How to Use Influencer Discount Codes to Track Sales on Shopify

Influencer discount codes are where strategy meets results. They’re more than just gimmicky traps to lure consumers to your job. A lot more!

Done right, they’re powerful tools that drive sales, build loyalty AND measure true ROI.

Combining social media reach with trackable Influencer discount codes on Shopify lets you see exactly what’s working…and what’s not. No guesswork. Shopify Influencer Marketing is here to stay.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get it right:

• Why influencer discount codes are a crucial piece of your influencer strategy
• The critical tools to generate codes and measure impact
• Real-life examples of campaigns that nailed it
• Insights on discount code strategy and aggregator sites
  

Let’s dive in.

What Are Influencer Discount Codes? Understanding the Basics

Influencer discount codes are unique promo codes you give to creators. Their followers get a deal, and you get real numbers that show each influencer’s impact. Sounds like win-win right? (how you can find the perfect creators in the first place is described here for you)

Here’s the simplified process: marketers create these codes in their webshop like Shopify or a tool designed for easy tracking like Storyclash to streamline setup and analytics. (more on this below)

Types of Influencer Promo Codes and How They Work

There are a few different discount code options to consider when creating them. Each one serves a unique purpose:

• Percentage Discount: A set percentage off, like 10% on any purchase. Perfect for bigger carts and drawing in new customers.

• Fixed Amount Discount: A flat amount off, like €10 off a purchase. Works great for smaller buys, giving customers that extra push to check out.

• Free Shipping: Covers shipping costs. It’s a simple way to remove barriers, especially for online shoppers who love avoiding shipping fees.

• Exclusive Codes: Single-use codes just for the influencer’s followers. Creates a VIP feel and helps build loyal customers.

• Time-Limited Discounts: Codes with an expiration date. Drives urgency and kind of gently pushes customers to buy before the offer is gone.

Each type brings something different to the table, so pick the ones that best fit your campaign goals and audience! Shopify offers this extensive documentation if you want to dive deeper 

Examples of Successful Influencer Discount Code Campaigns on Shopify

Especially in places where links are not allowed (think Tiktok or IG Reel description), using discount codes is essential. Here is a video by @spencer.barbose where she shares the discount code directly as text over video.

@spencer.barbosa @Hollister Co. is absolutely killing it right now. Literally the only jeans I wear🥰 Use code HCoSpencer for an extra 20% off through April 30th. Valid for US and online purchases only. See details online for exclusions #hcopartner #girls #tryonhaul #jeans ♬ original sound - spencer barbosa🧚🏻

Or in this example, Simon Squibb is giving away money for brilliant business ideas as usual. But additionally he also has this sponsor to promote - with a promo code overlay. Simply and easy.

@simonsquibb Her reaction is priceless! AD Invideo is FREE to try but for $20/month you can use premium features like cloning your voice. Use code ‘SQUIBB’ to double your credits - Link in bio! #simonsquibb #entrepreneurship #angelinvestor #dreams #givewithouttake #business ♬ original sound - Simon Squibb

But also in Instagram Stories, where link placements are possible, we see lots of additional codes - even though brands could be adding the code to their link directly (yeah, that's possible and totally recommended)

Reason for this is very simple: most consumers are not impulse buyers in this very moment but rather saving it for later (I have something like 4.582 screenshots on my phone myself) - making sure to get the discount even without the link. Click here to see the video

Benefits of Using Influencer Coupon Codes: Boosting and Tracking Sales

The main advantage? In-depth analytics and insights. Here’s what you unlock:

• Precise ROI Tracking: Know exactly which influencers drive revenue and at what rate. See the impact of each campaign in hard numbers, not assumptions.
  
• Content Performance Insights: By connecting codes with content, you’ll learn which formats—videos, posts, stories—truly resonate and convert. With tools like Storyclash, you can map out the content pieces that yield the highest redemptions.
  
• Optimization Opportunities: With every code tracked, you’re set up to fine-tune future campaigns based on real performance data. No more wasted budget—just insights that power smarter decisions.
  
• Your CRM loves the data: Each code not only measures an influencer’s impact but also captures data on customer behavior in a central creator CRM: purchase frequency, order size, timing, product and category preferences. Perfect for future targeted remarketing campaigns and fine-tuning all your customer promotions, making each code a tool for both sales and insight.

