ÄúHi [Name]‚Äù can make your message feel personal.
  • Pose a question: ‚ÄúLooking for a deal on [Product]?‚Äù can pique curiosity.
  • Make a bold statement: ‚ÄúYour search for the perfect [Product] ends here!‚Äù grabs attention.

Here’s a sample opening line:

“Hi Sarah, looking to save on your next adventure? We’ve got just the thing!”
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Highlighting the Benefits

Now that you’ve got their attention, it’s time to sell the benefits of your offer. What makes this deal irresistible? Focus on the advantages your product or service brings to the customer. It’s not just about the discount; it’s about the value they’re getting.

Here’s how you can highlight benefits effectively:

  • Be specific: Instead of saying ‚Äúgreat savings,‚Äù specify how much they‚Äôll save.
  • Address pain points: What problem does your product solve? Highlight this.
  • Use bullet points: Make the benefits easy to digest with clear, concise bullet points.

Consider this example:

“With our 30% discount, you’ll enjoy a premium service without the premium price. Say goodbye to [specific issue] and hello to [benefit]!”

Creating a Sense of Urgency

Urgency is a powerful motivator. When customers feel they might miss out, they’re more likely to make a purchase. Creating a sense of urgency doesn’t mean you have to be pushy. It’s about encouraging quick decision-making.

Here’s how to create urgency effectively:

  • Use time-sensitive language: Words like ‚Äúnow,‚Äù ‚Äútoday,‚Äù and ‚Äúlimited time‚Äù can spur action.
  • Set a deadline: Let customers know when the offer ends.
  • Limit availability: Mention if there are limited quantities or if it‚Äôs a first-come, first-served deal.

Here’s a sample message incorporating urgency:

“Hurry, Sarah! This exclusive 25% off ends at midnight. Don’t let it slip away!”

Using Clear Calls to Action

Your call to action (CTA) is what directs your customer to take the next step. It should be clear, direct, and easy to follow. The best CTAs leave no room for confusion about what the customer should do next.

Here are some tips for crafting effective CTAs:

  • Use action-oriented language: Phrases like ‚ÄúShop Now,‚Äù ‚ÄúGet Started,‚Äù or ‚ÄúClaim Your Discount‚Äù are effective.
  • Make it stand out: Use buttons or bold text to draw attention to your CTA.
  • Keep it simple: Ensure the action is easy to complete, such as clicking a link or entering a code.

Here’s a CTA example:

“Ready to save? Click here to claim your 25% discount now!”
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Keeping the Message Short and Sweet

People skim more than they read, especially in emails. Keep your message concise, focusing on the essentials. Every word should serve a purpose, drawing the reader closer to taking action.

Here’s how to keep your message short and effective:

  • Use simple language: Avoid jargon or complex words.
  • Limit paragraphs: Stick to short paragraphs to improve readability.
  • Edit ruthlessly: Cut anything that doesn‚Äôt add value to the message.

Here’s a short and sweet message example:

“Grab 20% off your next purchase. Use code SAVE20 at checkout. Offer ends soon!”

Adding a Personal Touch

Personalization can make your message stand out. Tailoring your message to the individual makes it more engaging and relevant. A personal touch can be as simple as using the customer’s name or referencing their past purchases.

Consider these personalization strategies:

  • Name dropping: Use the recipient‚Äôs name to make the message feel personal.
  • Reference past behavior: Mention a recent purchase or browse history.
  • Tailor offers: Customize discounts based on the customer‚Äôs preferences.

Here’s an example of a personalized message:

“Hi Alex, we noticed you loved our summer collection. Here’s 20% off your next purchase to enjoy even more!”
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Testing and Tweaking Your Message

Crafting the perfect discount offer message is both an art and a science. Testing different versions of your message can help you discover what resonates most with your audience. A/B testing, in particular, can be invaluable.

Here’s how you can test and refine your message:

  • A/B testing: Send two versions of your message to different audience segments to see which performs better.
  • Analyze results: Look at open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to gauge success.
  • Iterate: Make adjustments based on feedback and performance data.

For instance, you might discover that a message with “Limited Time Offer” in the subject line gets more opens than one with “Exclusive Discount.”

Leveraging Tools Like Spell for Writing

Writing effective discount messages doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Tools like Spell can help you draft and refine your messages quickly. With AI assistance, you can generate polished content in seconds, making it easier to experiment with different approaches and refine your strategy.

Spell can assist you by:

  • Generating drafts: Quickly create multiple versions of your message to test which resonates best.
  • Editing with ease: Use natural language prompts to make changes and improvements.
  • Collaborating in real time: Share your drafts with team members to get feedback and make real-time edits.

Imagine having a tool that helps you move from a blank page to a complete, well-crafted message in no time. That’s what Spell offers.

Final Thoughts

Writing a compelling discount offer message is about striking the right balance between clarity, urgency, and personalization. With practice and the right tools, you can craft messages that not only grab attention but also convert. And remember, Spell is here to help make the process faster and easier, ensuring your offers hit the mark every time.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.