If you use generic coupon codes to offer discounts to your visitors, but are worried that an affiliate might request the same code, then you can blacklist the coupon so your affiliates will not be able to claim it.
By blacklisting unauthorized or generic coupon codes, businesses can effectively prevent unintended conversion attribution, thus maintaining the integrity of their affiliate programs.
With the Coupon Exclusions feature, you can either add a single code or upload a CSV file loaded with all the coupon codes you currently use in your shop. Once that is done, then you won't need to worry about which codes your affiliates are requesting.
By removing coupon triggers for specific codes, you can ensure these codes do not inadvertently generate affiliate conversions, further streamlining your conversion management process.
To access this feature please navigate to the Account>Settings>Coupon Exclusions tab:
Excluding A Single Coupon Code
Click the Add Coupon Code button located in the top right.
This opens a window that allows you to add your code to blacklist and an optional description for personal reference.
Excluding A Batch of Coupon Codes
Click the Upload Coupon Code CSV button to add multiple codes at once.
Click Download CSV template file, and fill in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will just be one column with 'Coupon_Code' as the header.
Once you have filled out the template, save it a CSV file and drag it into the Upload Blacklist Coupon CSV pop-up. You should see a message at the top informing you the upload was successful, and your newly excluded coupon codes should take just a few minutes to populate:
If the upload fails, be sure to remove any extra spaces or commas as that can cause formatting issues with CSVs. If you need help, give us a shout in the app or email us at: [email protected]
Using Coupon Exclusions for Conversion Management
Refersion’s reports can help ensure your coupon exclusions are working effectively:
Identifying Invalid Conversions: Customize recurring reports to flag conversions using excluded coupon codes and routinely confirm your exclusions are correctly applied. Reports can be scheduled according to your program's activity level.
Manually Denying Conversions: Use flagged reports to deny invalid conversions, or request Refersion’s support team to process bulk denials for handling large-scale issues efficiently.
FAQs About Coupon Code Management
Can an affiliate have multiple coupon codes under a single account?
Yes, affiliates can maintain multiple coupon codes (or conversion triggers) under a single account. These codes are linked to the affiliate profile, and any orders using those codes will be properly tracked and attributed to the affiliate. This feature is highly flexible and helps scale affiliate marketing efforts.
What happens to affiliate coupon codes when an account is deactivated and reactivated?
Affiliate coupon codes remain unaffected when an account is deactivated and reactivated. The affiliate program continues as before without requiring any additional setup steps. Affiliates can use the same codes without disruption.
Can I automate denying conversions with excluded coupon codes? While automation isn’t directly supported, Refersion offers tools like recurring reports and bulk denial options as effective workarounds.
Coupon Code Visibility in Affiliate Portal
Why can’t affiliates see their coupon codes in the portal?
Sometimes affiliates are unable to see the coupons created for them due to the account settings. By default or upon request, coupon visibility might be hidden. Hidden coupons still function correctly, and affiliates can be credited for any sales made using their codes. To make these visible, you need to update the settings.
How can I enable affiliates to view their coupon codes in their portal?
To ensure affiliates can view their assigned coupon codes, follow these steps:
Navigate to Manage > Offers.
Select the specific offer you want to modify.
Click on +Advanced Options.
Set the toggle for "Hide coupon code conversion triggers from affiliates?" to No.
These settings allow you to control the visibility of coupon codes on a per-offer basis, striking a balance between functionality and transparency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If changes to visibility settings don’t immediately reflect, confirm the updated settings have been published correctly.
For large-scale coupon management concerns, contact Refersion support for additional customization options.