Boost Customer Retention: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Automated Coupons in WordPress

Initially, automating customer communications in WordPress while manually sending targeted coupons consumed a significant amount of our time.

After exploring various options, we found that FunnelKit Automations and Uncanny Automator revolutionized our approach to automating coupon campaigns.

These tools enable you to design advanced coupon campaigns that operate automatically, eliminating the need for technical skills.

In this guide, we will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to set up automated coupon campaigns using these powerful tools.

Why Use Automated Coupons to Re-engage Customers?

Automatically sending coupons is an effective strategy to re-engage previous customers. This approach not only boosts your sales but also saves you valuable time.

Retaining existing customers is significantly more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Here are the key benefits of implementing an automated coupon system:

• Re-Engage Inactive Customers: The plugins can identify customers who haven’t made a purchase in a while, such as those who haven’t bought anything in the last two months. A surprise discount can remind them of your store and motivate them to return.
• Save Time and Effort: You won’t need to manually track inactive customers and email them individually. An automation tool handles everything for you, operating continuously so you can concentrate on other aspects of your business.
• Enhance Coupon Effectiveness: While a generic code like ‘COMEBACK20’ is acceptable, personalized codes are far more impactful. A unique code created for an individual feels more special, cannot be shared on discount websites, and limits the number of users who can redeem the discount.

Now, let’s explore how to send automated coupons in WordPress to re-engage your customers. Use the quick links below to navigate to your preferred method.

• Method 1: Using FunnelKit (Ideal for WooCommerce Users)
• Method 2: Using Uncanny Automator (Offers Over 150 Integrations)
  • Scenario 1: Automatically Send Coupons to Customers Who Are Logged Out
  • Scenario 2: Automatically Send Coupons for Specific Products

Method 1: Using FunnelKit (Ideal for WooCommerce Users)

One effective way to send automated coupons in WordPress is by utilizing FunnelKit Automations.

FunnelKit is a powerful sales funnel builder and marketing automation plugin for WordPress. It features a user-friendly, drag-and-drop workflow builder that allows you to create ‘Customer Win Back’ campaigns.

This functionality simplifies the process of establishing rules that automatically generate and distribute unique, personalized coupons to your customers.

Based on our evaluation, FunnelKit is a fantastic option for those using WooCommerce to sell products and services online, as it offers seamless integration with the platform. To discover more about its features, check out our FunnelKit Automations review.

Step 1: Install and Activate the FunnelKit Plugin

Begin by installing and activating the free version of FunnelKit Automations, which serves as the foundation for the premium plugin’s features. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on installing a WordPress plugin.

Next, install and activate the FunnelKit Automations Pro plugin.

Once both plugins are activated, navigate to FunnelKit Automation » Settings. Here, you can enter your license key in the ‘License’ field.

You can find this information in your account on the FunnelKit website. After entering the key, click the ‘Activate’ button.

Step 2: Set Up a New ‘Customer Win Back’ Automation

Next, we will create a workflow that generates a personalized coupon and sends it to the customer via email. This workflow will activate 30 days after the customer’s last order.

To create the workflow, go to FunnelKit Automations » Automations (Next Gen) in your WordPress dashboard. Then, click the ‘Add New Automation’ button.

You will now see various automation templates available for use.

Since we want to build our own workflow, choose ‘Start from Scratch.’

In the popup that appears, enter a name for your automation. This is for your reference, so feel free to choose any name you like.

Next, click on the ‘Create’ button.

Now, let’s select the action that will initiate the workflow by clicking on ‘Select Trigger.’

From the left-hand menu, select ‘WooCommerce’ and then choose ‘Customer Win Back.’

Click ‘Done’ to add the trigger to your automation workflow.

Step 3: Set Up the Automation Trigger and Schedule

In the main editor, click on the ‘Customer Win Back’ trigger.

In the ‘Customer Last Ordered Period’ section, specify how long FunnelKit will wait before executing the workflow.

For instance, in the image below, the workflow will activate after 30 days have elapsed since the customer’s last order.

FunnelKit will repeat this automation every 24 hours, so it’s crucial to limit its duration. Therefore, we have set the workflow to cease after 35 days from the customer’s last order.

