Community Corner

New Site Finds Deals In The 'Burbs

Couple launches coupon website for locals.

Coupon websites likes Groupon and Living Social can be a great way to save money on a variety of services, outings and activities, but what if you don’t want to jump on the band wagon or make a long trek into the city to redeem that deal?

While most coupon sites target consumers and businesses in large metropolitan areas, SuburbanDeals.com, launched in May by media-savvy couple Marina and Jordan Mayer of Vernon Hills, offers suburban residents exclusive deals in their own backyard that don’t require a certain number of takers to be valid.

“There is no doubt there is a market for this here,” said Jordan, co-founder and CEO.

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Suburban Deals offers customers in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago 50 to 90 percent off regular retail prices. Daily deals can be found on everything from restaurants and spas to photography sessions and golf lessons. The site has also teamed up with the Lake County Fielders and Chicago Rush for special promotions and deal nights.

Keeping It Local

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Their backyard concept, said the Mayers, helps smaller niche businesses promote themselves to new customers and keeps money in the local community. Generating repeat business is another plus for businesses who can advertise on SuburbanDeals.com for free. There is never a sign-up charge for customers and the Web site only makes money when the businesses do.

“We help businesses bring in new customers who otherwise might not spend their money on advertising or promoting their business,” said Jordan. In turn, “Suburban Deals allows new customers to try their service or product at a high discounted rate in hopes that those customers return for repeat business.”

The appeal for customers, said Jordan, is they don’t have venture far to take advantage of a great opportunity.

“We keep everything close so you’re not driving 30 or 40 miles,” he said.

Working the other side of the coin is Maureen Erickson, who launched YouveGottaGetIt.com about two years ago. Unlike SuburbanDeals.com, her site caters to residents living in or near downtown Chicago.

“This is the future of advertising,” said Erickson, a former employee of Bright Smile, which was one of the first businesses to offer a deal on Groupon.com.

Social Media Is Key

Launched in mid-May, SuburbanDeals.com already has more than 500 subscribers, more than 600 Facebook followers and more than 200 Twitter followers.

“Word of mouth is key,” said Marina, noting their grassroots campaign to elicit advertising from local businesses is paying off.

“Businesses have told us Groupon is too big and has too many rules,” she said. “They get lost in the shuffle.”

The Mayers also coach businesses to help them in developing their promotions. They also write the copy for the businesses.

 To learn more, visit www.SuburbanDeals.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.


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