How to Provide First Order Discount in WooCommerce?

Are you looking to incentivize first-time customers on your WooCommerce store? Offering a first order discount can be a fantastic way to attract new shoppers and convert them into loyal customers.

However, WooCommerce doesn’t directly support first order discounts out of the box—it relies on coupon codes which must be entered manually at checkout. This can be a barrier for seamless customer experience and might not be the most effective way to entice new buyers.

In this blog post, we will explore how you can overcome this limitation using a more automated approach. Specifically, we’ll dive into using the “Discount Rules for WooCommerce” plugin, a powerful tool that allows you to automatically apply discounts when customers make their first purchase on your site. This not only simplifies the process for you and your customers but also ensures that the first shopping experience they have is as rewarding as possible.

Stay tuned as we guide you through setting up your WooCommerce site to automatically reward new visitors and make their first purchase special.

What is WooCommerce First Order Discount?

A WooCommerce First Order Discount is a targeted promotion that offers new customers a percentage off their first purchase or a fixed amount discount when they shop from your online store for the first time. This is an effective marketing tactic designed to encourage hesitant shoppers to complete their first transaction, thereby enhancing the user experience and fostering customer loyalty.

Why should we offer a irst-order discount in WooCommerce?

Offering a first-order discount in WooCommerce can be an effective strategy for several reasons:

1. Customer Acquisition: A first-order discount can be a strong incentive to attract new customers. By offering a discount, you’re lowering the barrier to entry, making it more appealing for potential customers to make their first purchase.
2. Increasing Conversion Rates: Discounts can directly impact conversion rates. Customers who may be on the fence about purchasing may feel compelled to buy if they are getting a financial benefit on their first order. This can be particularly effective in competitive markets.
3. Building a Customer Database: First-order discounts can help you build your customer database quickly. When customers sign up to receive their discount, you gather valuable data like email addresses, which can be used for future marketing campaigns and engagement strategies.
4. Encouraging Larger Orders: Often, you can structure first-order discounts in a way that encourages customers to spend more to reach the threshold where the discount applies. For example, offering a discount on orders over a certain amount can increase the average order value.
5. Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Happy customers who feel they got a good deal are more likely to tell their friends and family about their positive experience. This can lead to increased word-of-mouth marketing, which is often one of the most effective forms of advertising.
6. Building Trust and Loyalty: By offering a discount on the first order, you’re also showing goodwill towards new customers, which can help in building trust. A good initial experience can lead to higher customer retention rates.
7. Reducing Cart Abandonment: Offering a first-order discount can be a strategic way to reduce shopping cart abandonment rates. When shoppers add items to their cart but hesitate to complete the purchase, a timely offered discount for first-time buyers can motivate them to proceed to checkout. This tactic can be particularly effective if implemented through exit-intent pop-ups or targeted emails, where the discount serves as a final nudge to convert browsers into buyers.

Implementing a first-order discount needs to be done thoughtfully to ensure it contributes positively to your business goals. It’s also important to consider the impact on profit margins and ensure the discount strategy is sustainable in the long term.

How to Create a First Order Discount in WooCommerce

Creating a first order discount in WooCommerce is straightforward if you have the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up this discount using the “Discount Rules for WooCommerce” plugin.

Prerequisites:
Ensure you have the “Discount Rules for WooCommerce” plugin installed. If you haven’t installed it yet, please download and activate the plugin.

Creating a Simple First Order Discount in WooCommerce

This guide will help you set up a simple first order discount in your WooCommerce store to help boost conversions.

Example Discount: 10% off on your first order.

Steps to Create the Discount:

1. Access WooCommerce Settings:
   • Navigate to your WordPress Dashboard.
   • Go to ‘WooCommerce’ and then select ‘Woo Discount Rules’.
2. Create a New Discount Rule:
   • Click on ‘Add New Rule’.
   • Name your rule as desired.
   • Set the discount type to ‘Product Adjustment’.
3. Configure the Discount:
   • In the filter section, select ‘All Products’.
   • In the discount section, choose ‘Percentage Discount’ and set it to ’10’.
4. Set the Condition for First Order:
   • Go to the ‘Rules (Optional)’ section.
   • Click on ‘Add Condition’, select ‘First Order’, and choose ‘Yes’.

You have now successfully set up a 10% discount for new customers on their first purchase. The process is illustrated in the following screenshot.

Effective Strategies for Offering First Order Discounts in WooCommerce

If you’re looking to offer first order discounts in your WooCommerce store, there are several strategies you can employ to maximize their effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of these strategies:

Create a Sense of Urgency with Time-Limited Offers

Using time-limited offers can instill a sense of urgency and prompt customers to make a purchase before the deal expires. This tactic is particularly effective during holidays or special events when shoppers are more inclined to buy.

For instance, consider offering a 20% discount on a customer’s first order, valid for today only.

Here’s how you can set up this discount:

1. Navigate to your WordPress Dashboard and go to WooCommerce, then Woo Discount Rules.
2. Click on ‘Add New Rule.’
3. Provide a name for the rule and select ‘Product Adjustment.’
4. In the filter section, choose ‘All Products.’
5. Select ‘Percentage Discount’ and set the discount rate to ’20.’
6. In the ‘Rules (Optional)’ section, click ‘Add condition,’ choose ‘First order,’ and set it to ‘Yes.’
7. In the Rule limit tab, set the limit to ‘1’ and specify the time period based on your preferences.
8. Finally, click ‘Save and enable’ to activate the rule.

