Promotional codes are one of the simplest — yet most powerful — marketing tools for online stores.
Promotional codes are one of the easiest ways to run a sale without changing your store’s pricing. Whether you want to increase conversions, launch a new product, or reward repeat customers, promo codes give shoppers a clear reason to buy now.
Let’s break down what promotional codes are and how to create one in Little Big Shop.
What is a promotional code?
A promotional code is a unique code made up of letters, numbers, or both. Customers enter the code at checkout, and the discount is applied automatically if the code is valid. Promo codes can be used to offer a percentage discount, a fixed dollar amount off an order, or even free shipping, depending on the type of promotion you want to run.
For store owners, promo codes are useful because they make promotions easy to control. Instead of manually changing product prices across your store, you can set up one code and decide exactly when it runs, who can use it, and what it applies to.
Common examples include:
- WELCOME10 for 10% off
- SAVE20 for $20 off
- FREESHIP for free shipping
Promo codes are popular because they’re easy for customers to understand – and easy for store owners to set up and track.
Why promo codes work so well
Promo codes work because they create a strong “extra value” moment at checkout. For customers, it feels like they’re getting a better deal, which can reduce hesitation and encourage them to complete their purchase. For businesses, promotional codes can increase conversion rates, help you attract first-time buyers, and encourage repeat orders from loyal customers.
They’re also great for marketing because they’re easy to share. A promo code can be included in an email campaign, posted on social media, added to your website banner, or even used in collaborations with influencers and partners. Since each code can be tracked, you can quickly see which promotions are driving sales and which ones need improvement.
How do I create promotional codes in Little Big Shop?
Creating a promotional code in Little Big Shop is quick and straightforward. From your dashboard, go to Marketing and then select Promotions. From there, click New Promo to start building your offer.
You’ll be prompted to enter your promo code and add a description so you can easily identify the promotion later. Next, you’ll choose the discount type — such as a percentage discount or a fixed amount off — and decide what the code applies to, whether that’s your whole store, a specific category, or selected products. Finally, you can set usage limits and choose the start and end dates for the promotion. Once you save it, the promo code is ready to share with customers and can be applied instantly at checkout.
How can I use promotional codes effectively?
The best promo codes are the ones customers can understand instantly. A short, clear code is easier to remember and less likely to be typed incorrectly at checkout. It also helps to run promotions with a defined end date, because urgency can be a strong motivator for shoppers who are still deciding whether to buy.
It’s also worth thinking about how and where you promote the code. If you’re running a campaign, make sure customers can actually see the promo code — whether that’s on your homepage, in a banner, on social media, or in your email marketing. Many store owners get better results when they match the promo code to a specific goal, such as welcoming new customers, increasing repeat purchases, or boosting sales during a seasonal event.
Special events
With the introduction of events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, consumers are more strategic with their purchasing habits. Here, they often hold out on buying something to see if they can save during these events.
Make the most of this by offering a promotional code that reflects the special event. Using the example discussed earlier, the BLKFRI30 gives customers a 30% discount on full-priced items during the Black Friday sales.
When creating your social media content calendar for the year, you may want to look at the special events over the year and pick which ones you’ll offer a promotion code for.
Exclusive Promo Codes
Exclusive promo codes are great for specific groups of people. For example, you may want to offer a discount to friends and family, or a Facebook group you’re an active member of.
Here, you would offer a unique promo code, which would also allow you to track where your sales are from.
Promote it on your marketing channels
Your marketing channels may include your social media accounts and an email list. Use these to tell your followers and subscribers about your special promotion.
Using social media as an example, create an eye-catching post that allows your followers to instantly understand you are running a promotion. Depending on the channel, this may be a single image, carousel, or even a reel. Include as much information as possible, like the start and end date of the promotion and, of course, the promotional code!
Promotional codes are one of the easiest ways to increase sales and drive customer action without needing complex marketing tools. With Little Big Shop, you can create promo codes in just a few steps, control exactly what they apply to, and run promotions that fit your business goals. Whether you’re launching a new product, clearing stock, or rewarding loyal customers, a well-timed promo code can make a real difference to your store’s performance.
If you haven’t tried running a promo code yet, now is a great time to create one and test what works best for your audience.
