Groupon is an online coupon site with a splash of social media and a dash of viral marketing added in for kicks. They have an ever growing list of customers trained to check their inboxes for daily deals on local businesses and online services.

The big perk for businesses is that Groupon brings much needed attention and a healthy boost of sales to both Web sites and brick-n-mortar stores all across the country. If you run a business, or consult with those who do, then this is something you need to consider adding to your marketing plan.

Here's How it Works

1. Setup a deal. This is usually a discount coupon for a service or item your company provides, though you can get creative here based on your user base and experience with them.

2. Groupon does a write up. Which means that they write a crafty sales pitch about your business to promote it to their audience which includes pictures and a markup on your location. Many times this also includes positive reviews of your business to show the customer's perspective. The idea is that the site features one business promotion daily that they also email out to their list.

   

3. People purchase the deal. Here's the one catch, in order for the deal to become valid, a certain amount of people have to buy. This number is decided between you and Groupon when setting up your feature. This is to encourage customers to spread the word about your deal which they can do easily using the Facebook or Twitter button, emailing directly from Groupon's form and the old fashion way - spreading the word to their friends.

4. Customers claim their Groupon coupon. They can also download a ...