Offering discounts is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost online sales. If you’re running an eCommerce store using WordPress, adding coupons can help convert more visitors into buyers and encourage repeat purchases. Whether you’re launching a new product, running a seasonal sale, or rewarding loyal customers, coupons can be a smart part of your strategy.
But how exactly do you add coupons to WordPress products? Fortunately, the process is straightforward if you’re using WooCommerce, the most popular WordPress plugin for eCommerce. Even if you’re not a developer, you can set up coupons in just a few minutes with the right steps.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to add coupons to WordPress products, customize the coupon settings for your needs, and even explore some best practices to get the most out of them.
Table Of Contents
Setting Up WooCommerce (If Not Already Installed)
Why You Need WooCommerce for Coupons
To add product-specific coupons in WordPress, you need an eCommerce system. WooCommerce is the most widely used tool, powering over 30% of all online stores globally. It comes with built-in support for coupon management.
Steps to Install WooCommerce
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “WooCommerce” and click Install Now.
- Once installed, click Activate.
- Follow the onboarding wizard to configure your store.
Once WooCommerce is set up, you’re ready to create and manage coupons directly from your WordPress dashboard.
How to Add Coupons in WooCommerce
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Coupons
- Navigate to Marketing > Coupons in your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Click Add Coupon.
- You’ll be asked to enter a Coupon Code (e.g., SUMMER15) – this is what users will type at checkout.
- Add a Description (optional, internal use).
Configure Coupon Settings
WooCommerce provides several settings to control how your coupon works:
General Settings:
- Discount Type: Choose from options like:
- Percentage discount (e.g., 10% off)
- Fixed cart discount (e.g., ₹100 off the entire cart)
- Fixed product discount (e.g., ₹50 off one specific item)
- Coupon Amount: Enter the discount value.
- Allow Free Shipping: Tick this if you want the coupon to enable free shipping.
- Coupon Expiry Date: Set a date if you want the coupon to be time-limited.
Usage Restrictions:
These settings limit when and how a coupon can be used:
- Minimum/Maximum Spend: Set thresholds to qualify.
- Individual Use Only: Prevent stacking with other coupons.
- Exclude Sale Items: Avoid applying to discounted products.
- Product Restrictions: Choose specific products or categories the coupon applies to.
Usage Limits:
You can control how often a coupon is used:
- Usage Limit Per Coupon: Set how many times the coupon can be used globally.
- Usage Limit Per User: Restrict how many times each customer can use it.
Once all settings are configured, click Publish to make the coupon live.
Assign Coupons to Specific Products
While you can create a general coupon, sometimes you only want it to apply to certain products.
How to Target Specific Products
- In the Usage Restrictions tab of your coupon settings, locate the field Products.
- Start typing the product name – suggestions will auto-populate.
- Select the products you want the coupon to apply to.
- Optionally, add products in the Exclude Products field if needed.
This allows fine-tuned control so your coupon only applies where you want.
Displaying Coupons on Your WordPress Store
Ways to Promote Coupons Effectively
Just creating a coupon isn’t enough – users need to know it exists. Here are a few display options:
1. On the Homepage or Product Pages
Use a banner, alert bar, or custom block in Elementor, Gutenberg, or your theme to highlight the code.
2. Checkout Page Messages
Plugins like Checkout Field Editor or WooCommerce Custom Thank You Pages allow you to add coupon reminders during checkout.
3. Popup or Slide-In Notices
Use a plugin like Hustle or OptinMonster to show a time-based or scroll-triggered coupon popup.
4. Email Marketing
Send discount codes directly to your mailing list using tools like MailPoet or Klaviyo.
5. Coupon Pages
Create a dedicated “Deals” or “Offers” page with all active coupons using a shortcode like [coupons] from compatible plugins.
Using Plugins to Enhance Coupon Functionality
While WooCommerce covers basic coupon needs, several plugins can extend functionality for more creative promotions:
| Plugin Name | Key Features |
| Advanced Coupons | BOGO deals, auto-apply, coupon scheduling |
| Smart Coupons | Store credit, gift cards, bulk coupon generation |
| Coupon Creator | Shortcodes to display coupons on posts/pages |
| WooCommerce Dynamic Pricing | Conditional discounts based on cart quantity or user role |
These plugins offer more flexibility, especially if you’re running complex campaigns.
Best Practices for Coupon Usage
Using coupons too frequently or with poor strategy can harm your brand’s perceived value. Follow these tips for smart usage:
1. Use Scarcity to Drive Urgency
Creating urgency is key to effective coupon marketing. Set clear expiration dates so customers feel compelled to act quickly. Limited-time offers not only drive faster conversions but also help manage inventory and avoid long-term devaluation of your products or services.
2. Segment Audiences for Better Targeting
Tailor your coupons to different customer types. Offer first-time discounts to new users, loyalty rewards for repeat buyers, and win-back deals for abandoned carts. This targeted approach increases relevance and conversions while keeping your promotions purposeful and strategic.
3. Limit Overlap with Existing Discounts
Stacking multiple discounts can hurt profits and customer expectations. Avoid combining coupons with existing sale prices unless it’s a planned event. By limiting overlap, you maintain control over margins and preserve your brand’s perceived value and exclusivity.
4. Measure Performance with Analytics
Track coupon effectiveness with analytics tools like UTM parameters in Google Analytics or WooCommerce Reports. Monitor key metrics like usage rate, conversion, and ROI to understand what works and optimize future promotions for better results.
5. Avoid Coupon Fatigue
Frequent, predictable discounts can desensitize your audience and reduce urgency. Run limited, meaningful campaigns instead of constant sales. This keeps your offers exciting and maintains your brand’s perceived value in the eyes of customers.
Conclusion
Adding coupons to WordPress products, especially with WooCommerce, is a straightforward but powerful way to boost conversions, attract new customers, and reward loyal buyers. By learning how to configure settings, target specific products, and promote your codes effectively, you can turn occasional visitors into regular customers.
Don’t just throw discounts around – use them with strategy. With the right setup and tracking, coupons can be more than a sales tool. They can be a part of your long-term marketing plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I add a coupon in WooCommerce?
Go to Marketing > Coupons, click Add Coupon, enter the code, set discount options, and click Publish.
2. Can I restrict a coupon to specific products?
Yes, under the Usage Restrictions tab, select specific products or categories for the coupon to apply to.
3. How do I set a coupon expiry date in WooCommerce?
In the coupon settings under the General tab, you can set the expiration date using the Coupon expiry date field.
4. Can I limit how many times a coupon is used?
Yes. Under the Usage Limits tab, set how many times a coupon can be used per customer or globally.
5. How can I display coupons on my WordPress site?
Use banners, popups, coupon pages, or insert codes using shortcodes or page builders like Elementor.
6. Is there a plugin to manage advanced coupons?
Yes, plugins like Advanced Coupons or Smart Coupons offer extra features like BOGO deals and store credits.
7. Can I automatically apply coupons at checkout?
Yes, some plugins allow auto-apply based on cart contents or customer rules, like Advanced Coupons for WooCommerce.
8. Are there any risks to using too many coupons?
Overusing coupons can devalue your brand. Use them selectively with expiration dates and audience targeting.
Recommended for You
How to Add Cloudflare CAPTCHA on WordPress?
