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22 Coupon Examples to Inspire You & Drive More Sales in 2025

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Around two-thirds of people admit they’d make a purchase if they had a coupon, even if they hadn’t planned to buy anything initially. Coupons and discount codes bring people joy, because let’s be face it: who doesn’t love to save money?

If you’re running an online store, coupons can be a game-changer for you, driving conversions and boosting sales. 

But how can you use them effectively? Let’s dive in and explore some of the best practices together!

Do coupon codes work?

The short answer is yes. Yes, they do.

But let’s break down why they’re such a powerful asset in your marketing strategy. 

Coupon codes can do a lot for your online business, including:

  • Attract new customers with appealing deals and incentives, expanding your customer base and boosting brand awareness.
  • Build customer loyalty by rewarding repeat purchases and encouraging ongoing engagement, resulting in lasting customer relationships and higher customer lifetime value.
  • Increase sales during slow periods by offering timely coupons and discounts, driving demand and revenue during times of low activity or market downturns.
  • Clear excess inventory by discounting surplus or seasonal items, enabling you to free up storage space and reduce inventory holding costs.

To make sure discount codes work well, it’s important to use them wisely.

22 types of coupon code ideas (with examples)

Luckily, the marketing world offers plenty of coupon code ideas, and each of them has its own unique appeal.

In this section, we’ll explore 22 discount codes and coupon examples to inspire your own.

1. Limited-time coupon code

Limited-time coupon codes are a smart coupon marketing strategy to motivate customers.

The sense of urgency they create taps into the human tendency to act quickly in the face of a deadline, compelling customers to make a purchase decision sooner rather than later. 

Emphasizing the discount’s time sensitivity can increase the fear of missing out (FOMO) and drive immediate action. This leads to increased conversions and sales.

Kiss My Keto's coupon example stands for a limited-time offer offering a 15% discount code

If you’re looking to create urgency, try these limited-time coupon popup templates to boost conversions:

2. Seasonal coupon

The second coupon code idea is to offer holiday and seasonal deals.

From Black Friday extravaganzas to Valentine’s Day specials, seasonal coupons capitalize on heightened consumer interest and spending during specific times of the year.

Leveraging promotions tied to these occasions allows you to tap into the festive spirit and capitalize on the emotional high of the holidays. 

Seasonal coupon offering a larger percentage discount can increase online sales.

3. First order coupon

We all like to be treated well in our first encounters with someone or something, so why not apply this method in your ecommerce store? 

Coupons are a popular way to encourage first-time visitors to make their first purchase. 

These incentives provide a compelling reason for potential customers to overcome any hesitation about shopping with a new brand and take the plunge.

By offering special coupon code offers for new customers, you can lower the barrier to entry, attract hesitant buyers, and kick-start their relationship with your brand on a positive note.

Rudie, the online business that offers eco-friendly diapers offers a 10% off welcome coupon.

Want to welcome first-time shoppers? Start with these first-order popup templates to make a strong first impression:

4. Exit-intent offer

Exit-intent offers are a popular way of reducing cart abandonment by enticing customers to stay.

When customers are on the verge of leaving a website without completing their purchase, exit-intent popups display a compelling offer or discount to reel them back in.

Exit-intent offers allow you to handle objections, provide extra incentives, or present personalized deals. This can help to save potential lost sales, reduce cart abandonment rates, and optimize your online store’s revenue.

Ryze offer has a 40% and free gift to offer on their welcome popup

5. VIP discount for loyal customers

The VIP treatment: it’s undeniable that we all love it, as being treated like a VIP makes us feel valued and appreciated as a customer.  

Recognizing and rewarding loyal customers’ online purchases is essential for building strong relationships and fostering brand advocacy.

VIP discounts offer exclusive perks, special promotions, or enhanced benefits to customers who’ve demonstrated loyalty through repeat purchases or long-term engagement with the brand.

VIP offers are great as a loyalty program, their sales promotion can increase customer spend

6. Newsletter signup discount

People are becoming more and more conscious about what they allow into their email inboxes. So offering newsletter signup discounts is a clever way to convert hesitant visitors into subscribers (and eventually into paying customers). 

Encouraging website visitors to sign up for your newsletter by offering a discount code incentivizes them to join your email list and maintain a connection with your brand. 

Newsletter subscribers are valuable leads that can be nurtured through targeted email marketing campaigns, special promotions, and exclusive content, ultimately driving conversions, repeat purchases, and long-term customer engagement.

Bubble offers a 10 off and you can get insider tips if you subscribe to their email list.

