Mastering Giveaways: 6 Creative Digital Promotion Ideas to Pack Your Brick & Mortar Small Business
Word-of-mouth isn’t enough to grow an upscale brick-and-mortar small business anymore. Affluent clients expect tailored offers that bring them through your door. Incentive marketing—offering prizes to capture contact details—builds direct marketing lists (name, email, mobile, zip) that power targeted campaigns. Whether you run a chic nail salon, a high-end gym, or a boutique bridal shop, giveaways help you connect with locals ready to visit, moving beyond unreliable buzz. Growth starts with a direct marketing list that enables you to send offers that are local, relevant and price competitive. Without a list, you are simply winging it. This article is courtesy of CliquePrize.
by CliquePrize staff
April 12, 2025
)
The Step-by-Step Plan To Pack Your Brick & Mortar Small Business With Clients
The Step-by-Step Plan To Pack Your Brick & Mortar Small Business With Clients
CliquePrize®, an iPhone app, makes this seamless. Through the use of patent-pending technology that leverages Apple Location Services, it targets nearby Contestants likely to buy from you based on their initial interest in winning a free prize. Its no-purchase-necessary to Enter to Win model ensures accessibility and fairness to all entrants. Below are 6 ideas—including 5 giveaways and 1 photo contest—designed to capture local leads for CliquePrize Brick & Mortar Sponsors. Each includes a step-by-step plan, plus email and text messaging follow-up examples to turn leads into sales.
Idea 1: “Glam & Share” YouTube Photo Contest
Best For: Hair, nail and tanning salons
Why It Works: Affluent beauty clients love flaunting their style. A YouTube photo contest captures leads by enticing them to visit and share their look, building a local list for targeted offers.
What is a YouTube Photo Contest?
Contestants simply upload their photo to YouTube as a static image. They can even add music to the background so long as it is original or licensed. From there, they can copy and paste the URL into CliquePrize® and Sponsors can use it for User-Generated Content (UGC) Contests or Hybrid Contests.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Set the Prize: Offer a $150 salon gift card to incentivize entries. No purchase is required.
Create the Hook: Invite clients to visit your salon, snap a photo of their new hairstyle, manicure, or tan, and upload it to YouTube with a hashtag (e.g., #SalonSparkle). They enter via CliquePrize®’s app, submitting name, email, mobile, and zip.
Promote Locally: You can run promotion exclusively to current customers as a Private Promotion and print out an 8x10 pdf with a QR code for them to enter. Or you can choose to run the promotion as Public whereby everyone in the local Metro Market (e.g. Nashville, TN) would be eligible to enter.
Share Entries: During the submission phase, you can review up to 50 photo submissions. Narrow the list down to 5 Contestants during the Voting Phase. Repost the finalist photos on your socials. Encourage everyone to vote in the local area even if they didn't submit a photo.
Announce the Winner: Host a YouTube Live to reveal the random winner, inviting locals to visit. You can manually choose via the App or have the App choose for you.
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Your Next Salon Visit Will Be Rewarding
Body: Hi [Name], thanks for entering to win our #SalonSparkle promotion on CliquePrize®! Because you registered, you're just steps away from your next glow-up. Book now and get 10% off any service this week—only for our local VIPs! [Book Now Button]
Goal: Drive immediate bookings with a time-sensitive offer.
SMS Text (Mobile) Example: Hey [Name], loved your #SalonSparkle entry! Get a free conditioning treatment with any service this month. Reply ‘BOOK’ to claim, local clients only!
Goal: Prompt quick responses with an exclusive perk.
Expected Outcome: You’ll capture local leads, with photos boosting visibility and offers driving bookings.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s location-based lead capture capabilities will build you a targeted local list of Sales Qualified Leads.
Idea 2: Cross-Promotional Luxury Giveaway
Best For: Dermatology clinics, skincare centers, bridal shops
Why It Works: Upscale clients seek curated experiences. Partnering with a complementary small business captures leads across both locations, fueling local campaigns.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Get In Touch a Local Partner: Pair with a luxury business (e.g., a skincare clinic with a bridal shop). Offer a $200 prize bundle, like a facial and bridal consultation. Your CliquePrize® Sales Rep can help coordinate.
Design the Giveaway: Clients enter via a QR code in either location, submitting name, email, mobile, and zip on CliquePrize®. No purchase is needed.
Promote Locally: Use co-branded posters and social media from both small businesses to target nearby clients.
