Nov 6, 2025
8 MIN READ
Learning Basics
Learning Basics
Influencer Discount Codes: All You Need to Know
Influencer Discount Codes: All You Need to Know
Influencer Discount Codes: All You Need to Know
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Content Marketer @impulze.ai
Sections
Blog in Short ⏱️
Blog in Short ⏱️
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
Influencer discount codes aren’t just promo tricks, they’re smart tools to track sales, build trust, and boost ROI.
They help brands see which creators actually drive conversions while giving followers a solid reason to buy.
You can easily create codes on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce without needing any fancy setup.
The sweet spot for discounts? 10–20% enough to attract customers without hurting margins.
Personalize every code (like SARAH15 instead of GENERIC10) to make influencers feel involved.
Keep an eye on performance with tools that track sales, engagement, and redemptions.
Remember: Affiliate links reward influencers per sale, while discount codes focus on conversions and visibility.
Use impulze.ai to analyze influencer data, track who brings real results, and simplify campaign management.
“Use my code for 15% off!” — five words that can drive thousands in sales.
But only if you know how to use them right.
Influencer discount codes might look simple, but behind every successful campaign is a strategy that connects the right creator, offer, and audience at the perfect moment. These codes hide in them the formula to track influencer ROI, measure conversions, and build authentic engagement without spending a fortune on ads.
But how do you create them? Or worse, what if you create influencer codes the wrong way? Well, to save you from all the hard work and guesses, we have created this ultimate guide.
Read and it will walk you through everything you need to know — from how influencer discount codes work, to how to set them up, track performance, and turn them into a long-term growth strategy.
Let’s start!
What Are Influencer Discount Codes?
Influencer discount codes are those catchy little phrases you see in social media captions — “Use EMMA20 for 20% off!” or “Get $10 off with JAY10.”
They’re unique promo codes that brands give to influencers so they can share exclusive deals with their followers. But here’s the smart part: these codes don’t just offer discounts. They help brands track sales, measure influencer performance, and understand what actually converts.
In other words, they turn influencer marketing from a guessing game into something measurable and data-backed.
How Do Influencer Discount Codes Work?
It’s pretty simple once you break it down:
A brand creates a custom discount code. For example, “MIA15” for 15% off.
The influencer shares it in their post, story, YouTube video, or bio.
A follower uses that code at checkout to get the discount.
The brand tracks the sales made using that code.
This process lets brands see which influencer’s code was used most, and this helps them spot who’s driving the highest ROI.
For example, let’s say a skincare brand partners with three creators:
@skincarebymia gets MIA15
@glowwithsam gets SAM15
@radiantbyria gets RIA15
At the end of the campaign, the brand checks its dashboard:
MIA15 → 120 sales
SAM15 → 60 sales
RIA15 → 30 sales
Now the brand knows exactly which influencer generated the most conversions and can plan future collaborations accordingly.
That’s why influencer discount codes are loved by both brands and creators; they’re easy to track, simple to set up, and deliver instant insights.
Plus, they’re a win-win:
Followers get to save money.
Influencers strengthen trust by offering value.
Brands gain data to improve their influencer marketing strategy.
How to Create an Effective Influencer Discount Code
Not all discount codes are created equal.
A code that’s hard to remember or doesn’t feel personal? It’ll vanish from a follower’s mind faster than a 24-hour story.
To make your influencer discount codes actually work, you need the right mix of strategy, simplicity, and psychology. Here’s how to do it step-by-step: 👇
1. Keep It Short and Memorable
Long, clunky codes are conversion killers. If people can’t remember or type your code easily, they’ll give up before reaching checkout.
Instead of something robotic like “SUMMERDEAL25BRANDX”, go for “KATE25” or “SHOPWITHNINA” — short, personal, and natural in conversation.
When influencers mention a code verbally in a video or story, brevity makes it stick. Think about how Gymshark or Parade does it. They use simple codes like “EMILY10” to make users feel like they’re part of the creator’s inner circle.
👉 Pro Tip: Personalize codes using the influencer’s name or username. It’s more memorable and instantly connects the offer to a trusted voice.
2. Offer a Real, Irresistible Discount
A 5% discount might not move the needle. But a 15–25% off feels like a real reward for being part of that influencer’s community.
If your profit margins allow, consider pairing the discount with a bonus like free shipping, free samples, or loyalty points.
