{"id":108019,"date":"2020-07-15T08:34:30","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T13:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/?post_type=resource&#038;p=108019"},"modified":"2024-01-26T11:43:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T17:43:27","slug":"how-to-create-a-wordpress-coupon-site","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/resources\/how-to-create-a-wordpress-coupon-site\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Coupon Site in WordPress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There are many reasons you might want to create a coupon site in WordPress. One of the most common is to increase your revenue stream. You can make money with affiliate products, or offer coupons for your own business. The only question is how to create this type of site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, WordPress makes it easy to create your own coupon website. You can use a theme designed specifically for coupon sites, which will get you up and running quickly. Alternatively, you can choose any theme you like, and pick up a plugin that will transform any WordPress website into a coupon site.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll discuss what you need to get started with your coupon website. We\u2019ll then look at how to create this website using a theme or plugin. Let\u2019s get to work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Started on Your Coupon Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you can start building your WordPress coupon website, there are a few things to prepare. The first step is to purchase hosting for your site. This can be dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wordpress-hosting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WordPress hosting<\/a> or shared hosting. You\u2019ll also need to <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/resources\/buying-and-registering-a-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register a domain name<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After purchasing your hosting and domain, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/resources\/how-to-use-wordpress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">install WordPress<\/a>. The steps for doing this will vary depending on the hosting provider you sign up with. Many will offer a one-click installation feature, making this step simple and easy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creating a Coupon Site in WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After preparing your hosting and installing WordPress, you can start creating your coupon website. As we mentioned earlier, there are two methods you can use for doing this. You could use a specially-designed coupon theme, or reply on a dedicated plugin. Let\u2019s look at how both options work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using a Theme for a Coupon Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a theme to create a WordPress coupon site is the simplest option. This is particularly true if your website is dedicated solely to coupons. Coupon themes are designed for easy use, and include key features such as categories, subscriptions, and social sharing options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right theme can also ensure that your website renders correctly on mobile devices. This can be harder to control when using a plugin on top of a general-purpose theme. You also won\u2019t have to worry about plugin compatibility, because the coupon functionality will be built into the theme.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many themes you can try out, but some of the top options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appthemes.com\/themes\/clipper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Clipper<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A theme that&#8217;s incredibly easy to set up, while still offering robust functionality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.premiumpress.com\/wordpress-coupon-theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>WordPress Coupon Theme<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A feature-rich theme aiming to offer everything you need to set up your coupon site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/themeforest.net\/item\/couponer-coupons-discounts-wp-theme\/8322172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Couponer<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A highly-customizable option that\u2019s lightweight and SEO-optimized.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After choosing your theme, you\u2019ll need to purchase and install it. Then you can use its built-in functionality to start creating coupons. As an example, we\u2019ll see how this process works using the Clipper theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Install and Activate Clipper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Clipper is a premium theme, you will need to download the zip file containing its data. This file should be emailed or otherwise provided to you when you purchase the theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then navigate to <em>Appearance<\/em> &gt; <em>Add New<\/em> &gt; <em>Upload Theme<\/em> in your WordPress dashboard. Upload the zip file to install the theme, and don\u2019t forget to activate it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Add a New Coupon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After activating the theme, you can start building your coupon website. To create a coupon, go to <em>Coupons<\/em> &gt; <em>Add New<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to enter the title of your coupon and a description. Under <em>Listing Plan Details<\/em>, you can override the default coupon settings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can set the duration of the coupon in days, and decide when it will start. You can also set an expiration date, and determine if it will be a featured coupon. Those coupons appear more prominently on your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, under <em>Coupon Details<\/em>, you can set the coupon\u2019s destination. If you are <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/affiliate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">working with affiliate products<\/a>, for example, you\u2019ll want to include your affiliate link here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, in the <em>Coupon Type<\/em> section, choose your preferred option from the list. You can distinguish between print coupons, codes, and promotions. Once you\u2019ve selected the option that matches your needs, you can publish your coupon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Create a User Submission Form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Themes such as Clipper also enable you to accept coupons submitted by website users. Navigate to <em>Forms<\/em> &gt; <em>Add New<\/em> to open the integrated form builder tool:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provide a title for the form, and then use the <em>Form Builder<\/em> to add fields. This can include prompts for users to enter their names, personal details, and the coupon they want to submit. Once the form has all the fields you want, click on <em>Publish<\/em>, and it will appear on your website for visitors to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Customize the Theme\u2019s Appearance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with setting up your coupons, it\u2019s also important to customize your website&#8217;s look. This is done via <em>Appearance<\/em> &gt; <em>Customize<\/em>, which opens a preview of your website alongside customization options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using each section of the menu, you can adjust the theme to match your business or brand. You can update the site title to your business name, for example, and change the color palette to match your existing branding. The menu locations and widgets can also be adjusted, in order to create a website that looks exactly the way you want it to.