This way, you can avoid overwhelming customers with excessive emails.

Next, set the schedule for when the automation will run using the ‘Schedule this…’ fields. FunnelKit will follow your store’s timezone, so consider adjusting your online store settings if you prefer a different timezone.

Once you are done, click on ‘Save’ to finalize your changes.

Step 4: Add and Customize Your Automated Coupon

In the main workflow editor, click on ‘+’ and then choose ‘Action.’

In the popup that appears, select ‘WooCommerce’ and then click on ‘Create Coupon.’

Simply click on ‘Done’ to include this action in the workflow.

Back in the main FunnelKit editor, click on the action you just added. This will open a popup where you can customize the ‘Create Coupon’ action.

Start by entering a name for your coupon in the ‘Coupon Title’ field. This is for your reference, so feel free to use any name you like.

Next, use the ‘Discount Type’ dropdown menu to select the kind of coupon you wish to create.

FunnelKit allows for percentage discounts, fixed cart discounts, and fixed product discounts.

Typically, you’ll want to choose ‘Percentage Discount’ to ensure all customers receive a similar benefit, regardless of their spending or the products they purchase.

Next, enter a discount amount in the ‘Amount’ field. For instance, you could offer customers a 20% discount or a $5 reduction on their total purchase.

FunnelKit generates a unique coupon code for each customer automatically. You can also add a prefix to the coupon code, which can be either static text or dynamic tags. FunnelKit will replace these tags with actual text whenever it generates a code, making it an excellent way to create personalized coupons.

To encourage repeat purchases, consider including the customer’s name in the coupon. This personal touch can grab their attention and make the code more memorable.

To set a static text prefix, simply enter it in the ‘Coupon Code Prefix’ field.

To include one or more tags, click on the ‘Merge tags’ icon.

This icon features curly braces.

Now, you will see all the available tags that can be used in the automated coupon.

We will utilize the {{contact_first_name}} tag, but feel free to use any tags you prefer.

Just copy each tag and paste it into the ‘Coupon Code Prefix’ field.

As illustrated in the following image, you can combine both static text and tags.

By default, the coupon does not have an expiration date. To encourage customers to use the coupon, consider selecting the option for ‘Expire after Specific Days’ or ‘Expire on Specific Date’ to create a sense of urgency.

You can use the provided controls to set the expiration date for the coupon.

Additionally, you can decide if the coupon will include a free shipping discount for customers.

Since shoppers appreciate free shipping, consider enabling this option by selecting ‘Yes’ under ‘Allow Free Shipping’ for your coupon.

Step 5: Create the Automated Email to Deliver the Coupon

Once you are satisfied with the coupon setup, you need to obtain its dynamic tag.

Under the ‘Coupon Title,’ you will find a small code snippet like{{wc_dynamic_coupon id=8}}.

This code is not the actual coupon; it serves as a placeholder that FunnelKit will replace with a unique code for each customer. Make sure to copy this tag for use in the email in the next step.

After copying the tag, click ‘Save’ to apply your changes.

Now that the coupon is ready, it’s time to create the email that FunnelKit will send to your customers. To add an email action, click the ‘+’ button and select ‘Action.’

If it’s not already selected, click on ‘Messaging’ in the left menu.

Next, choose ‘Send Email’ and click on ‘Done.’

You can now compose your email by entering a subject line, previewing it, and adding the body text.

Just like creating a coupon, it’s advisable to use a combination of plain text and dynamic tags. To insert dynamic tags, click on the ‘Merge Tags’ icons next to the To, Subject, and Preview Text fields.

If you want to include tags in the email body, click on the ‘Merge Tags’ button.

To insert your coupon code, simply paste or type it in.{{wc_dynamic_coupon id=8}}the code you copied in the previous step.

Once you’re satisfied with the email design, click on ‘Save & Close.’

Step 6: Launch Your Win Back Campaign

That’s it! When you’re ready to activate the automation, toggle the ‘Inactive’ slider to ‘Active.’

Now, FunnelKit will automatically send the coupon to any customer who hasn’t made a purchase in the last 30 days.