Leverage Leads: Use the list for targeted follow-ups. Mostly likely the list will be useful for both small businesses and you won't churn either one since you aren't direct competitors.
Announce the Winner: Share the random winner via a joint Instagram Live.
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Exclusive Offer for Brides To Be: Get Spectacular Skincare
Body: Hi [Name], thanks for entering our luxury giveaway! Visit [Business Name] this week for a free skin analysis (worth $50). Book now, just for locals! [Schedule Button]
Goal: Convert leads with a high-value freebie.
SMS Text (Mobile) Example: [Name], you’re in! Get 15% off your next visit at [Business Name]. Reply ‘SKIN’ to claim, local offer only!
Goal: Drive quick visits with a simple reply mechanism.
Expected Outcome: You’ll build a shared list of local leads, with offers doubling foot traffic.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s location precision gives you a seamless lead-generation tool.
Idea 3: “Elite Check-In” Giveaway
Best For: Gyms, kickboxing studios, yoga studios
Why It Works: Affluent fitness clients value engagement. A check-in giveaway captures leads from visitors, building lists for local fitness offers. If a prospect "checks in" more than 5 times, for example, this makes them eligible to win.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Define the Prize: Offer a free year of classes to motivate sign-ups. Real table stakes.
Set Rules: Qualified prospects can enter to win via CliquePrize® (QR code scan), sharing your studio, or referring friends. During the registration process, you will capture name, email, mobile, and zip—no purchase required.
Create Buzz: Display the total number of entries at the front desk
Convert Leads: Follow up with the list post-promotion
Celebrate the Winner: Announce the winner and celebrate the number of "check-ins" to the studio
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Kickstart Your Fitness Journey
Body: Hi [Name], thanks for checking in at [Studio Name]! Hope you enjoyed your free class this week to feel the vibe. Visit us 4 more times and You Can Enter to Win our CliquePrize® giveaway— simply "check-in" and reserve your spot in a class now! [Sign Up Button]
Goal: Encourage trial classes to convert leads.
SMS Text (Mobile) Example: Hey [Name], great check-in! Join us for a free yoga session this weekend. Reply ‘FIT’ to RSVP, local offer!
Goal: Prompt immediate RSVPs for classes.
Expected Outcome: You’ll capture leads from active visitors, with offers boosting memberships.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s lead capture capabilities will deliver you a local prospect list.
Idea 4: In-Store QR Code Giveaway
Best For: Bridal shops, interior designers
Why It Works: Affluent clients love bespoke experiences. A QR code giveaway captures leads from browsers, creating lists for tailored offers.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Craft the Prize: Offer a $100 gift card or free consultation.
Design the Giveaway: Place QR codes around your space (e.g., near gowns or decor). Scanning enters clients via CliquePrize®’s so you can capture name, email, mobile, and zip. Don't worry, CliquePrize® will supply the QR code for you.
Promote Locally: Use physical signage and social media reels; for example, on social media promote "Win A Free $100 Gift Card or Consultation". Swing by our store and get the exclusive QR Code today.
Follow-up With The CliquePrize® Leads: The list is what you need to drive repeat visits
Select a Winner: Announce the random winner via socials.
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Your Dream Look Starts Here (Bridal Shops) / Your Dream Re-Designed Home Starts Here (Interior Designers)
Body: Hi [Name], thanks for exploring [Shop Name]! Book a free styling session this month, exclusive for local brides. [Reserve Button]
Hi [Name], thanks for your interest in working with [Interior Designer Name]! Book a free consultation this month, exclusive for CliquePrize® entrants
Goal: Drive consultations with a free offer.
SMS Text (Mobile) Example: [Name], loved having you at [Shop Name]! Get 10% off your next visit. Reply ‘BRIDE’ to claim, local only!
[Name], loved meeting you! Book our services today, and we'll take additional 10% off. Reply ‘DESIGN’ to claim, local only!
Goal: Encourage quick purchases.
Expected Outcome: You’ll capture leads from casual shoppers, with offers sparking bookings.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s QR scanning is a glove fit for high-end buyer lead capture.
Idea 5: Community Impact Digital Raffle
Best For: Hair salons, skincare centers, tanning salons
Why It Works: Affluent clients value social impact. A raffle tied to a charity captures leads from locals, building lists for offers that drive visits.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Pick a Cause: Partner with a local charity (e.g., a food bank). Offer a $150 salon package.
Set Up the Digital Raffle: Contestants enter to win via an in-store QR code after making a donation in person to you. In the process, they will submit their name, email, mobile, and zip on CliquePrize®. No purchase or donation needed. No paper raffle tickets needed.