Example:
“Use JENNY20 for 20% off your first order + free delivery!” This not only sweetens the deal but makes it feel limited and special.
Brands like HelloFresh or Curology have nailed this. Their influencer discount codes combine percentage discounts with clear benefits, driving higher conversions and repeat purchases.
3. Customize Codes for Each Influencer
Every influencer deserves a unique code. Not just for tracking, but because it gives them ownership over the campaign.
Unique codes let you measure performance individually, like how many redemptions, total sales, and engagement each influencer generated.
This also helps you identify your top performers quickly. For instance:
LISA15 → 230 redemptions
RAHUL10 → 90 redemptions
Now you know exactly who drives ROI and who might need more support or content direction next time.
👉 Bonus: Some brands gamify this. They offer influencers a higher commission or exclusive rewards when their codes hit milestones.
4. Add a Sense of Urgency
Discount codes work best when they don’t last forever. Time pressure triggers action — followers don’t want to miss out. Include a clear expiry date, like “Valid till Nov 15”, and have influencers mention it in their captions or stories.
Example caption:
“My followers get 20% off using MEG20 — only till Sunday, so don’t wait!”
Brands like Glossier and Oura Ring often run short-term influencer codes to spike conversions. Urgency keeps the campaign dynamic and helps you measure immediate ROI.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair urgency with scarcity. For example, “Only the first 200 orders get this deal!”
5. Simplify Redemption
Even the best discount code fails if customers struggle to use it. Make sure the discount field is easy to find and clearly labeled during checkout.
If your store allows, auto-apply the code through a special link like:
“Shop now: [brand.com?discount=KATE15]”
Ask influencers to demonstrate or mention how to apply the code in their content. A quick screen recording or story swipe-up makes a huge difference.
Example caption:
“Use MAYA20 at checkout or click the link in my bio for 20% off your order!”
👉 Tip: Track drop-off rates from checkout if they’re high, simplify your process or fix technical glitches fast.
6. Track and Analyze Every Code
Once your codes go live, the real work begins: analyzing what’s working. You should regularly check:
Number of redemptions per code
Total revenue generated
Average order value (AOV)
Conversion rate from influencer content
This data reveals which creators truly drive sales and which ones are more about awareness. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Refersion give detailed code performance reports.
Example: You might find that micro-influencers with smaller but loyal audiences drive higher conversion rates than macro ones with millions of followers. That’s valuable insight for your next campaign.
Where Can You Create Influencer Discount Codes?
Now that you know how to create influencer discount codes, let’s talk about where you can actually make them.
You don’t need fancy tech to set up influencer discount codes, as most eCommerce platforms already make it super easy.
The trick is knowing where to create them and how to manage them efficiently so you can track performance without chaos.
Here’s a breakdown of where and how you can set up influencer codes, depending on your store setup:
1. Shopify — The All-in-One Option for DTC Brands
If your store runs on Shopify, you’re in luck. It’s one of the easiest platforms for managing influencer discount codes.
To create one, just head to:
Dashboard → Discounts → Create Discount Code
You can:
Personalize each code (like “SARAH15” or “FITWITHMIKE”)
Set usage limits (e.g., one per customer or 100 total redemptions)
Add start and end dates to create urgency
Track how many times each code was used
💡 Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s analytics dashboard or apps like Shopify Collabs or UpPromote to link influencer names to codes automatically. This helps you see which influencer brings in the most sales.
Example:
A skincare brand can give influencers custom codes like “GLOWBYLISA20” and check which ones bring in more conversions or repeat buyers, right inside Shopify Analytics.
2. WooCommerce — Great for WordPress Stores
For brands running on WordPress, WooCommerce gives full flexibility for creating and tracking discount codes.
Here’s how:
Go to Marketing → Coupons → Add New
You can:
Create a unique code name for each influencer
Set percentage or fixed-amount discounts
Limit coupon use per product, customer, or time period
Track usage under “Reports → Coupons Used”
If you want deeper influencer insights, integrate AffiliateWP or SliceWP, these plugins let you assign each code to a specific influencer and even pay commissions automatically.
3. Wix Stores — Perfect for Small Businesses or Creators
Running a smaller brand or side hustle on Wix? You can easily generate influencer discount codes too.
