First Purchase Discounts in WooCommerce

How to Offer First Purchase Discounts in WooCommerce?

How can you encourage hesitant shoppers to complete their first order? The answer is simple-by offering WooCommerce first purchase discounts. This guide will explore how to attract first-time shoppers and encourage them to complete their first purchase.

New visitors to your store often hesitate to make their first purchase. Even for well-known brands, first-time shoppers may feel uncertain, repeatedly weighing their decision: “Should I or should I not?” As a store owner, you have the power to remove this barrier, and first purchase discounts can work like magic!

First purchase discounts are promotional offers provided to customers when they place their first order. This eCommerce strategy helps reduce user resistance and encourage action. Moreover, first purchase discounts pave the way for repeat purchases by turning first-time shoppers into potential loyal customers.

Key Takeaways

  • WooCommerce first purchase or first order discounts are promotional offers to incentivize new shoppers to make their initial purchase.
  • First order discounts help convert hesitant shoppers, build loyalty, and boost AOV.
  • Adding an expiration date to WooCommerce first purchase discounts can help result in quicker purchases.
  • Automate first purchase discounts easily with Smart Coupons.

All set to get started on offering first purchase discounts with expiry in WooCommerce?

Why First Purchase Discounts in WooCommerce Matter?

Have you considered what’s stopping first-time shoppers from clicking “Buy Now” in your store? Perhaps you have, or maybe you haven’t. But as you read this guide, one answer comes to light: offering WooCommerce first purchase discounts.

When implemented effectively, first order discounts can drive more sales, reduce customer acquisition costs, increase average order value, and build lasting customer loyalty. Of course, this works best when other aspects of your WooCommerce store, like the checkout process, product quality, and post-purchase experience, also meet customer expectations.

Customers who have a positive experience with their first purchase are 50% more likely to return and shop again. (Bain & Company)

That’s why WooCommerce first purchase discounts are a proven strategy to attract new customers. By offering an enticing deal on their first order, you lower hesitation barriers and encourage them to explore what your store offers. This incentive helps “break the ice” and converts hesitant browsers into new customers.

Moreover, a smooth first purchase experience paired with savings creates a positive impression. This will act as a foundation of trust and satisfaction, thereby encouraging more purchases. So, by focusing on shoppers’ first experience, you set the stage for long-term relationships.

Signup Coupons vs. WooCommerce First Purchase Discounts: The Difference

Before we go any further, let’s clarify this to avoid confusion: signup coupons and first purchase discounts are different. While both aim to attract and acquire new customers, the key difference lies in its purpose and application.

FeatureSignup CouponsFirst Purchase Discounts
TriggerAccount signup or subscribe to the newsletterFirst order placed by a customer
GoalEncourage engagement and account creationComplete the first purchase
TimingOffered immediately after signupApplied during the first purchase checkout
ExampleSign up and get a 10% discount code for your first order!Get $15 off your first purchase when you shop with us!

In a nutshell, WooCommerce first purchase discounts are tailored exclusively for new customers and are validated through account creation or order history to ensure they apply only to first-time buyers. Signup coupons, on the other hand, are more inclusive. It rewards anyone who completes the signup process, whether they make a purchase or not.

How to Reward New Customers with WooCommerce First Purchase Discounts?

Now that we have explored the benefits of offering WooCommerce first order discounts in increasing conversions and average order value. Let’s take a look at a few practical examples of first purchase discounts in action:

  • Provide free shipping as a first-time buyer incentive.
  • Offer 5% off on the first order with the code “FIRST5”.
  • Save 20% on the first purchase of $500 or more.

These are a few examples that show how implementing WooCommerce first purchase discounts correctly can increase conversion rates, boost AOV, and foster customer loyalty. Now that we’ve seen the use cases, let’s move on to setting up first order discounts or WooCommerce new customer discounts.

How to Set Up First Purchase Discounts in WooCommerce?

When it comes to creating WooCommerce coupons for first-time buyers, it’s important to note that the default features in WooCommerce do not include this functionality. It only provides basic coupon setup options.

