Webinar:
Tariffs & Price Increase Marketing Tips (Best Practices + Emails & Ads Swipe File)

Market changes are happening -- from new tariffs to shifts in the supply chain, it can force you to consider raising your prices. While necessary, this can be scary. It doesn't have to be, it can be an opportunity for you, if you do this right. 

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Webinar's Transcript

In this webinar, we'll review effective strategies for communicating price increases, using real-world examples to show you how to maintain customer trust and even strengthen your brand in the process.

Be Transparent

When prices are about to change, the worst thing you can do is surprise your customers. The best approach is proactive, transparent communication.

  • Explain the "Why": Don't just announce a price hike; explain the external factors forcing the change. Educate your audience on how specific events, like new tariffs, are impacting your supply chain and costs. An email with a direct subject line like, "We should talk: Tariffs could impact our prices. Here's what you should know," can be incredibly effective.
  • Share Your Story: Use this as an opportunity for your founder or CEO to connect with customers on a personal level. An email from the founder of LUS Brands, for example, explained the direct impact of a 25% tariff on their products, turning a difficult business decision into a moment of authentic brand storytelling.

Run a Offer before: The "Buy Now" Strategy

One of the most powerful ways to soften the blow of a price increase is to give your customers a chance to buy at the current price one last time. This creates a sense of urgency and rewards your loyal audience.

  • Create a Sales Event: Frame the offer as a special event. You can run a "Skip the Tariffs" sale or simply send an email with a clear message: "The best time to buy is now."
  • Combine with Existing Promotions: You can even layer this urgency onto an existing sale. One brand effectively combined a 30% off Easter sale with an additional "$150 off" to encourage customers to purchase before new tariffs took effect.

Double Down on Your Value Proposition

When you're asking customers to pay more, it's the perfect time to remind them why you're worth it. Reiterate what makes your products special and highlight the unique value that they can't get anywhere else. Reinforce your commitment to quality, craftsmanship, or the specific benefits that your brand delivers.

Leverage Your Loyalty Program

If you have a loyalty program that offers members exclusive discounts or points, now is the time to promote it heavily. Position your program as a way for your most dedicated customers to shield themselves from the price increase. This not only drives sales but also increases engagement with your loyalty program, fostering long-term retention.

The Right Approach to Price Increases

You don't have to implement a price hike all at once. Consider a multi-step approach to gradually ease your customers into the new pricing structure:

  1. Phase 1: The Preemptive Offer. Announce the upcoming change and give customers a final opportunity to buy at the lower price.
  2. Phase 2: Founder Communication. Send a transparent, story-driven message from leadership explaining the reasons for the change.
  3. Phase 3: The Price Increase. Officially implement the new pricing while continuing to emphasize your brand's unique value proposition.

Stay Informed with Competitive Intelligence

Throughout this process, it's crucial to monitor how other brands in your industry are communicating similar changes. Tools like Panoramata.co can help you track competitor emails, ads, and landing pages. By searching for keywords like "tariffs" or "price increase," you can gather inspiration and see best practices in action, ensuring your strategy is both effective and in line with market expectations.

founder smiling
Mehdi BOUFOUS
August 10, 2025