Go to:
Store Manager → Discounts → New Coupon
From there, you can:
Create single-use or multi-use promo codes
Add expiry dates
Customize discount value (flat or percentage)
While Wix doesn’t offer advanced influencer tracking, pairing it with Google Analytics or Bitly links helps monitor traffic and conversions from influencer content.
4. BigCommerce — For Growing or Enterprise Brands
If you’re scaling up or managing multiple influencer partnerships, BigCommerce makes bulk management simple.
Go to Marketing → Promotions →+ New Automatic Promotion
You can:
Upload multiple codes at once
Segment discounts by influencer type (micro, macro, etc.)
Set product-level exclusions
Generate advanced reports on redemptions and revenue
Bonus Tip: BigCommerce integrates with platforms like Impact and Refersion, which automatically match each sale to the influencer who promoted it.
5. Affiliate Platforms — For Scalable Tracking and Payments
Once you start working with more than 10–15 influencers, managing codes manually becomes messy. That’s where affiliate tools come in.
Here are some of the best options:
Refersion — Connects directly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Lets you create and assign unique codes, track conversions, and automate commission payouts.
Impact — Great for mid-to-large brands; offers in-depth influencer analytics and integrates easily with ad tracking tools.
Awin / PartnerStack — Popular for global brands wanting to manage influencers, affiliates, and ambassadors in one dashboard.
6. Manual (for Small or Early-Stage Brands)
If you’re just starting out and haven’t used a major eCommerce platform yet, you can still create influencer discount codes manually.
Here’s how:
Generate coupon codes using tools like CouponBirds Generator or Vouchery.io
Set a consistent format (e.g., INFLUENCERNAME + DISCOUNT %)
Track redemptions through your payment processor or order sheet
Use Google Sheets to monitor influencer performance manually
Example:
An early-stage skincare brand selling via Instagram DMs or WhatsApp could manually note every sale made using “BEAUTYBYNINA10.” It’s basic, but effective until you scale.
Difference Between an Influencer Discount Code and an Affiliate Link
We get it — this is one of the most common questions marketers ask. So why not clear it up once and for all?
At first glance, influencer discount codes and affiliate links might look like the same thing. Both help track influencer-driven sales and reward creators for their efforts.
But here’s the twist: while they often work together, they’re not identical. Each serves a slightly different purpose in influencer marketing.
Let’s break it down:
1. Influencer Discount Codes = Conversions with Incentives
These are unique promo codes influencers share with their followers like “LENA20” for 20% off. They’re designed to give audiences a reason to buy now by offering a direct discount.
From a brand’s perspective, they make it easy to track conversions and see which influencer’s code drove sales.
Example:
A fitness brand gives influencer @fitwithlena a code “LENA20.” Her followers use the code to get 20% off protein bars. The brand tracks sales tagged under “LENA20” and sees how much revenue Lena generated.
Best for: Boosting short-term sales and encouraging immediate purchases.
2. Affiliate Links = Commissions for Performance
Affiliate links, on the other hand, are unique URLs that track every click, visit, or sale that comes from an influencer’s post or bio. Instead of giving a discount to followers, they reward the influencer with a commission for every successful sale or lead.
Example:
A skincare brand gives influencer @glowbysam an affiliate link like:
https://brand.com/?ref=glowbysam.
Every time someone buys using that link, Sam earns a percentage of the sale.
Best for: Long-term partnerships where influencers get ongoing income for driving conversions.
Pro Tip 💡
Many brands combine both! They give influencers a discount code for their followers and an affiliate link to reward them for every sale.
That way, everyone wins — the influencer, their audience, and your brand.
Best Practices to Manage Influencer Discount Codes
So, you’ve created your influencer discount codes, great start! But here’s the truth: creating codes is easy; managing them well is what separates a good campaign from a great one.
To make sure your codes don’t turn into chaos, here are some best practices that’ll keep your influencer campaigns organized, trackable, and headache-free:
1. Create Unique Codes for Each Influencer
Never reuse the same discount code across multiple creators. Give each influencer their own personalized code (like SARAH10, ALEX15, or FITBYTOM20). This makes it easy to track which influencer drove the most sales and which campaigns performed best.
Example:
If you run a holiday campaign with 10 influencers and everyone uses a unique code, you’ll instantly know who brought in more conversions.