7. Free shipping discount

Who doesn’t love free shipping? 

The free shipping offer is one of the best incentives to get people to buy your products. Shipping fees are a common concern for online shoppers and can sometimes block them from purchasing online.

Eliminating the barrier of shipping costs provides an extra incentive for customers to complete a purchase.

Free shipping coupons can increase conversion rates and order values, and they also enhance the overall shopping experience.

Free shipping can increase conversion rates.

8. Volume discount

Volume discounts are tempting for customers because they allow them to get better pricing.

Customers are often willing to purchase larger quantities of a product if they can secure a better deal.

This method increases the average order value while boosting sales revenue and encourages customers to stock up on products they use regularly. 

This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Bundle sale can increase the average order value, so offer a minimum purchase discount.

9. Cart abandonment coupon code

Cart abandonment is a common challenge for online retailers, with many customers abandoning their shopping carts before completing the checkout process. 

Offering cart abandonment coupon codes can push the customer to return and finalize their purchase. 

Abandoned cart coupon code example

Get customers to complete their purchases with these cart abandonment coupon popup templates designed to bring them back:

10. Lucky wheel discount

Shopping is an activity that can often be stressful or burdensome for the customer, but the goal is to make it enjoyable and engaging instead. 

Adding lucky wheel discounts to the mix spices things up, motivating customers to make a purchase by giving them a chance to spin a virtual wheel and win discounts, prizes, or special offers. 

It’s a great way to enhance the overall experience and increase customer satisfaction. 

Motion Grey incorporated a touch of fun to their welcome popups.

Add some excitement to your store with these lucky wheel discount popup templates that give customers a fun way to save:

11. Monthly coupon code

Regularly updating and refreshing coupon codes keeps promotions relevant and timely, and it can maintain excitement over the long term. 

These codes offer customers discounts, freebies, or special deals on products or services for a limited time frame, usually corresponding to the duration of the month.

Monthly coupon codes can maintain excitement, make sure that you regualry update them.

12. Weekly coupon code

Weekly coupon codes work the same way as monthly coupon codes, but they have an added sense of urgency to them. This can encourage customers to make purchases within a specific timeframe, typically spanning seven days. 

This method makes customers feel like they need to act fast and gets them excited about the latest deals.

13. Mystery discount coupon

Mystery discounts add excitement to the shopping experience. 

Instead of offering fixed discounts (like 10% off) or predictable promotions, mystery discounts add an element of surprise and intrigue.

Customers love the uncertainty and excitement of not knowing exactly what discount code they’ll receive until they provide their email address.

In addition to boosting customer engagement and interest, this surprise factor crafts a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience that fosters repeat purchases and brand loyalty.

Vegetology's mystery discount can increase how much customers spend.

14. BOGO discount

Next on our list of discount code ideas is BOGO discounts. 

BOGO (buy one, get one free) discounts are a classic promotion that appeals to customers’ desire to get more value for their money.

Enhancing perceived value by offering a free item with the purchase of another item at full price encourages larger purchases and stimulates sales. 

However, it’s essential to ensure that the cost of the free item is factored into the pricing strategy to maintain profitability and avoid negative impacts on margins.

ColourPop's BOGO discount can encourage repeat purchases.

15. Customer loyalty-based coupon

Being loyal to a brand (and getting rewarded for it) is certainly something that customers value. 

Loyalty-based promo codes are a fantastic way to build customer loyalty by rewarding repeat customers.

By starting a loyalty program and offering personalized rewards to customers who have demonstrated their loyalty through repeat purchases or long-term engagement, you can strengthen customer relationships and increase retention rates.

16. Flash sale

Flash sales are short-term promotions that create a sense of urgency and excitement among customers.

You can offer promo codes for a very limited time to create buzz around your products and prompt customers to act quickly. 

Flash sales are particularly effective for clearing excess inventory, boosting cash flow, and generating momentum for new product launches or seasonal promotions.

Flash sales are short-term promotions that create a sense of urgency and excitement.

17. Product-specific coupon

Product-specific coupons are tailored promotions that offer discounts or special offers on specific products or product categories.

If you have new arrivals, seasonal favorites, or high-margin items, product-specific coupons are a great way to promote them. 

With this strategy, you can encourage customers to explore and discover new products while saving money.

Products or services often use product specific coupon codes.

18. Buy one, give one

How about combining enjoyment, practicality, and supporting a good cause all at the same time? 

A “buy one, give one” promo code offer can do just that. 

