This guide will cover how to upload and manage unique coupons, as well as how to use static coupons while creating campaigns in NotifyVisitors. However, if you have a Shopify store, you have the option to connect your store with NotifyVisitors and use the inbuilt process provided by our platform, as outlined in our guide "How to create unique coupon codes for Shopify." With this inbuilt process, coupons are automatically generated based on your defined parameters, and you simply specify how many coupons you want.

For those using different e-commerce platforms or running their own websites, this manual upload process allows you to create your own coupons and seamlessly deliver them to your audience. 

When it comes to coupon codes, you have two main options: unique (or dynamic) coupon codes and static coupon codes. Let's understand the difference:

Unique (dynamic) coupon codes:

Unique coupon codes are a random series of numbers or letters that each recipient can use only once. In this approach, every customer receives their own individual coupon code, and no two customers will have the same code. 

Static coupon codes:

Static coupon codes, on the other hand, consist of a single code that is the same for every recipient. For example, a static code could be "Welcome50." In this case, every person who receives the promotion will use the same code to avail the discount. Static codes can be shared among recipients, but they are easier to remember and use.

Upload unique coupons in NotifyVisitors

Follow these steps to upload unique coupons:

1. Begin by accessing the Brand Assets section, then click on "Coupons." Within the Coupons section, click on the "Create Coupon" option.

2. A popup window will appear asking you to choose “Create Shopify Coupons” or "Upload Coupons". Select "Upload Coupons" and then click "Continue."

3. After clicking "Continue," you'll see a window titled "Create Uploaded Coupons." Here, you'll need to provide the necessary details for generating a coupon.

Coupon name: Start by filling in the coupon list name. This name is crucial for distinguishing the coupon list within NotifyVisitors. Make sure to use this precise name when incorporating the coupon into a message.

Select the expiration date: You have two choices for coupon expiration:

a. Never expire: If you want your discount codes to remain valid indefinitely, select this option.

b. On specific date: Alternatively, if you want your discounts to have a defined end date, after which the generated codes will expire, you can choose a specific expiration date.

4. Once you've created your coupon list and provided the necessary details, the next step is to manually create and upload a spreadsheet containing the unique coupon codes.

Creating CSV spreadsheet

Creating a CSV Spreadsheet for Coupon Codes is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open a spreadsheet software: Start by opening a spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any other compatible tool.

2. Add unique codes: In one of the columns, add multiple unique coupon codes. These codes can be alphanumeric, numeric, or a combination of characters, depending on your preference. Each code should be distinct and not repeated within the column. You can use any online code generator software to generate unique codes.

3. Save as CSV: Once you have populated the column with your coupon codes, save the spreadsheet as a CSV file. Most spreadsheet software provides the option to save your file in the CSV format. 

4. Header column: In your spreadsheet, make sure you have a header at the top of the column where you've added the coupon codes. This header should be labeled as "Coupon" or "Coupon Code." This header is used to identify the content of the column, making it clear that it contains coupon codes.

Here's an example of what a list of coupon codes would look like in a spreadsheet:

By following these steps and guidelines, you can create a CSV spreadsheet containing unique coupon codes, which can then be uploaded to NotifyVisitors to send campaigns with unique coupon codes.

Uploading the sheet

Uploading your sheet of coupon codes is a simple process. Follow these steps:

1. Start by navigating to the "Brand Assets" section and select "Coupons."

2. Locate the coupon list that you've created, then click on the three-dotted button positioned next to the list. From the options that appear, choose "Add Codes."

3. A new window titled "Upload Coupons" will appear. In this window, you'll have the option to upload your CSV file, and you'll also see a history of previously uploaded lists.

4. Click on the "Select File" button and choose your CSV file from your computer.

5. Once the upload is complete, you'll be able to view the coupon codes within this window.

6. Finally, click on the "Upload Coupons" button. This action will add the coupon codes from your CSV file to your selected coupon list.

With these steps, you can efficiently upload a batch of coupon codes, making them ready for use in your coupon campaigns.

Tips on uploading unique coupon codes

You have the option to generate your own unique coupon codes outside of NotifyVisitors and then upload them to your NotifyVisitors account to share in your broadcast or journey messages. This can be especially helpful if you're using point-of-sale software that has the capability to create coupon codes. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when using this method:

1. Expiration date in NotifyVisitors: While you can set an expiration date when adding coupon codes, please note that this date pertains to how long the coupon codes are available within your NotifyVisitors account. Keep in mind that these dates are in the UTC time zone.

2. Validity and expiration: It's your responsibility to ensure that the uploaded coupon codes are valid and have appropriate expiration dates that work with your point-of-sale system.

3. Lack of metadata: NotifyVisitors doesn't retain any metadata about your uploaded coupons. This means we won't have information about the value of the code, its expiration period, or any usage restrictions.

4. Storage duration: Uploaded coupon codes will be stored in NotifyVisitors for one year. After this year, any unsent codes will automatically expire, and you'll need to upload new ones.

It's essential to always have a sufficient number of coupon codes available for your recipients. If you send a broadcast campaign or journey message without enough codes, the messages will display with blank coupons.

Use uploaded coupons in email and sms

After successfully importing your coupons into NotifyVisitors, you're ready to incorporate them into your email and sms campaigns or journeys. It's a straightforward process – you simply insert a dynamic variable within your message, and our system will seamlessly replace this variable with a unique code for each recipient.

For a comprehensive guide on how to include these unique coupons in your campaigns, please refer to our detailed resource titled "Sending coupons via email and sms." This guide will provide you with in-depth insights into the process, ensuring that you can make the most of this powerful feature in your marketing efforts.

Add a single static coupon code for everyone

If you're running a small store or offering specific discounts, you might prefer the simplicity of sharing a single static coupon code with all your customers. This approach involves adding the code directly into the SMS or email content you're using. To prevent the code from circulating too widely on the internet, you can consider changing it periodically, say every few months, or setting a relatively short expiration window.

Here's a step-by-step process to follow:

1. Create a coupon code: Start by generating a coupon code in your e-commerce platform. This code represents the discount you wish to offer to your customers.

2. Incorporate the code in NotifyVisitors: To use this code in NotifyVisitors, access your SMS or email content, and insert it into the message. You can typically do this by dragging and dropping a text block into your message template. Make sure the block is prominent within your message so that recipients will easily notice and use the code.

This straightforward approach allows you to provide a consistent discount to all your customers without the complexity of managing individualized codes. However, do consider changing the code periodically or setting a short expiration window to maintain control over its use and effectiveness.