News

LivingSocial extends deals, adds marketing tools for merchants

September 18, 2013

LivingSocial announced it is offering new, extended-length promotional options for local and national merchants. According to a press release, the new solutions allow for flexible deal structures for merchants who want a one-time rush of customers or those who are seeking a steady flow over an extended period of time.

LivingSocial has also increased the quantity of deals available across locations and categories, through a searchable online and mobile interface.

"In the past three months we have quadrupled the number of LivingSocial deals available," said Tim O'Shaughnessy, CEO of LivingSocial. "We have moved from simply being a daily deal company to a real marketing partner for merchants by adding effective and custom solutions to improve their bottom line. Simultaneously, we are giving consumers broader inventory and more ways to get great products, experiences, events and escapes."

Additionally, merchants can opt to be featured on the LivingSocial website and app for longer periods of time.

New Merchant Center tools

LivingSocial's enhancements also include new, free tools available in its Merchant Center, such as:

• Direct customer communication – Merchants can respond immediately to feedback from their customers after redeeming a deal.
• Enhanced visibility – Merchants can access enhanced deal metrics including deal exposure and user engagement, purchaser insights and payments information.
• Social media manager – Merchants now have access to a tool allowing them to monitor the impact of their social media campaigns.

Amplifier

Outside the traditional deal structure, LivingSocial has built promotional capabilities that fit the marketing needs of major national retailers. Specifically, national merchant partners have access to LivingSocial's Amplifier ads, where a retailer's existing promotions receive premium distribution on LivingSocial's channels resulting in increased exposure and incremental purchases.

Stampede

LivingSocial's Stampede product allows brands to promote free offers that customers can claim with no upfront payment required. Consumers click "claim now" on the offer from LivingSocial and get an email confirmation with a redemption voucher. Customers pay later when they redeem their voucher.

Coupons

Finally, LivingSocial is rolling out Coupons, another avenue for consumers to save on products and services. Live now in a beta pilot, Coupons allow consumers to access and redeem free promo codes, coupons and information on sales from more than 3,000 retailers across North America.

Read more about online initiatives.