2. Keep Codes On-Brand and Easy to Remember
You want your codes to be catchy and memorable so followers actually use them. Use the influencer’s name or handle to make it feel personal.
✅ Good: MIA20 or SHOPWITHLENA
🚫 Avoid: DISCOUNT8729 or BRANDSALECODE123
When your codes are easy to type and recall, it increases the chance of conversion.
3. Set Clear Expiry Dates
A sense of urgency works wonders. When you set a deadline (like “valid till Sunday” or “expires in 48 hours”), it motivates followers to act fast. It also helps you avoid old codes floating around months later.
Pro tip:
For limited-time campaigns, set expiry reminders in your CRM or marketing dashboard so you can deactivate or refresh codes automatically.
4. Use Tracking Tools or Dashboards
Manually checking code usage can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re working with multiple influencers. Use tools or platforms that show real-time results.
If you’re on Shopify: use the Discounts section or connect with apps like Refersion, Impact, or UpPromote. If you’re on WooCommerce: plugins like AffiliateWP or SliceWP can help you monitor code performance.
These platforms let you see clicks, conversions, and total sales per influencer, all in one dashboard.
5. Monitor and Optimize Regularly
Don’t wait till the end of the campaign to check results. Monitor performance weekly, if some influencers are outperforming others, boost their codes or give them an exclusive offer.
Example:
If influencer A’s code generates 300 sales in 10 days while influencer B’s only gets 50, give A a 25% code next time or extend their campaign.
It’s all about doubling down on what’s working.
6. Communicate Updates Clearly
Influencers love clarity. If a discount code is expiring, changing, or extended, let them know early.
Send a short message like:
“Hey [Name], your code LENA20 performed great! We’re extending it for another month. 🎉”
A small update like this keeps relationships strong and shows professionalism.
7. Track Beyond Just Sales
Sales are the obvious goal but they’re not the only thing that matters. A successful influencer campaign often builds awareness, credibility, and long-term trust that goes beyond one-time purchases.
That’s why it’s important to track more than just code redemptions. Look at how each influencer impacts:
Engagement — likes, saves, and comments that show real interest
Traffic — how many people visited your site or product page
Audience Quality — are they reaching your target demographic?
Conversions Over Time — sometimes followers buy later, not instantly
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you everything you needed to know about influencer discount codes — from how they work to how to create the perfect one.
Once you’ve set up your codes, don’t just stop there. You can add them to impulze.ai to track influencer performance, measure real conversions, and see which creators truly drive sales.
Start for free today and make every code count.
“Use my code for 15% off!” — five words that can drive thousands in sales.
But only if you know how to use them right.
Influencer discount codes might look simple, but behind every successful campaign is a strategy that connects the right creator, offer, and audience at the perfect moment. These codes hide in them the formula to track influencer ROI, measure conversions, and build authentic engagement without spending a fortune on ads.
But how do you create them? Or worse, what if you create influencer codes the wrong way? Well, to save you from all the hard work and guesses, we have created this ultimate guide.
Read and it will walk you through everything you need to know — from how influencer discount codes work, to how to set them up, track performance, and turn them into a long-term growth strategy.
Let’s start!
What Are Influencer Discount Codes?
Influencer discount codes are those catchy little phrases you see in social media captions — “Use EMMA20 for 20% off!” or “Get $10 off with JAY10.”
They’re unique promo codes that brands give to influencers so they can share exclusive deals with their followers. But here’s the smart part: these codes don’t just offer discounts. They help brands track sales, measure influencer performance, and understand what actually converts.
In other words, they turn influencer marketing from a guessing game into something measurable and data-backed.
How Do Influencer Discount Codes Work?
It’s pretty simple once you break it down:
A brand creates a custom discount code. For example, “MIA15” for 15% off.
The influencer shares it in their post, story, YouTube video, or bio.
A follower uses that code at checkout to get the discount.
The brand tracks the sales made using that code.
This process lets brands see which influencer’s code was used most, and this helps them spot who’s driving the highest ROI.
For example, let’s say a skincare brand partners with three creators:
@skincarebymia gets MIA15
@glowwithsam gets SAM15
@radiantbyria gets RIA15
At the end of the campaign, the brand checks its dashboard:
MIA15 → 120 sales
SAM15 → 60 sales
RIA15 → 30 sales
Now the brand knows exactly which influencer generated the most conversions and can plan future collaborations accordingly.
