What is a Discount Link?
A discount link is a URL that contains an embedded promo code. When a customer clicks the link, the promo code is automatically applied at checkout or to any active carts they have open.
Unlike regular promo codes, discount links eliminate the need for customers to manually enter a code at checkout. This streamlines the checkout process by reducing steps for buyers, minimizing errors, and enhancing the overall shopping experience, which can ultimately help improve conversion rates.
How to Generate Discount Links
Go to Reporting > Sales Tracking
Choose an existing promo code offer, or create a new one by clicking Add Offer > Promo Code Offer.
For new offers, enter an offer name and description. Then, configure the payout settings, offer type, and promo code naming strategy.
To enable promo code links, toggle on the Generate shareable links for promo codes setting.
(Optional) Enter a Redirect URL
By default, the links will direct customers to your Shopify store’s home page. You can add a redirect URL to send customers to a specific collection, product page, or any Shopify landing page by entering a URL in the field labeled “Enter the redirect URL”.
Note: The redirect URL must match your Shopify store URL.
(Optional) Add UTM Parameters
Check the UTM Parameters Settings box and enter values for the desired UTM parameters.
Complete Offer Setup or Update an Existing Offer
For new offers, configure the purchase type and restrictions, usage limits, combination settings, and active dates, then click Create Offer. When adding members, you will see the potential codes based on the naming strategy selected. You may edit the code names if desired, then click "Generate Promo Codes" to create the codes and shareable links.
For existing offers, click Update Offer. Promo code links will be automatically generated for members with Active or Expired codes. Links will not be generated for Deactivated or Failed codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the system know if a code already exists in Shopify?
Upon clicking "Generate Promo Codes", we will verify with Shopify that the code is unique. If the code already exists in your Shopify store, you will receive an error message to notify you.
Will link clicks be tracked?
Yes, the number of link clicks will be displayed within the offer stats.
If we refresh a promo code, will the link be updated?
Yes. If a code is refreshed, the shareable link will update automatically. The short link remains unchanged, but it will auto-apply the updated code name at checkout.
Can we create deep links?
You can add a redirect URL at the offer level to direct customers to a specific collection, product page, or any Shopify landing page. This will apply to all members’ links within the offer.
While we do not currently support unique deep links per member, creators can generate custom deep links themselves within their Affiliate Performance Dashboard.
What happens if the customer makes a purchase but does not use the promo code at checkout?
If you have set up one of Aspire's link tracking methods (see here), the conversion will still be recorded because the customer initially clicked on the member's link.
If a promo code is deactivated, will the link remain active?
No, the link will be deactivated as well.
If a promo code has a status of “Upcoming” or “Expired”, will the link be active?
Yes, the link will remain active, but the promo code will not be applied at checkout.
If we update the redirect URL within the Offer Settings, will existing links be updated?
Yes, any existing links will be updated to redirect to the new URL you enter.
Can we disable the setting “Generate shareable links for promo codes” after enabling it for an offer?
No, once members have been added to an offer, this setting cannot be disabled. To create promo codes without shareable links, you’ll need to create a new offer.
We have multiple Shopify stores connected to Aspire. Can we use the promo code syncing feature and generate promo code links?
Yes, promo codes will be generated in the connected Shopify store(s) selected within the offer. However, a promo code link will only be created for the primary Shopify store. To ensure the promo code is auto-applied on all stores at checkout, your e-commerce team must ensure that the primary store link redirects to the appropriate store based on the customer’s location while preserving the URL parameters.
We have one Shopify store and multiple websites using different domains. Will the promo code be auto-applied at checkout on each site?
Since cookies aren't shared across domains, URL parameters are the only way to pass the discount information to other domains. To ensure the promo code is carried over during any redirect and auto-applied on each site, your e-commerce team must preserve the URL parameters during the redirect.
Does our e-commerce team need to configure anything for the promo codes to auto-apply at checkout?
The ability for a promo code link to automatically apply a discount depends on your Shopify store setup. Use the table below to identify whether your promo codes will auto-apply or if additional configurations are needed for your specific setup.
Shopify Setup | Example | Will the discount code auto-apply? |
One Store, One Domain |
| Yes. |
One Store, Multiple Domains |
| No, cookies are not shared across domains. Discount parameter in URL must persist through redirect. |
One Store, Multiple Subdomains |
| Yes. Cookies are shared; no additional setup required. |
One Store using Country-Specific Subdirectories (Shopify Markets) |
| Yes. Cookies are shared; no additional setup required. |
Multiple Stores, Multiple Domains |
| No, cookies are not shared across domains. Discount parameter in URL must persist through redirect. |