So you don't think “funny”  can build your bottom line? The folks at Groupon would laugh at that notion. It’s the online service that offers daily deep discounts on all kinds of products and services in cities across the country. The emails that deliver the Groupon offers are written in an offbeat humorous style, like this one for a local cleaning service:

"As the old saying goes, your home is your castle, your television is your court jester, and your dog is your moat. Repel invading dust-bunny hordes with today's Groupon…"

The Groupon emails also include “Guides” that add an even stranger comic twist, like The Groupon Guide to Medical Breakthroughs that explains how “Leeches can cure practically every disease and are an especially popular cure for childhood hyperactivity.”

OK, maybe this isn't your style of comedy, but companies that advertise with Groupon are laughing all the way to the bank.  And they’re lining-up to get a Groupon spot. Why? Because “funny” is a great marketing tool.

Some 25 million subscribers get a daily Groupon email, and many of them read it just for the humor. Of those who redeem the Groupon offer, most spend 60% more than the discount deal.  And the demographics of Groupon subscribers are great too – they’re mostly younger, well-educated and with higher incomes.

So what’s the point? It’s simple – humor sells. You may not laugh at it, but there’s a good chance a customer will.  And if humor can get them in the door or keep them on the phone to let you sell to them, that’s no laughing matter. It’s serious business.