So, to access advanced coupon features like first purchase discounts in WooCommerce, you need the help of a third-party coupon plugin. One of the best WooCommerce plugins to do this in a user-friendly way is the Smart Coupons for WooCommerce by WebToffee.

WooCommerce Smart Coupons is available in both free and paid versions. For advanced features like signup coupons and first purchase discounts, you’ll need the premium version. Below are different types of first purchase discounts that you can try out on your WooCommerce store.

#1 Provide Free Shipping as a First-Time Buyer Incentive

Free shipping discounts are a popular strategy to convert hesitant buyers and reduce cart abandonment rates. The idea of not paying extra charges enhances the overall purchase experience with your brand. That’s why offering free shipping as an incentive to first-time shoppers could be highly effective.

To set up WooCommerce free shipping coupons as first order discounts, begin by creating a discount coupon. To do this,

  • Go to Smart Coupons > Add coupon to create a WooCommerce coupon.
  • Next, set the basic coupon settings, including the coupon expiry date.
  • Enable the Allow free shipping option, and in the Coupon applied message field, write the message you want customers to see when the first purchase discount is applied.
  • Also, enable the Apply coupon automatically option. This will automatically apply the WooCommerce coupon at checkout, removing the hassle for shoppers. In the Display coupon in field, enter “Checkout”. Now, the coupon will only be displayed to shoppers at checkout and will be applied automatically.
  • You can further customize the coupon by adjusting Usage restrictions, Checkout options, and other settings to limit coupon usage.
Offering free shipping as first purchase discount

For setting up a first purchase “free shipping” discount in WooCommerce:

  • Go to the Purchase history tab to configure first purchase discounts for first-time shoppers.
  • In the Number of orders field, select “equals” and enter “0.” What this means is that only customers with no previous orders will receive the free shipping discount on their first purchase.
  • After reviewing the settings, click Publish to create the coupon.
Configuring WooCommerce first purchase trigger for free shipping

You’ve created a free shipping coupon that can only be used by customers on their first purchase. This strategy helps reduce the resistance of first time users or shoppers to try new brands and products.

#2 Offer 5% off on The First Order With Code FIRST5

As a store owner, you can offer a 5% discount on customers’ first purchase. To set this up, create a 5% discount coupon and configure the Purchase history tab to automate the WooCommerce first order discount.

  • Go to Smart Coupons > Add coupon and set the coupon code to “FIRST5.”
  • In the General tab, give the Discount type as “Percentage discount” and the Coupon amount to “5%”.
  • Enable the Apply coupon automatically option, and in the Display coupon in field, select “Checkout.”
  • You can also set an expiration date for the coupon in the Schedule settings.
  • Next, go to the Purchase history tab and follow the same steps as above to configure the first order as the trigger.
  • After reviewing the settings, click Publish to create the coupon.
Offer discount on first order

This will successfully set up and automate the WooCommerce first purchase discount, which will be displayed and applied at checkout. With the purchase history configuration, only first-time buyers can avail of this discount.

#3 Save 20% on The First Purchase of $500 or More (With Expiry)

In this use case, we limit the first purchase discount by setting a minimum cart subtotal and an expiration date. To offer this particular WooCommerce first purchase discount,

  • Go to Smart Coupons > Add coupon.
  • Next, enable the Apply coupon automatically option. In the Display coupon in field, choose “Cart.”
  • In the Schedule settings, you can set the coupon expiration date to the current date. You can also specify a time frame during which the coupon remains applicable.
Offering discount coupon for first purchase
  • Next, go to Usage restriction tab, and in the Minimum spend field, enter “500.” This ensures that only WooCommerce orders above $500 qualify for the first purchase discount.
Adding first purchase discount condition
  • Then navigate to the Purchase history tab and set the Number of orders “equals” “zero” (Same as above).
  • After reviewing the settings, click Publish to create the coupon.

