Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce requires a keen understanding of the latest advancements in payment technology.

Among these innovations, the payment link stands out as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to make more sales on the internet.

Payment links empower businesses to quickly receive payment with a simple URL that directs customers to a secure online gateway for payment.

It’s the perfect payment tool in the fast-paced world of the internet, enabling businesses to reach customers anywhere online and conclude payments easily.

This article delves into a strategic guide on when and how to effectively share payment links for optimal results in the online marketplace.

As explained earlier, a payment link is a simple URL businesses use to collect payments online. This URL directs customers to a checkout page (payment gateway) for quick payments.

Businesses get this link from a payment gateway provider like Fincra for quick payments on the internet.

The most popular use case for payment links is for businesses to sell without a website. Although typically, this means legacy businesses yet to adopt digital technology or emerging and growing businesses who do not have the resources to maintain one, all businesses, even ones with websites, can also sell with payment links.

Payment links are ideal for businesses to reach customers anywhere online without directing them to a website to make payment.

With payment links, businesses can reach customers via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, emails, messaging apps, chatbots, and offline marketing materials.

This feature enables businesses to sell to customers anywhere on the internet.

Unlike embedded checkout, which is more sophisticated, payment links enable businesses to receive payment anywhere.

But what are the best times to share payment links with customers?

Direct sales 

One of the best times to share payment links is when customers inquire about a product and have indicated interest in buying it. 

In this case, the business can share payment links to enable customers to pay quickly. 

The interaction here can happen anywhere on the internet: on social media, messaging apps and chatbots, emails and even person-to-person. This versatility harnesses the power of payment links that enable businesses to complete transactions anywhere. 

Invoice and billing

For businesses providing services or products with extended payment terms, sending payment links with invoices ensures prompt and hassle-free transactions.

Here, businesses must clearly outline the payment terms and due date in the invoice and emphasise the convenience of paying through the provided payment link, saving customers time and effort.

Automated reminders also work in this situation to prompt customers to settle outstanding invoices, reducing late payments via the communication channel. 

Product demos or trials

Product demonstrations or trial periods are also perfect opportunities to send payment links. 

During demos and trials, potential customers are actively engaged, listening or watching to see how your products can benefit them. 

Providing a payment link at the right moment can seamlessly transition them into becoming paying customers. 

Allowing them enough time to think and decide might delay the transaction. 

Introduce the payment link when the customer expresses interest or satisfaction during the demo or trial.

Sometimes, attaching special offers or discounts incentivise immediate conversion.

Appointment and booking confirmations

For service-oriented businesses, sharing payment links upon confirming appointments or bookings streamlines the payment process and reduces friction.

In this case, transparent pricing works. Businesses must provide a breakdown of costs and fees associated with the appointment and secure confirmation. Frame the payment link as a safe way to confirm and guarantee the appointment.

Limited-time promotions

Limited-time promotions create a sense of urgency, and sharing payment links with these offers can drive immediate conversions.

In this case, businesses must use urgency messaging tactics to emphasise the limited availability or duration of the promotion.

Another tactic is to use exclusive access messaging to position the payment link as a gateway to exclusive discounts or perks.

Share payment links at the peak of customer engagement during the promotion.

Post-purchase communication

After a customer completes a purchase, effective post-purchase communication is vital. Sharing payment links at this stage can facilitate additional transactions, such as upsells, cross-sells, or subscription renewals.

The best practice here is to express gratitude for the initial purchase. This move creates a positive tone for the follow-up interaction. 

Then, articulate the value of your additional product or service.

Knowing when to share payment links is a nuanced art that requires a deep understanding of customer behaviour and strategic timing.

By identifying these key moments in the customer journey, you can enhance user experience, drive conversions, and optimise your sales and marketing efforts.

Fincra has payment links to make more sales and satisfy your customers.

It’s easy to generate with Fincra; create a free account for a start and start receiving payments anywhere on the internet.