Promote Widely: Use social media and emails to promote the raffle
Convert Leads: Follow up post-raffle.
Announce the Winner: Host an in-store event to draw the winner. CliquePrize® gives you the ability to set the drawing date and time
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Thanks for Supporting Our Community
Body: Hi [Name], your raffle entry helped [Charity Name]! Visit [Salon Name] for a free consultation this week, local only. [Book Now Button]
Goal: Convert goodwill into bookings.
SMS Text (Mobile) Examplee: [Name], thanks for joining our raffle! Get a free add-on with any service this month. Reply ‘GLOW’ to claim, local offer!
Goal: Drive quick visits with a perk.
Expected Outcome: You’ll capture community-minded leads, with offers boosting traffic.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s transparent lead capture builds trusted local, targeted marketing lists.
Idea 6: Flash Giveaway for VIPs
Best For: Real estate open houses
Why It Works: Affluent clients chase exclusivity. Offer a free giveaway for anyone who signs up for a VIP Open House, pre-public showing.
Step-by-Step Plan:
Select the Prize: Offer a $100 Home Depot or Lowe's card; Available on BHN Rewards, which is integrated with CliquePrize®
Time the Giveaway: Run it during a weekend. VIPs enter via a CliquePrize® QR code, submitting name, email, mobile, and zip.
Build Urgency: Promote with email, social media and physical signage
Use the Leads: Follow up post-giveaway.
Reveal the Winner: Announce via a live stream during lunch when most buyers have free time to watch; CliquePrize® will notify the winner anyway
Follow-Up Campaigns:
Email Example: Subject: Let’s Introduce You To Your New Home
Body: Hi [Name], thanks for joining our CliquePrize® giveaway! A home that matches your search criteria is available for a tour. [Schedule Button]
Goal: Drive bookings.
SMS Text (Mobile) Example: [Name], great to see you at our open house! Get a free design guide. Reply ‘HOME’ to claim, local only!
Goal: Engage leads with a freebie.
Expected Outcome: You’ll capture attendees’ details, with offers driving bookings.
CliquePrize® Tie-In: The app’s location targeting and staff support maximize lead capture.
Why Incentive Marketing Works
These ideas deliver because they:
- Capture Local Leads: Leveraging Apple Location Services to target nearby prospects captures actionable lists
- Drive Foot Traffic: Follow-up emails and texts convert leads with tailored offers
- Appeal to Affluent Clients: Luxury prizes resonate with upscale tastes
- Replace Word-of-Mouth: Direct lists enable precise campaigns
- Stay Compliant: No-purchase rules align with CliquePrize’s Contestant terms and federal giveaway laws
Research on Email, Text Messaging, and Small Business Visit Conversion Rates
While direct studies linking email/text campaigns to physical store visits for small businesses like salons or gyms are niche, several broader research findings and industry statistics provide insight into conversion rates for driving foot traffic. Here’s what’s available:
Email Marketing Conversion Rates For Brick & Mortar Small Businesses
General Conversion Rates: Research from 2024-2025 indicates that email marketing has an average conversion rate of around 3% across industries, though this varies by sector. For small businesses in retail or services (e.g., salons, gyms), conversion rates can range from 2-5% for actions like booking appointments or visiting a store.
Retail and Local Businesses: A 2023 study by Campaign Monitor noted that 64.1% of small businesses use email to drive brand awareness and customer engagement, with emails often leading to in-store visits when paired with offers like discounts or free consultations. For example, personalized emails with a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Book Now” can achieve conversion rates of 4-6% for service-based businesses.
Welcome Emails: Welcome emails have notably high conversion rates, up to 52% for automated sequences, because they engage new leads early. For a salon or gym, a welcome email offering a free trial or consultation can prompt visits, especially if sent to local leads.
Challenge: Email open rates average 15-48% depending on the industry, and only a fraction of opens lead to visits. The conversion to foot traffic depends heavily on personalization, segmentation (e.g., targeting locals by zip code), and urgency in the offer.
Text Messaging (SMS) Conversion Rates For Brick & Mortar Small Businesses
High Engagement: SMS boasts an average 98% open rate and a 21-30% conversion rate for actions like redeeming offers or visiting stores, far outpacing email. This is because texts are immediate and land in a less cluttered inbox.