Refer to the accompanying screenshot for visual guidance on creating this discount.

Attract More Visitors with BOGO Deals

To draw more customers to your store and encourage them to make purchases, consider offering BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals. This tactic can be especially effective for products that people typically buy in bulk or pairs.

For instance, you could offer new customers a free “cap” with their first order.

Here’s how to set up this discount:

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard and navigate to ‘WooCommerce’ and then ‘Woo Discount Rules’.
2. Click on ‘Add New Rule’.
3. Name your rule and select the discount type as ‘Buy X Get Y’.
4. In the Filter section, choose ‘All Products’.
5. In the Discount section, opt for ‘Buy X Get Y’, set the ranges, select ‘cap’ as the product, and choose ‘Free’ as the discount type.
6. Optionally, in the Rules section, click on ‘Add Condition’, select ‘First order’, and set it to ‘Yes’.
7. Save and enable the rule.

Check out the example screenshot below for reference.

Create Exclusive First-Order Discounts with WooCommerce First Order Coupons

To enhance the exclusivity of your first-order discounts, consider implementing WooCommerce first-order coupons. These one-time-use coupons limit usage to once per customer and can provide a percentage discount, fostering a sense of exclusivity and incentivizing purchases.

For instance, customers can apply the coupon code ‘FIRSTORDER’ to receive a fixed 10% discount on their initial purchase.

Follow these steps to set up this discount:

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard -> ‘WooCommerce’ -> ‘Woo Discount Rules’.
2. Click ‘Add New Rule’.
3. Enter a name for the rule and select ‘Product Adjustment’ as the discount type.
4. In the Filter section, choose ‘All Products’.
5. Select ‘Percentage Discount’ and set the discount amount to ’10’.
6. In the Rules (Optional) section, set two conditions:
   • Click ‘Add Condition’, choose ‘First order’, and select ‘Yes’.
   • Click ‘Add Condition’, choose ‘Coupons’, select ‘Create your own coupon’, and enter the coupon code as ‘FIRSTORDER’.
7. ‘Save and enable’ the rule.

By following these steps, you can create a first-purchase discount based on a minimum amount spent in WooCommerce.

Offering a First Purchase Discount Based on Minimum Spending

Want to entice customers to make their first purchase in your store? Offering a first purchase discount on a minimum spending amount is a simple yet effective strategy. Not only does it help convert visitors into customers, but it also boosts the chances of turning them into loyal shoppers. By incentivizing customers to spend more on their initial purchase, you can increase your store’s average order value.

Here’s an example: New customers receive a fixed discount of $30 when they spend $200 or more on their first order.

To set up this discount, follow these steps:

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard -> ‘WooCommerce’ -> ‘Woo Discount Rules’.
2. Click ‘Add New Rule’.
3. Enter the rule name and select ‘Product Adjustment’ as the discount type.
4. In the Filter section, choose ‘All Products’.
5. Select ‘Fixed Discount’ and set the amount to ’30’ in the Discount section.
6. In the Rules (Optional) section, set two conditions:a. Click ‘Add Condition’, choose ‘First order’, and select ‘Yes’.b. Click ‘Add Condition’, choose ‘Subtotal’, select ‘greater than or equal to (>=)’, set the amount to ‘200’, and choose ‘count all items in the cart’.
7. Save and enable the rule.

The screenshot below provides an example of how to set up the discount.”

Offer Free Shipping for a Better Shopping Experience

Offering free shipping and ensuring a smooth shopping experience are vital for your store’s success. Today’s customers expect a hassle-free and enjoyable shopping journey, making free shipping a key factor in meeting their needs. By providing this perk and ensuring a seamless experience, you can attract and retain customers, boost sales, and set yourself apart from competitors.

For instance, offering free shipping to new customers on their first order can be a great strategy. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Navigate to your WordPress Dashboard, then go to ‘WooCommerce’ and select ‘Woo Discount Rules’.
2. Click on ‘Add New Rule’.
3. Enter a name for the rule and select the discount type as ‘Free Shipping’.
4. In the optional rules section, click on ‘Add condition’, choose ‘First order’, and set it to ‘Yes’.
5. Finally, save and enable the rule.

Check out the screenshot below for an example:

Conclusion

In conclusion, offering first order discounts through WooCommerce can significantly enhance your customer base and sales. Utilizing the Discount Rules for WooCommerce plugin makes setting up these discounts a breeze.

Providing incentives for first-time customers not only attracts them but also fosters brand loyalty and encourages repeat purchases. Moreover, these discounts differentiate your store from competitors, giving customers a reason to choose you.

Incorporating first order discounts into your WooCommerce store is a strategic move to boost sales and expand your customer reach. So, take advantage of these benefits and start implementing first order discounts today with the help of Discount Rules for WooCommerce plugin. Additionally, this plugin offers various other discount options like Bundle Discount, Bulk Discount, User-role based discounts, and more to further enhance your marketing strategies.