Which text would get the best response?

[gizorn]

Hi,

First the Details: We're going to be offering a coupon for a discount on our products when a customer signs up for our newsletter. The Coupon text will be contained in an area that looks like a newspaper coupon at the top right of every page. The customer will click on the coupon and be directed to our newsletter signup page when they sign up the coupon code is sent to there email.

The Question: Which will of these do you feel would get the best response:
"Click this coupon and SAVE 5% on your order" or
"Click this coupon and get a Free Widget with your order"

Both the 5% Off and the Free Widget will cost our company the same. But for the customer the 5% off will save on average 1.25 and The Free Widget will save them 3.50. I hope I gave enough information.

Thanks

[gizorn]

Oh Sorry this may help too:

The person will eventually need the Widget with the products we sell. For example a Printer needs Printer Cartridges.

[TallTroll]

Firstly, I would say you should test both (research "split run testing" or "A/B testing") and use real world data (the best sort!)

My gut feeling would be that the "FREE widget" route would perform better. 5% doesn't sound like a big saving... but everyone likes something for FREE!

[kjs50]

Another alternative would be to present both offers and let the user choose the one they would like. Do this for a couple of days so you have enough feedback.

[tolachi]

I would try adding an until to it. Giving the offer a deadline will introduce an additional incentive. You can always rotate the offer.