Affiliate coupon code is one of the most common promotional method in affiliate marketing. It offer various cases of use, and potentially be an affiliate for affiliate links.
Let’s see what is it, and how it would be used in an affiliate program.
What is an Affiliate Coupons Code?
Affiliate Coupons (also known as affiliate coupon code) are promotional tools used in affiliate marketing programs. They are unique discount codes given to affiliates (partners who promote a brand) to share with their audience. These codes offer a special deal, such as a percentage off a product or a dollar-value discount, to encourage customers to make a purchase through the affiliate’s referral.
Here’s how they work:
- Tracking Affiliate Sales:
Each coupon is tied to a specific affiliate, so when a customer uses it during checkout, the sale is attributed to that affiliate. This helps track performance and calculate commissions. - Boosting Conversions:
Discounts make customers more likely to buy. Affiliates use these codes to sweeten the deal and drive sales. - Marketing Channels:
Affiliates share these coupons through social media, blogs, YouTube, TikTok, email newsletters, or other platforms to reach their audience.
Example of affiliate coupon code
For example, an affiliate promotes a Shopify store (namely BixGrow) selling jewelry, their followers might get “10% off with code 12BIXGROW”. When used, the store gains a sale, the affiliate earns a commission, and the customer enjoys a discount—a win for everyone!
Further, each affiliate can have an unique coupon code. Affiliates can give customers special codes for discounts. When a customer uses the code, the affiliate gets credit for the sale. Here are examples of an unique affiliate coupon code:
- Affiliate unique ID: ANDY
- Unique Discount Code: ANDY12BIXGROW (This code gives the customer 10% off)
- The affiliate ANDY shares this discount code, and when a customer uses ANDY12BIXGROW, the affiliate gets credit for the sale and the customer receives a discount.
Affiliate marketing often revolves around discounts, but it can offer much more than simple price reductions. Referred customers can enjoy various perks, such as free shipping, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals, or other exclusive benefits. These diverse rewards make affiliate programs more appealing to audiences and open the door for creative promotions.
In the next section, we’ll explore types of affiliate coupons.
Types of affiliate coupons
Affiliate coupons can vary in type based on how they incentivize customers and align with promotional strategies. Here are the common types:
1. Discount Coupons
- Percentage-Based Discounts: Offer a percentage off the purchase price (e.g., “20% off”).
- Fixed Amount Discounts: Provide a fixed dollar or currency reduction (e.g., “$10 off on orders above $50”).
2. Free Shipping Coupons
- Waive shipping costs for customers, which can be especially appealing for online purchases.
- Example: “Use code FREESHIP for free delivery on all orders.
3. Exclusive Coupons
- Coupons tied to a specific affiliate to create exclusivity (e.g., “Only available via JaneDoe20”).
- Builds trust and loyalty within the affiliate’s audience.
4. Limited-Time Coupons
- Urge customers to act fast with deals that expire soon (e.g., “10% off – Valid for 48 hours only”).
- Create a sense of urgency.
5. Tiered Discounts
- Provide higher discounts based on the order value (e.g., “Spend $50, get 10% off; Spend $100, get 20% off.”).
- Encourages larger purchases.
6. First-Time Buyer Coupons
- Target new customers with special deals (e.g., “15% off your first order with code WELCOME15”).
- Helps brands attract fresh audiences.
While common coupon types like discounts and free shipping dominate affiliate marketing, lesser-used options can add creativity and value to your campaigns. BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One) Coupons drive bulk purchases by offering free or discounted items, perfect for clearing inventory or increasing sales volume. Loyalty-Based Coupons cater to returning customers, fostering brand loyalty while allowing affiliates to build stronger connections with their audience.
For targeted promotions, Product-Specific Coupons highlight particular items, such as new arrivals or slow-moving stock, making them ideal for niche affiliate strategies. Seasonal/Occasion Coupons capitalize on special events or holidays, creating urgency and relevance, such as exclusive Black Friday deals. Lastly, Bundle or Package Deals encourage higher spending by offering discounts on grouped purchases, adding perceived value and making them appealing for upsell campaigns.
Combining these coupon types can help brands stand out, offering affiliates fresh ways to engage their audience and drive sales.
Benefits of using affiliate coupons
Affiliate coupons is used as a promotional promotional tools. Therefore, it benefits all sides in affiliate marketing, namely merchants, affiliates & customers:
- For Brands: Attract new customers and increase sales through affiliate efforts.
- For Affiliates: Earn commissions while offering value to their audience.
- For Customers: Save money while discovering new products or services.
Coupon codes can be used as an alternative to affiliate links
Coupon codes can be used as an alternative to affiliate links because they allow for easy tracking of sales without requiring customers to click a specific link. Each code is unique to an affiliate, ensuring commissions are accurately attributed.
- Easy Tracking: Coupon codes are unique to each affiliate, ensuring accurate tracking of sales and commissions.
- No Clicks Required: Customers don’t need to use a specific link, making it convenient for offline promotions or platforms where clickable links aren’t practical.
- Versatile Use: Affiliates can share codes through various channels like print, videos, or spoken mentions, broadening their reach.
This approach is especially effective for offline promotions or social media platforms where clickable links might be less practical. It could be used in YouTube video or TikTok videos, where links can pose limits for affiliate tracking.
Can you Stack Multiple Coupons for More Discount?
Most affiliate programs don’t allow discount stacking, meaning you can’t combine multiple discounts or coupons. Here’s how it typically works:
- One coupon code only: Most programs allow just one code to be entered at checkout. If you try to apply more than one, only the last one will work.
- Affiliate links with built-in discounts: If an affiliate link already includes a discount (e.g., 10% off), additional coupons for another discount won’t apply.
While discount stacking is possible, it’s usually turned off by default. To enable it, you’ll need to connect with your development team to adjust the system.
Most affiliate programs don’t allow discount stacking for a few key reasons. First, it helps prevent coupons abuse as some customers or even affiliate may use coupons in the way that were not intended. Second, it avoids confusion for customers, making sure they know which deal is best. Finally, limiting discounts simplifies tracking, ensuring that sales are correctly attributed to affiliates.
FAQs: Affiliate coupons
How do customers use affiliate coupon?
Customers simply enter the affiliate code during checkout. It applies any associated discounts and ensures the affiliate gets credit for the sale.
How are sales tracked with affiliate coupon?
Affiliate codes are integrated into your system, often alongside affiliate links. When a customer uses the code, it triggers tracking mechanisms that tie the purchase to the affiliate, recording data for commissions.
Are affiliate coupon better than affiliate links?
Affiliate codes and links serve different purposes. Codes work well in offline or social media promotions, while links are perfect for websites and blogs. Many programs combine both for flexibility.
Can affiliates choose their code?
Some programs allow affiliates to personalize their code for branding purposes, such as using their name or social media handle. Check your program’s settings for this feature.
Do affiliate coupon codes expire?
It depends on the program. Some codes have expiration dates, while others remain valid as long as the affiliate is active. Always confirm this with the program’s terms.
What happens if two codes are used?
Most programs only accept one code per transaction. If multiple codes are applied, the system usually prioritizes the most recent or invalidates the previous code.
Can affiliate codes be combined with other discounts
This depends on the store’s policy. Some programs stack affiliate codes with other promotions, while others don’t allow combining discounts.
Dan Muller
I have been working in marketing for four years, passionate about creative writing and copy writing. Love to be alone at watersides, sip coffee, play games or read anything that is thought provoking.