Not all discount codes are created equal: How to use the right one in Klaviyo
Discount codes can be a powerful tool in your e-commerce marketing strategy, but not all codes are created equal. If you’re still using generic discount codes like WELCOME10 across your emails, it might be time for a rethink.
There’s a big difference between dynamic and static discount codes, and knowing when to use each one can significantly impact your sales, customer experience, and even profit margins. Let’s break it down.
When to use Klaviyo's dynamic discount codes
Dynamic discount codes are automatically generated, unique, and single-use. Each customer receives a personalised code that can’t be shared or misused. If you want to protect your margins and prevent discount abuse, dynamic codes are the way to go.
Here’s when they work best:
✅ Preventing coupon abuse – No more leaked codes floating around the internet!
✅ Personalised incentives – Use them in automated flows like Welcome, Abandoned Cart, VIP, or Post-Purchase.
✅ Built-in expiration – Set them to expire after one use or a certain timeframe to create urgency.
Best for:
Welcome flows
Abandoned cart recovery
VIP or loyalty offers
Win-back campaigns
If you haven’t set up dynamic coupons in Klaviyo yet, now is the time. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started: How to Set Up Dynamic Discount Codes in Klaviyo
When to use static discount codes (Shopify)
Unlike dynamic codes, static discount codes are the same for everyone. They can be easily shared, which is great for specific promotions but risky if used long-term.
Here’s when static codes work best:
✅ Site-wide promotions – Perfect for limited-time sales or special events.
✅ Easy sharing – Great for email campaigns, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
✅ Urgency-driven sales – When paired with a short-term promo, they encourage quick action.
Best for:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Payday offers
Seasonal promotions
Extra discounts on already-marked-down items
Just remember: Static codes should not be evergreen. Leaving them active all the time can condition customers to always wait for a discount before purchasing.
Discounting the right way: Timing & strategy matters
Throwing out discount codes randomly won’t increase your sales—it’ll just reduce your profit margins. Instead, think about where discounts fit naturally into your customer journey.
If you’re not sure where to place them for maximum impact, let’s map it out together.
When you book a Klaviyo Build or Rebuild, we’ll:
🛼 Map out your customer journey – Identify key touchpoints for engagement and conversion.
🛼 Strategically place discounts & incentives – So you're not over-discounting and losing revenue.
🛼 Optimise your Klaviyo flows – Ensure every email works hard to bring in sales without unnecessary discounts.
A well-placed discount isn’t just about making quick sales—it’s about building long-term customer loyalty.
For more actional Klaviyo tips for growing creative small businesses, make sure you’re on my email list! 👇