Method 2: Using Uncanny Automator (Over 150 Integrations)

One effective method for sending automated coupons in WordPress is by utilizing Uncanny Automator. This plugin is among the top choices for WordPress automation, enabling you to create efficient workflows that save time and enhance your customer response.

Our testing revealed that Uncanny Automator integrates smoothly with WooCommerce, along with essential WordPress plugins and various third-party tools.

If you are currently using multiple software solutions for your online store, Uncanny Automator could be an excellent option for you. To find out more, check out our review of Uncanny Automator.

Uncanny Automator offers numerous strategies to bring customers back to your website. Let’s explore a few of these options.

Scenario 1: Automatically Send Coupons to Customers Who Have Logged Out

Encouraging customers to create accounts on your online store is a smart strategy, as it fosters brand loyalty and simplifies future purchases for shoppers.

By enabling user registration, you can monitor when a shopper logs out of their account, indicating a potential loss of interest in your store. You can then send them a coupon to motivate them to log back in.

If you’re using a different eCommerce platform that doesn’t support customer registration, check out our guide on enabling user registration on your WordPress site.

Next, you can easily create a new role specifically for your customers. For comprehensive guidance, refer to our beginner’s guide on WordPress user roles and permissions.

Step 1: Install and Activate Uncanny Automator Pro (Required for Both Scenarios)

To begin, you need to install Uncanny Automator Pro along with the free plugin, as it serves as the foundation for the premium version. If you require assistance, please refer to our guide on installing a WordPress plugin.

Once activated, navigate toAutomator » Settingsand input your license key in the ‘Uncanny Automator Pro license key’ field.

You can find this information in your account on the Uncanny Automator website.

Step 2: Create a New Recipe for Logged-in Users

To create this recipe, simply go toAutomator » Add Newin the WordPress dashboard.

Uncanny Automator will prompt you to choose whether to create a recipe for logged-in users or for all users. Select ‘Logged-in users’ and then click the ‘Confirm’ button.

Next, you can name the recipe by entering a title in the ‘Title’ field. This is for your reference, so feel free to use any name you prefer.

Step 3: Set Up the ‘User Logs Out’ Trigger

After that, click on ‘WordPress’ in the ‘Select an integration’ section.

Now, you can choose a trigger, which is the event that initiates the recipe.

In the dropdown menu, start typing ‘A user logs out of a site’ and select the correct option when it appears.

We want the workflow to run only when a user with the ‘Customer’ role logs out of their account.

With that in mind, click on the ‘Add filter’ button.

In the popup that appears, click on ‘WordPress.’

Next, locate ‘The user has a specific role’ in the dropdown menu.

Open the ‘Role’ dropdown and select the role assigned to your customers.

Finally, click on ‘Save filter.’

Step 4: Set Up the Coupon Email Action

Now, it’s time to define the action that Uncanny Automator will execute each time this workflow is triggered.

We will send the customer an email with a coupon, so please click on ‘Add action.’

To send an email, choose ‘Emails’ as the integration option.

From the dropdown menu, select ‘Send an email.’

This will display all the fields you can use to compose the email.

First, ensure the message is directed to the correct user by clicking the asterisk next to the ‘To’ field. Then, select ‘Common’ followed by ‘User email.’

Now you can compose the email by adding a subject line and body text.

You can incorporate a combination of plain text and merge tags, which are placeholders that Uncanny Automator automatically replaces with actual values. For instance, to include the customer’s name, click on the asterisk and choose ‘Common.’

Select the ‘User first name’ merge tag to create a personalized greeting.

You will also need to create a coupon and include it in the email.

The simplest method is to use the Advanced Coupons plugin, which is the leading coupon code plugin for WordPress. It allows you to create a variety of advanced coupons to boost sales and grow your business.

For detailed instructions, please refer to our guide on how to create smart coupons.

Once you create a coupon, you can easily include it in the email.

When you’re satisfied with the email design, click ‘Save.’

Step 5: Set a Delay and Activate the Automation

Next, you need to establish a delay. This determines how long Uncanny Automator will wait after the customer logs out before sending the coupon.