And of course, these codes also drive:

• Increased Sales and Revenue: Discounts drive conversions, fueling bottom-line growth.
• Improved Brand Awareness and Loyalty: Influencers share branded codes, boosting visibility and building trust. Followers feel like insiders with exclusive deals, which strengthens loyalty and keeps them coming back.

Key Metrics for Measuring Influencer Discount Code Performance on Shopify

• Individual Creator Performance: Tracks revenue, redemptions, and ROI per influencer, helping you spot top performers

• Revenue Generated: Total sales linked to each code, directly tying each creators’s impact to your bottom line.

• Return on Investment (ROI): Revenue generated vs. campaign cost...essential for evaluating profitability.

• Average Order Value (AOV): How much did the avg. user spent with the discount code, showing if influencer-driven customers spend more.

How to Set Up and Manage Shopify Codes in Storyclash

Setting up the discount codes within Storyclash is fast and easy and gives you all the perks you know from your native Shopify environment. Once it’s clear which creators are part of your campaign (within your campaign planning workflow), you can start generating codes for them:

Easy peasy code generation - even in bulk.

Pick the right discount types and dates, then decide on naming structure. After you’ve saved your progress, you can share them with your partners directly via email from the Storyclash platform (or you copy+paste the codes and do whatever you need to do)

Analyzing Creator Campaign ROI: Tracking Shopify Sales from Influencers

Keeping an overview of all your data and assessing performance is simple: costs, links and codes in one simple view.

Revenue performance per creator:

Campaign overview with multiple metrics to measure the effectiveness of your programs:

A final look on conversions in relation with link clicks and their demographic data insights:

Best Practices for Creating an Effective Influencer Discount Code Strategy

Remember: Keep it simple, authentic, and profitable for everyone involved!

Some Ideas to Make Influencer Coupon Codes Work Harder

The team at Shopify came up with 21 Discount Code Ideas To Boost Sales - so, here's a shortlist of actions how you can shake things up and stand out:

• Turn Your Customers into Content Creators: Get your influencers to show their followers exactly how they're using your products while promoting their code. It's like having a friend recommend their favorite finds – way more convincing than traditional ads, right? Plus, their audience gets to see your products in action.
  
• Make It a Game: Why not turn shopping into something fun? Team up with influencers to run giveaways where their discount code is the ticket to enter. It gets people excited and creates some buzz around your brand. The best part? More people checking out your store!
  
• Ride the Seasonal: Wave Timing is everything. Match your influencer codes with what's already on people's minds – think holiday shopping, summer essentials, or back-to-school must-haves. When the timing's right, people are much more likely to hit that 'buy' button.
  
• Give Influencers a Bigger Stake: Here's a win-win: turn those discount codes into affiliate links. When influencers earn a cut of each sale, they're naturally going to put more effort into showing off your products. Plus, you can track exactly how well each partnership is performing.
  
• Test and Learn: Not all discount codes are created equal. Try out different approaches – maybe a percentage off works better than a flat discount for some influencers. The only way to know is to test it out and let the numbers guide you.

Remember, the goal here isn't just to move products – it's about building genuine connections that keep customers coming back for more.

Challenge Promo Code Poaching: Don't Let Discount Sites Steal Your Thunder!

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - code poaching. Those pesky discount aggregator sites love collecting and sharing your carefully crafted influencer codes with everyone and their dog. Here's why that's a problem... and how to fight back!

Why Code Poaching Hurts Your Brand

• Your analytics are basically useless (who's really driving those sales?)
• You might overpay influencers for sales they didn't generate
• Your "exclusive" offers suddenly feel... not so exclusive
• Your promo budget? Yeah, it might explode unexpectedly

Smart Ways to Fight Back

• Create urgency with 24-48 hour flash codes
• Use single-use codes for VIP campaigns
• Add a post purchase survey 
• Monitor those codes like a hawk - spot weird patterns early
• Don't hesitate to kill compromised codes quickly

Remember: You're running a strategic influencer campaign, not a discount free-for-all. Stay one step ahead of the code hunters, and your campaigns will thank you with cleaner data and better ROI. Now go forth and protect those codes!

Ready to create discount codes and optimize your campaigns like a pro? Reach out and let our team give you all the secrets to running profitable Influencer Marketing.