You can add unique discount codes to SMS messages in Automation workflows. Each customer receives a one-time-use code automatically generated in your store admin.
This guide shows you how to set it up for Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.
Before You Begin
Platform: This feature is available in Automations only for Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. It is not available in SMS Campaigns.
Code generation: Discount codes are auto-generated in your store admin when the SMS sends. You'll see a placeholder (
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) during setup.SMS credits: Make sure you have enough SMS credits before your workflow can send messages.
Code uniqueness: By default, each SMS discount code is unique to its message and will not match the email discount code in the same automation. To use the same code across SMS and email, enable "Reuse unique discount code in this workflow."
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Benefits
Adding discount codes to SMS messages in Automation allows you to:
Abandoned Cart: Send discounts in abandoned cart or abandoned checkout workflows to incentivize customers to complete their purchases and recover lost sales.
Welcome: Include a discount in welcome SMS to encourage new subscribers to make their first purchase.
Order Confirmation: Add a discount for the next purchase to encourage repeat orders.
Immediate Action: SMS messages have high open rates and are typically read within minutes. Discount codes in SMS can prompt faster conversions compared to email.
On-the-Go Purchases: Customers can act on SMS discounts while mobile, which can capture impulse purchases.
Personalization: You can create discounts based on customer behavior (e.g., browsing history, past purchases) to increase relevance.
Timely Updates: Send time-based discounts via SMS during sales events or special promotions to keep customers engaged with your brand.
Exclusive Offers: Offer SMS-exclusive discounts to create a sense of exclusivity for your SMS subscribers.
Time-Sensitive Offers: Use time-limited discounts in SMS to create urgency and encourage customers to act quickly.
Setup Process
Step 1. Open or create an Automation
Go to Automations → Select an existing workflow (e.g., Abandoned Cart, Welcome) or create a new one.
Step 2. Add or edit an SMS block
Locate an existing SMS block in your workflow or drag in a new one. Click it to open the message editor on the right.
Step 3. Insert the Discount Code personalization tag
In the message text field, click Personalization Tag → Select Discount Code from the list.
The placeholder XXXX-XXXX-XXXX appears during setup. The actual code is generated when the SMS is sent.
Step 4. Configure discount settings
Click the discount tag to open settings. You can adjust:
Reuse unique discount code in this workflow: Enable this to use the same code across multiple messages (email and SMS) in the same automation. If the code expires before the next message sends, Omnisend auto-generates a new code to avoid sending expired discounts.
Discount Type: Cart discount or Free shipping.
Value Type: Percentage or fixed amount.
Application: All orders, minimum order price, or specific collections.
Expiration Date: Set how long the code is valid.
Expiry Date Format: Choose the date format (e.g.,
MM/DD/YYYYorDD/MM/YYYY)Expiry Date Text: Customize the text that appears with the expiration date (e.g., "Expires on" or "Valid until")
Combined discounts (Shopify only): Allow this code to stack with other Shopify discounts (product, order, shipping).
⚠️ Important: The expiry date text is not auto-translated. For non-English customers, manually edit this text in their language.
Step 5. Save and activate your workflow
Click Update → Click Start workflow to set it live or Save & Close.
FAQ
Can I use this in SMS Campaigns?
No. Unique discount codes are available in Automations only. For Campaigns, you can add a static discount code manually.
Will the SMS discount code match the email discount code in the same workflow?
By default, no. Each channel generates a unique code. To use the same code across SMS and email, enable "Reuse unique discount code in this workflow" in the discount settings.
Where do I find the generated discount codes?
Codes appear in your store admin after the SMS sends:
Shopify: Go to Discounts
BigCommerce: Go to Marketing → Promotions
WooCommerce: Go to Marketing → Coupons
What happens if the code expires before the next message in my workflow?
If you enabled "Reuse unique discount code" but set an expiry shorter than your workflow delay, Omnisend checks if the code is still valid before sending the next message. If expired, it auto-generates a new code.
Why does my SMS show XXXX-XXXX-XXXX instead of a real discount code?
XXXX-XXXX-XXXX is a placeholder that appears during setup and in test messages. The actual discount code is generated only when the message is sent to real customers. This is normal behavior, and customers will see a real code like ABC-123-4567.
Can I use unique SMS discounts if I'm not on Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce?
No. Unique SMS discount code generation is only available for Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce stores. For other platforms (Wix, Custom, etc.), create codes manually in your store and add them to contacts as custom properties, then use personalization tags in your SMS.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or via in-app chat. We are here for you!