A welcome discount (“10% off your first order”) lowers the risk of buying from a store a visitor does not know yet. It is also the most common reason people give their email address. But it must be designed carefully to stay profitable.
How much to offer
Most small stores use 10% or 15%, or free shipping on the first order. Calculate your margin first: the discount should not wipe out the profit of an average first order. Free shipping is often perceived as generous while costing less.
Conditions that protect you
- One use per customer (by email).
- Optional minimum order amount.
- Exclude products with very low margins or already discounted items if needed.
- An expiry date (for example 30 days) to encourage action.
Where to show it
- In an email popup or slide-in, in exchange for the email address.
- In an announcement bar for first-time visitors.
- In the welcome email of your newsletter.
Setting up the coupon in WooCommerce
- Marketing › Coupons › Add coupon.
- Code: WELCOME10, discount type: percentage, amount: 10.
- Usage restriction: minimum spend if wanted.
- Usage limits: one per user.
Reveal the code at the right time
Show the code only after the visitor subscribes, not in the page source, so it is less likely to end up on coupon sites. A “click to copy” button makes it easy to use at checkout.
Measure
Track how many subscribers use the code, the average order value of these orders and how many buy again later. A welcome discount that creates repeat customers is worth more than its cost.
Tool
Popsy collects emails with consent and reveals your welcome code after subscription. See the demo and popup best practices.
Frequently asked questions
Do welcome discounts attract only bargain hunters?
Some, but many first-time buyers simply need a small push to trust a new store.
Should the code expire?
A limited validity, such as 30 days, encourages a first purchase.
Can I offer free shipping instead?
Yes, it is a popular alternative and often protects margins better.