You post regularly. A nice shot of the daily special. A new product you’re proud of. Maybe even a quote or a timelapse of your setup for the day.
You’re doing what everyone says to do: stay active, stay visible. But the door doesn’t swing open. Sales don’t spike. Likes trickle in, but they don’t turn into customers.
The problem isn’t your content—it’s your strategy.
Awareness Isn’t Enough Anymore
Posting a photo of a delicious-looking burger every day might make people hungry. But it doesn’t give them a reason to walk through the door right now.
You know what does?
✅ A free drink with your meal.
✅ A limited-time discount.
✅ A one-day-only offer that makes someone feel like they’re getting something others won’t.
People don’t need more reminders. They need a nudge. An incentive. A tiny push that makes today the day they buy.
Customers Want to Feel Like They’re Getting a Deal
You don’t have to run a 50% off sale. You don’t have to slash prices. You just have to make people feel like they’re getting something special, and that they need to act now.
That can be:
✅ A bonus.
✅ A gift.
✅ A small, exclusive perk just for your followers.
When you combine that with urgency and exclusivity, it turns passive followers into paying customers.
Examples That Actually Work
For Restaurants & Cafés
🧋 “We made too much boba today. Free boba tea with your meal while it lasts.”
🍔 “Leave us an honest Google review and get a free iced coffee.”
🥗 “Flash lunch deal: $2 off any bowl from 11am–1pm.”
For Service Businesses
✂️ “Free deep conditioning treatment with your haircut—just this week.”
🧰 “Free 10-minute AC check for appointments booked today.”
💇 “We’re testing new styles—come in for your regular cut and get a free sample.”
For Etsy Sellers & Craftspeople
📦 “Order this weekend and get a free mystery gift. No code, no catch.”
🎨 “First 10 customers today get a free mini print with purchase.”
🧵 “Trying out new packaging—orders today will get a sneak peek + bonus item.”
These aren’t huge giveaways. They’re small incentives that feel personal, urgent, and exclusive—and they work.
Loyalty Programs That Keep People Coming Back
Your first-time buyers are just the start. You want them to come back—and bring friends. That’s where loyalty programs come in.
You don’t need a highly complicated points system. Keep it simple:
✅ Punch cards or app-based
✅ Discount after a certain number of visits or purchases
✅ Exclusive “members only” codes for Instagram followers or email subscribers
Examples:
☕ “Buy 4 coffees, get the 5th free. Ask us for a punch card.”
🧼 “Returning customers get 10% off detailing this month—just show your last receipt.”
📬 “Join our email list for first dibs on restocks + secret sales.”
Make customers feel like they’re in on something. Like they belong. Like they’re part of a club that gets a little extra.
Use the “Do Us a Favor” Trick
Here’s a psychological hack that works wonders: Flip the script. Make the customer feel like they’re helping you.
People want to support small businesses. Let them. Not with guilt—just with a little reverse spin on your incentive.
Try:
✅ “We made too much—help us out and get a free drink with your order today.”
✅ “Trying out a new recipe—want to be one of our testers?”
✅ “We overordered supplies. Book today and get a free add-on service while it lasts.”
It doesn’t feel like a sale. It feels like a favor. And that makes it even more powerful.
What Not to Do
Let’s be real about the stuff that wastes your time:
❌ Repetitive “Look at This” Posts
A great-looking product photo is nice, but without a reason to act, it’s just one piece of content among thousands people see every day.
❌ Vague Promos
“Come check us out!” doesn’t cut it. Give people a reason. Give them a deadline.
❌ Deep Discounts with No Strategy
You don’t need to be the cheapest. You just need to feel like the best value.
You Don’t Have to Make Every Post Count
Sure, some days you have to feed the beast and post to stay relevant. Inventing an incentive every day takes time out of your busy schedule and will eventually wear customers out. But at least once a week, mix up your daily posts with an incentivized deal or that:
✅ Delivers value
✅ Creates urgency
✅ Offers exclusivity
✅ Or invites customers into a shared story
If your posts don’t regularly achieve at least two of those goals, rethink your strategy.
You Don’t Need a Bigger Following. You Need a Better Hook.
You’re not competing with global brands on budget or reach. But you can beat them where it counts: authenticity, agility, and value.
The right offer, at the right time, with the right tone—that’s what turns posts into purchases.
Give people a reason to care. Give them a reason to act.
And give them the sense that, just maybe, they’re doing something good by showing up for your business.
Want help crafting offer-driven content that doesn’t sound salesy or desperate? That’s what we do. Let’s make your next post actually work for your business.
Marketing Truck 