This coupon code idea not only drives sales and increases customer satisfaction but also creates a positive impact beyond the transaction, aligning the brand with charitable initiatives and earning goodwill from existing and potential customers.

BOGO sales promotions are good for ecologial reasons

19. Bundling

Bundle discounts are similar to volume discounts, but they focus on pre-bundled groups of products. If customers are offered discounts for purchasing multiple complementary items together, they’re more likely to buy more. 

Bundling simplifies the shopping experience through offering convenient product combinations, motivating customers to explore additional offerings they may have overlooked.

Bundle discounts are a strategic approach to increase sales and enhance customer value.

20. In-store coupon

An in-store promo code is a powerful tool to drive foot traffic and sales at brick-and-mortar locations. 

If you offer your customers special discounts, you’re more likely to take advantage of local customers and incentivize them to visit your physical store. 

In-store coupons provide opportunities for businesses to engage with customers face-to-face, offer personalized assistance, and create memorable shopping experiences. 

Through a localized approach, this strategy strengthens connections with the local community while simultaneously amplifying brand visibility and loyalty among local customers.

In-store coupons are a powerful tool to drive foot traffic and sales at brick-and-mortar locations.

21. Mobile app coupon

With mobile commerce constantly expanding, (last year global sales reached 2.2 trillion dollars) it’s something you definitely want to focus on.  

Mobile app coupons offer a unique opportunity to engage customers and increase loyalty through digital channels.

Offering special promotions or exclusive discounts for using your brand’s mobile app is a great strategy to encourage customers to interact with your brand on their smartphones and tablets. 

Mobile app coupons have the power to drive app downloads and user engagement. They can also provide you with valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. 

22. Referral coupon

We all love to recommend items, products, and services to our friends and family, and this is where referral coupons come into the picture. They can harness the power of word-of-mouth marketing to attract new customers and expand brand reach. 

Don’t be afraid to use your customer’s existing network—offer them special discounts or rewards if they refer your business to friends and family. This way, you can tap into existing social networks and acquire new customers. 

Referral coupons can drive customer acquisition and sales while at the same time fostering a sense of community and advocacy among loyal customers. 

Drunk Elephant customer referral promo code popup

How to create successful coupon campaigns

To succeed with coupon and discount code campaigns, you need to have a firm grasp on your goals and use tech tools wisely.

Here’s how to create a winning coupon campaign for your online store:

  1. Define your objectives: Clearly defining your objectives, such as reducing shopping cart abandonment or boosting referrals, is crucial for aligning your marketing efforts and measuring the campaign’s effectiveness. Establishing clear goals helps streamline your strategy and ensures that your efforts are focused on achieving tangible results.
  2. Have a deadline: Deadlines add urgency to your discount offers, making them more compelling. Setting a deadline for your coupon campaign increases the persuasive power of your promotions and motivates customers to act quickly to take advantage of the offer before it expires.
  3. Use randomized coupon codes: Instead of using predictable coupon codes like “10OFF,” consider using randomized codes such as “AX6S7.” Randomized codes are temporary, and it’s less likely customers will want to write them down for future use. This increases urgency and encourages immediate redemption.
  4. Automatic coupon redemption: OptiMonk has an auto-redeem function that automatically applies your visitors’ discount codes at checkout. This seamless redemption process ensures that customers don’t forget about their coupons and can enjoy the benefits of their discounts without hassle, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
  5. Keep reminding users: Throughout the entire purchase journey, it’s essential to keep customers informed about their discounts. Utilize tools like follow-up sticky bars to remind visitors that a discount is available at checkout. Consistent reminders increase the likelihood of coupon redemption and encourage customers to complete their purchases.
  6. Personalize offers: Personalization allows you to deliver relevant discounts and promotions based on customer preferences, behavior, and purchase history. By personalizing your offers, you can create a more compelling shopping experience that resonates with customers and encourages them to take action.

Wrapping up

We hope that you enjoyed these discount code ideas and that you’ve gained some good insights about coupons in general!

The magic mix when it comes to coupon codes is understanding your goals (and what motivates your customers) and using technology wisely.

By following the steps in this article, you can create offers that attract customers, boost sales, and help your online businesses thrive.

Apply these strategies to fit your business, and watch your coupon campaigns succeed!

If you’d like to tell website visitors about your coupon promotions, give OptiMonk popups a try! 

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Written by
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Barbara Bartucz

Barbara is a Content Marketer at OptiMonk. She takes pride in creating different forms of content, whether it’s an article, a video, or an e-book.
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