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using a Plugin for a Coupon Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While using a coupon theme is a great option, there are times when a coupon plugin may be a better solution. If you already have a website and want to add a coupon section to it, a plugin can easily do this without requiring you to change your existing theme. Plus, with a dedicated coupon plugin, you won&#8217;t be limited in your theme selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many coupon plugins you can consider, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/coupon-creator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Coupon Creator<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A simple free plugin that\u2019s lightweight and easy to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/plugins\/wp-coupons-and-deals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>WordPress Coupon Plugin<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Another free option with a larger feature set.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcoupons.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>WPCoupons<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A premium plugin designed specifically with the needs of affiliate marketers in mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have chosen your plugin, you can start creating your WordPress coupon website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After choosing the plugin you want to use, you\u2019ll need to install and activate it. To do this, navigate to <em>Plugin<\/em> &gt; <em>Add New<\/em> in your dashboard, and search for the plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, click on <em>Install<\/em> and <em>Activate<\/em> to get started. The rest of the process will differ somewhat depending on the plugin you\u2019re working with. We\u2019ll be using WordPress Coupon Plugin as our example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Create Your Coupons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the installation process is complete, go to <em>Coupons<\/em> &gt; <em>Add New<\/em> to start creating your coupons. You will need to enter a title for your first coupon, and choose a coupon type:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on the type of coupon you\u2019d like to create, you can enter a code, set button text, or add an image. You\u2019ll need to then provide a link for the coupon to point towards, such as your affiliate product link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After that, you\u2019ll need to choose what discount will be offered, and set a custom description. Then you can set the coupon\u2019s start and expiration dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below the <em>Coupon Details<\/em> section is a preview:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This section provides a look at how your coupon will appear to customers. Once you are happy with your new coupon, click on <em>Publish<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Insert the Coupon onto Your Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After publishing the coupon, two shortcodes will be generated. The first is a code for the entire coupon as it appeared in the preview, and the second is for the coupon code only. These shortcodes make it easier to insert the coupon onto your website wherever you like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by copying the shortcode for the coupon you want to insert. Navigate to the area you want to add the coupon to, such as a post on your blog. Then open up the post or page in the WordPress editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scroll down to the area you want the coupon to appear at, and click on <em>Add Block<\/em>. Select the <em>Shortcode<\/em> block from the available options, and insert your shortcode:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either <em>Publish<\/em> or <em>Update<\/em> the page or post to save your changes. The coupon will appear in the location you have chosen, and visitors can start using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore WP Engine\u2019s Developer Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a WordPress coupon website might be easier than you imagine. You can use a coupon theme to create a full coupon site, or install a plugin that adds coupon functionality to your current website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a theme or plugin can offer many of the tools you\u2019ll need, you need to have <a href=\"https:\/\/developer.wordpress.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the right resources<\/a> in order to create a user-friendly website. Here at WP Engine, we\u2019re dedicated to helping users and developers create excellent digital experiences. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our hosting plans<\/a> to get started!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many reasons you might want to create a coupon site in WordPress. One of the most common is to increase your revenue stream. You can make money with affiliate products, or offer coupons for your own business. The only question is how to create this type of site. Fortunately, WordPress makes it easy<span class=\"tile__ellipses\">&hellip;<\/span><span class=\"tile__ellipses--animated\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":108108,"template":"","resource-topic":[905,908],"resource-role":[896,906,899],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-108019","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Create a Coupon Website in WordPress | WP Engine\u00ae<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Starting a coupon website on your own with WordPress is easier than you think. Learn about how to create a coupon site using a theme or plug-in from WP Engine.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Create a Coupon Website in WordPress | WP Engine\u00ae\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Starting a coupon website on your own with WordPress is easier than you think. 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