That’s why influencer discount codes are loved by both brands and creators; they’re easy to track, simple to set up, and deliver instant insights.
Plus, they’re a win-win:
Followers get to save money.
Influencers strengthen trust by offering value.
Brands gain data to improve their influencer marketing strategy.
How to Create an Effective Influencer Discount Code
Not all discount codes are created equal.
A code that’s hard to remember or doesn’t feel personal? It’ll vanish from a follower’s mind faster than a 24-hour story.
To make your influencer discount codes actually work, you need the right mix of strategy, simplicity, and psychology. Here’s how to do it step-by-step: 👇
1. Keep It Short and Memorable
Long, clunky codes are conversion killers. If people can’t remember or type your code easily, they’ll give up before reaching checkout.
Instead of something robotic like “SUMMERDEAL25BRANDX”, go for “KATE25” or “SHOPWITHNINA” — short, personal, and natural in conversation.
When influencers mention a code verbally in a video or story, brevity makes it stick. Think about how Gymshark or Parade does it. They use simple codes like “EMILY10” to make users feel like they’re part of the creator’s inner circle.
👉 Pro Tip: Personalize codes using the influencer’s name or username. It’s more memorable and instantly connects the offer to a trusted voice.
2. Offer a Real, Irresistible Discount
A 5% discount might not move the needle. But a 15–25% off feels like a real reward for being part of that influencer’s community.
If your profit margins allow, consider pairing the discount with a bonus like free shipping, free samples, or loyalty points.
Example:
“Use JENNY20 for 20% off your first order + free delivery!” This not only sweetens the deal but makes it feel limited and special.
Brands like HelloFresh or Curology have nailed this. Their influencer discount codes combine percentage discounts with clear benefits, driving higher conversions and repeat purchases.
3. Customize Codes for Each Influencer
Every influencer deserves a unique code. Not just for tracking, but because it gives them ownership over the campaign.
Unique codes let you measure performance individually, like how many redemptions, total sales, and engagement each influencer generated.
This also helps you identify your top performers quickly. For instance:
LISA15 → 230 redemptions
RAHUL10 → 90 redemptions
Now you know exactly who drives ROI and who might need more support or content direction next time.
👉 Bonus: Some brands gamify this. They offer influencers a higher commission or exclusive rewards when their codes hit milestones.
4. Add a Sense of Urgency
Discount codes work best when they don’t last forever. Time pressure triggers action — followers don’t want to miss out. Include a clear expiry date, like “Valid till Nov 15”, and have influencers mention it in their captions or stories.
Example caption:
“My followers get 20% off using MEG20 — only till Sunday, so don’t wait!”
Brands like Glossier and Oura Ring often run short-term influencer codes to spike conversions. Urgency keeps the campaign dynamic and helps you measure immediate ROI.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair urgency with scarcity. For example, “Only the first 200 orders get this deal!”
5. Simplify Redemption
Even the best discount code fails if customers struggle to use it. Make sure the discount field is easy to find and clearly labeled during checkout.
If your store allows, auto-apply the code through a special link like:
“Shop now: [brand.com?discount=KATE15]”
Ask influencers to demonstrate or mention how to apply the code in their content. A quick screen recording or story swipe-up makes a huge difference.
Example caption:
“Use MAYA20 at checkout or click the link in my bio for 20% off your order!”
👉 Tip: Track drop-off rates from checkout if they’re high, simplify your process or fix technical glitches fast.
6. Track and Analyze Every Code
Once your codes go live, the real work begins: analyzing what’s working. You should regularly check:
Number of redemptions per code
Total revenue generated
Average order value (AOV)
Conversion rate from influencer content
This data reveals which creators truly drive sales and which ones are more about awareness. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Refersion give detailed code performance reports.
Example: You might find that micro-influencers with smaller but loyal audiences drive higher conversion rates than macro ones with millions of followers. That’s valuable insight for your next campaign.
Where Can You Create Influencer Discount Codes?
Now that you know how to create influencer discount codes, let’s talk about where you can actually make them.
You don’t need fancy tech to set up influencer discount codes, as most eCommerce platforms already make it super easy.
The trick is knowing where to create them and how to manage them efficiently so you can track performance without chaos.