Retail and Service Industries: For small businesses like salons or gyms, SMS conversion rates can hit 23-40% for specific campaigns, such as time-sensitive promotions (e.g., “20% off today only”). A 2019 study found SMS campaigns for retail drove 23.3% conversion rates for in-store transactions when tied to clear CTAs.
Abandoned Checkout Messages: SMS reminders (e.g., for unbooked appointments) have conversion rates of 10-14% in service industries, as they catch clients at peak interest. For example, a yoga studio sending a “Complete your booking!” text can drive visits.
Local Impact: SMS is particularly effective for local businesses because 75% of consumers want texts with special offers, and 83% of millennials open texts within 90 seconds, making it ideal for driving same-day visits.
Combined Email and SMS (Omnichannel) Impact
Synergy: Studies show that using email and SMS together boosts conversion rates more than either alone. A 2025 analysis found SMS has a 29% average conversion rate and email 15.2%, but combining them (e.g., a text to promote an email offer) can increase overall conversions by 17x in revenue terms.
Example Case: A 2022 study by Rappahannock News showed that an email newsletter paired with SMS reminders grew engagement and drove local event attendance, suggesting similar potential for small businesses.
Retail Example: A 2017 study noted that SMS campaigns with follow-up emails achieved 32% conversion rates for in-store visits when offering coupons, as texts prompted quick action and emails reinforced the offer.
Why the Relationship Is Hard to Understand
Attribution Challenges: Tracking whether an email or text directly led to a store visit is complex. Small businesses often lack advanced tools (e.g., CRM integrations) to link digital actions to physical foot traffic. For example, a client might read a text, visit a salon, but not mention the offer, making it hard to attribute.
Local Context: Conversion rates depend on proximity. CliquePrize®’s use of Apple Location Services helps by targeting leads within a few miles, since studies show hyper-local is the true repeat buyers of Brick & Mortar small businesses.
Varied Definitions: “Conversion” can mean a click, booking, or visit. For physical stores, the true metric is foot traffic conversion, which is harder to measure without tools like QR code scans or in-store offer redemptions.
Behavioral Factors: Clients may delay visits (e.g., reading an email but booking later), diluting direct correlations. SMS performs better for immediate action, while email nurtures longer-term interest, complicating the relationship.
Research confirms that SMS (21-30% conversion) and email (2-5% conversion) drive small business visits, with omnichannel strategies amplifying results (up to 17x revenue). For CliquePrize®’s Sponsors, combining incentive marketing with local targeting via Apple Location Services maximizes foot traffic. The six giveaway ideas, with tailored email/text follow-ups, leverage these insights to turn leads into visitors.
Why CliquePrize® Lifts Conversion Rates
CliquePrize®’s approach maximizes the research findings
Apple Location Services: By targeting locals, CliquePrize® ensures leads are within walking distance, boosting visit likelihood (SMS’s 23-40% conversion shines here).
Incentive Marketing: Prizes like gift cards or free sessions motivate lead capture, aligning with 70% of consumers wanting SMS offers.
Direct Marketing Lists: Collecting name, email, mobile, and zip enables personalized follow-ups, which research shows can increase email conversions by 760% when segmented.
Follow-Up Campaigns: The email/text examples leverage immediacy (SMS) and nurturing (email), addressing the 17x revenue boost from omnichannel strategies.
Actionable Takeaways for Brick & Mortar Small Businesses
Use SMS for Urgency: Texts drive 21-30% conversion for same-day or time-sensitive offers (e.g., “Book today!”). Send 1 text bi-weekly to avoid opt-outs.
Use Email for Nurturing: Emails achieve 2-5% conversion for longer-term actions (e.g., consultations). Send 1 email bi-weekly with personalized offers.
Combine Channels: Text to alert about an email offer (e.g., “Check your inbox for 10% off!”) to boost engagement, leveraging 17x revenue potential.
Track Conversions: Use QR codes to measure visits. Without tracking, you’ll miss the link between messages and foot traffic.
Local Focus: Prioritize leads within 5 miles using the zip codes of Contestant who registered during your CliquePrize® giveaway, as proximity drives higher conversions (e.g., 23.3% for retail SMS).
🚀 Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Download the CliquePrize® app and create a FREE Sponsor Account today!
CliquePrize®*** is the iPhone Giveaways mobile app that helps Small Businesses grow by reaching, nurturing and converting local, high value prospects. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know!***
Small Business Marketing Tips & Advice
CliquePrize® offers a number of ways to keep updated on Small Business Marketing tips and advice. Follow our RSS Feed, get messages straight to your Twitter inbox, add a Chrome extension or receive each new article via email.