With the above steps, you’ve set up a 20% first purchase discount for all new shoppers who make purchases over $500. The expiration date adds urgency and speeds up customer decisions regarding their initial purchase. On that note, let’s look at some best practices to improve your conversion rates with WooCommerce first purchase discounts.

Best Practices to Boost Conversion Rates with WooCommerce First Purchase Discounts

  • First, ensure your WooCommerce discount offer is clear. A well-defined discount grabs attention and encourages user action. Display the WooCommerce first purchase offer prominently on your cart and checkout process to make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed.
  • Personalize the messaging around your first purchase discount. When you address the potential customers directly and emphasize the exclusivity of the offer, you create urgency and excitement.
  • Incorporate social proof and urgency. Display testimonials or reviews from happy customers alongside the discount offer. Adding countdown timers or limited-time offer popups also creates urgency, resulting in quicker purchase decisions.
  • Simplify the coupon redemption process. Avoid complicated coupon codes or multi-step requirements. Instead, make the discount automatically apply at checkout. This reduces friction and gives a positive checkout experience.
  • Use your WooCommerce first purchase discount as an opportunity to build long-term relationships. Encourage customers to sign up for your newsletter or create an account to access the offer.
  • Maximize the impact of first purchase discounts by suggesting related products at the checkout process. For example, if a customer is buying a camera, recommend accessories like tripods or memory cards. This can improve sales, average order value and give customers a good shopping experience.

Configure WooCommerce First Purchase Discounts with Smart Coupons

WooCommerce smart coupons features

If you’re in the market for a WooCommerce coupon plugin, this is an excellent choice. The free WooCommerce Smart Coupons plugin comes with essential features like a dedicated BOGO module, an auto-apply feature, and advanced coupon restrictions. The premium version offers advanced features, including:

Do you want to turn first-time shoppers into loyal customers?

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Wrapping Up

That’s it, guys! We’ve reached the end of this WooCommerce guide. First order discounts in WooCommerce incentivize first-time shoppers to take action and complete their purchases. By providing a great first-time user experience, you can encourage customers to return and make more purchases. As mentioned earlier, a first purchase discount is like an invitation.

However, building loyalty involves more than just offering a discount. Critical factors include meeting product expectations, optimizing checkout processes, and providing timely order updates. All these elements work together to enhance the customer experience.

As a store owner, make sure you set up enticing first purchase discounts while continuously refining your WooCommerce products and processes for maximum results.

Have you got any questions about WooCommerce first purchase discounts? Do let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below; we are happy to help!

Thank you for your time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best plugin for WooCommerce first order discounts?

If you’re looking for the best plugin to offer first order discounts in WooCommerce, Woo Discount Rules is an excellent choice. This plugin lets you set up discounts specifically for first-time shoppers, helping you turn them into loyal customers.

How do first-time buyer coupons increase customer loyalty?

First-time buyer discount coupons are a powerful tool for increasing customer loyalty in WooCommerce. By offering an exclusive discount to new shoppers, you create a positive first impression that motivates them to make their initial purchase. This further encourages them to make repeat purchases.

What are first-time buyer discounts?

First-time buyer discounts or first purchase discounts are special offers provided by retail stores to encourage new customers to make their first purchase. These discounts apply automatically or through a coupon code during checkout. By rewarding first-time shoppers, stores can drive more sales and build long-term loyalty.

Can WooCommerce restrict discounts to new customers?

Yes, WooCommerce can restrict discounts to new customers using third-party coupon plugins like the WooCommerce Advanced Coupons plugin by WebToffee. The plugin allows store owners to create discounts that are only available to first-time buyers. By setting order history-based coupon conditions, WooCommerce store owners can easily ensure that the discounts are applied exclusively to new customers.

Article by

As a content writer at WebToffee, my work focuses on providing eCommerce solutions that help businesses thrive in the ever-evolving digital space. With over three years of experience, I leverage my background in eCommerce, digital marketing and user experience to create insightful content. I began my career as a freelance copywriter where I helped business owners enhance their social media presence.

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