Here’s a breakdown of where and how you can set up influencer codes, depending on your store setup:
1. Shopify — The All-in-One Option for DTC Brands
If your store runs on Shopify, you’re in luck. It’s one of the easiest platforms for managing influencer discount codes.
To create one, just head to:
Dashboard → Discounts → Create Discount Code
You can:
Personalize each code (like “SARAH15” or “FITWITHMIKE”)
Set usage limits (e.g., one per customer or 100 total redemptions)
Add start and end dates to create urgency
Track how many times each code was used
💡 Pro Tip: Use Shopify’s analytics dashboard or apps like Shopify Collabs or UpPromote to link influencer names to codes automatically. This helps you see which influencer brings in the most sales.
Example:
A skincare brand can give influencers custom codes like “GLOWBYLISA20” and check which ones bring in more conversions or repeat buyers, right inside Shopify Analytics.
2. WooCommerce — Great for WordPress Stores
For brands running on WordPress, WooCommerce gives full flexibility for creating and tracking discount codes.
Here’s how:
Go to Marketing → Coupons → Add New
You can:
Create a unique code name for each influencer
Set percentage or fixed-amount discounts
Limit coupon use per product, customer, or time period
Track usage under “Reports → Coupons Used”
If you want deeper influencer insights, integrate AffiliateWP or SliceWP, these plugins let you assign each code to a specific influencer and even pay commissions automatically.
3. Wix Stores — Perfect for Small Businesses or Creators
Running a smaller brand or side hustle on Wix? You can easily generate influencer discount codes too.
Go to:
Store Manager → Discounts → New Coupon
From there, you can:
Create single-use or multi-use promo codes
Add expiry dates
Customize discount value (flat or percentage)
While Wix doesn’t offer advanced influencer tracking, pairing it with Google Analytics or Bitly links helps monitor traffic and conversions from influencer content.
4. BigCommerce — For Growing or Enterprise Brands
If you’re scaling up or managing multiple influencer partnerships, BigCommerce makes bulk management simple.
Go to Marketing → Promotions →+ New Automatic Promotion
You can:
Upload multiple codes at once
Segment discounts by influencer type (micro, macro, etc.)
Set product-level exclusions
Generate advanced reports on redemptions and revenue
Bonus Tip: BigCommerce integrates with platforms like Impact and Refersion, which automatically match each sale to the influencer who promoted it.
5. Affiliate Platforms — For Scalable Tracking and Payments
Once you start working with more than 10–15 influencers, managing codes manually becomes messy. That’s where affiliate tools come in.
Here are some of the best options:
Refersion — Connects directly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Lets you create and assign unique codes, track conversions, and automate commission payouts.
Impact — Great for mid-to-large brands; offers in-depth influencer analytics and integrates easily with ad tracking tools.
Awin / PartnerStack — Popular for global brands wanting to manage influencers, affiliates, and ambassadors in one dashboard.
6. Manual (for Small or Early-Stage Brands)
If you’re just starting out and haven’t used a major eCommerce platform yet, you can still create influencer discount codes manually.
Here’s how:
Generate coupon codes using tools like CouponBirds Generator or Vouchery.io
Set a consistent format (e.g., INFLUENCERNAME + DISCOUNT %)
Track redemptions through your payment processor or order sheet
Use Google Sheets to monitor influencer performance manually
Example:
An early-stage skincare brand selling via Instagram DMs or WhatsApp could manually note every sale made using “BEAUTYBYNINA10.” It’s basic, but effective until you scale.
Difference Between an Influencer Discount Code and an Affiliate Link
We get it — this is one of the most common questions marketers ask. So why not clear it up once and for all?
At first glance, influencer discount codes and affiliate links might look like the same thing. Both help track influencer-driven sales and reward creators for their efforts.
But here’s the twist: while they often work together, they’re not identical. Each serves a slightly different purpose in influencer marketing.
Let’s break it down:
1. Influencer Discount Codes = Conversions with Incentives
These are unique promo codes influencers share with their followers like “LENA20” for 20% off. They’re designed to give audiences a reason to buy now by offering a direct discount.
From a brand’s perspective, they make it easy to track conversions and see which influencer’s code drove sales.
Example:
A fitness brand gives influencer @fitwithlena a code “LENA20.” Her followers use the code to get 20% off protein bars. The brand tracks sales tagged under “LENA20” and sees how much revenue Lena generated.