To set a delay, hover over the ‘Email’ action. When the option appears, click on ‘Delay.’

You can then enter your desired delay in the popup that appears.

After that, click ‘Set delay’ to confirm your selection.

Once you’re pleased with the recipe configuration, it’s time to activate it.

In the ‘Recipe’ box, toggle the ‘Draft’ switch to ‘Live.’

That’s it! Now, when a customer logs out of their account, Uncanny Automator will wait for the specified duration before sending them a coupon code.

Scenario 2: Automatically Send Coupons for a Specific Product

Sometimes, a shopper may view a product multiple times, indicating their interest but inability to purchase.

In this situation, sending them a coupon could encourage them to buy the product.

Step 1: Create a New Recipe for Logged-In Users and Set the ‘User Views Product’ Trigger

To begin, create a new recipe for logged-in users by following the same steps outlined earlier. Then, click on ‘WooCommerce’ in the ‘Select an integration’ section.

Next, select a trigger by entering ‘A user views a product.’

When the appropriate trigger appears, click on it.

By default, this trigger is configured for ‘Any product.’

If you want to associate the recipe with a specific product, open the ‘Product’ dropdown menu and select the desired product from the list.

After that, click on the ‘Number of times’ button.

By default, the recipe will activate each time a customer views a product. To modify this, enter a different number in the ‘Number of times’ field, requiring the customer to view the product multiple times before the recipe is triggered.

Once you’ve completed that, click ‘Save’ to apply your settings.

This recipe should only activate when a customer views a product, so click on ‘Add Filter.’ In the popup that appears, select ‘WordPress’ and then choose ‘The user has a specific role.’

Now, open the ‘Role’ dropdown and select the customer role you are using.

Once you are ready, click on ‘Save filter.’

Step 2: Set Up the WooCommerce Coupon Generation Action

Next, it’s time to add the action. There are several methods to send automated coupons from your WordPress site.

To send a coupon code to your customers using Uncanny Automator and Advanced Coupons, simply follow the same steps outlined above.

Alternatively, you can generate the coupon code using WooCommerce. To do this, click on ‘Add Action’ and select ‘WooCommerce’ as your integration.

In the search bar, begin typing ‘Generate and email a coupon code to the user.’

When the correct option appears, click on it.

This will open new settings where you can create your coupon code.

To automatically generate a code, leave the ‘Coupon code’ field empty.

In the ‘Discount type’ field, select the type of coupon you wish to create, such as a fixed cart discount or a percentage discount.

For this guide, we will choose ‘Percentage discount.’

Then, enter the percentage discount in the ‘Coupon amount’ field.

In the following image, we are offering customers a 30% discount on their purchase.

In this section, you can specify an expiration date for the coupon using either the YYYY-MM-DD format or by entering the number of days until the coupon expires.

For instance, in the image below, the coupon will be valid for 7 days before it expires.

You can also define minimum and maximum spending limits for the coupon. We will leave these fields empty so that customers can apply the code to any purchase.

Consider selecting the ‘For individual use only’ option to prevent customers from using this code in conjunction with other coupons.

Next, navigate to the ‘Usage limit per coupon’ section. Since the coupon should only be used once per shopper, enter ‘1’ in this field.

There are many additional settings available for the coupon. It’s wise to review these options to determine if you want to implement any further adjustments.

Once you are satisfied with the coupon setup, scroll down to the ‘Email’ section. Start by locating the ‘To’ field, click on the asterisk next to it, then select ‘Common’ and choose ‘User email.’

After that, you can create a subject line and customize the content in the email body.

To enhance the personalization of the email, it’s beneficial to incorporate a blend of plain text and merge tags, following the same procedure outlined earlier.

Once you’re satisfied with the email, click the ‘Save’ button to save your recipe.

Step 3: Activate Your Recipe

Next, make your recipe live by toggling the ‘Draft’ switch to ‘Live.’

Now, each time a customer views a product multiple times, it will activate the recipe workflow.

We hope this article has helped you understand how to send automated coupons in WordPress to re-engage customers. You might also want to explore our guide on creating a WooCommerce popup to boost sales and discover the best WooCommerce plugins for your online store.

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