Best for: Boosting short-term sales and encouraging immediate purchases.
2. Affiliate Links = Commissions for Performance
Affiliate links, on the other hand, are unique URLs that track every click, visit, or sale that comes from an influencer’s post or bio. Instead of giving a discount to followers, they reward the influencer with a commission for every successful sale or lead.
Example:
A skincare brand gives influencer @glowbysam an affiliate link like:
https://brand.com/?ref=glowbysam.
Every time someone buys using that link, Sam earns a percentage of the sale.
Best for: Long-term partnerships where influencers get ongoing income for driving conversions.
Pro Tip 💡
Many brands combine both! They give influencers a discount code for their followers and an affiliate link to reward them for every sale.
That way, everyone wins — the influencer, their audience, and your brand.
Best Practices to Manage Influencer Discount Codes
So, you’ve created your influencer discount codes, great start! But here’s the truth: creating codes is easy; managing them well is what separates a good campaign from a great one.
To make sure your codes don’t turn into chaos, here are some best practices that’ll keep your influencer campaigns organized, trackable, and headache-free:
1. Create Unique Codes for Each Influencer
Never reuse the same discount code across multiple creators. Give each influencer their own personalized code (like SARAH10, ALEX15, or FITBYTOM20). This makes it easy to track which influencer drove the most sales and which campaigns performed best.
Example:
If you run a holiday campaign with 10 influencers and everyone uses a unique code, you’ll instantly know who brought in more conversions.
2. Keep Codes On-Brand and Easy to Remember
You want your codes to be catchy and memorable so followers actually use them. Use the influencer’s name or handle to make it feel personal.
✅ Good: MIA20 or SHOPWITHLENA
🚫 Avoid: DISCOUNT8729 or BRANDSALECODE123
When your codes are easy to type and recall, it increases the chance of conversion.
3. Set Clear Expiry Dates
A sense of urgency works wonders. When you set a deadline (like “valid till Sunday” or “expires in 48 hours”), it motivates followers to act fast. It also helps you avoid old codes floating around months later.
Pro tip:
For limited-time campaigns, set expiry reminders in your CRM or marketing dashboard so you can deactivate or refresh codes automatically.
4. Use Tracking Tools or Dashboards
Manually checking code usage can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re working with multiple influencers. Use tools or platforms that show real-time results.
If you’re on Shopify: use the Discounts section or connect with apps like Refersion, Impact, or UpPromote. If you’re on WooCommerce: plugins like AffiliateWP or SliceWP can help you monitor code performance.
These platforms let you see clicks, conversions, and total sales per influencer, all in one dashboard.
5. Monitor and Optimize Regularly
Don’t wait till the end of the campaign to check results. Monitor performance weekly, if some influencers are outperforming others, boost their codes or give them an exclusive offer.
Example:
If influencer A’s code generates 300 sales in 10 days while influencer B’s only gets 50, give A a 25% code next time or extend their campaign.
It’s all about doubling down on what’s working.
6. Communicate Updates Clearly
Influencers love clarity. If a discount code is expiring, changing, or extended, let them know early.
Send a short message like:
“Hey [Name], your code LENA20 performed great! We’re extending it for another month. 🎉”
A small update like this keeps relationships strong and shows professionalism.
7. Track Beyond Just Sales
Sales are the obvious goal but they’re not the only thing that matters. A successful influencer campaign often builds awareness, credibility, and long-term trust that goes beyond one-time purchases.
That’s why it’s important to track more than just code redemptions. Look at how each influencer impacts:
Engagement — likes, saves, and comments that show real interest
Traffic — how many people visited your site or product page
Audience Quality — are they reaching your target demographic?
Conversions Over Time — sometimes followers buy later, not instantly
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you everything you needed to know about influencer discount codes — from how they work to how to create the perfect one.
Once you’ve set up your codes, don’t just stop there. You can add them to impulze.ai to track influencer performance, measure real conversions, and see which creators truly drive sales.
Start for free today and make every code count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an influencer discount code and an affiliate link?
What is the difference between an influencer discount code and an affiliate link?
What is the difference between an influencer discount code and an affiliate link?
How do influencer discount codes work?
How do influencer discount codes work?
How do influencer discount codes work?
How to create an influencer discount code for Instagram?
How to create an influencer discount code for Instagram?
How to create an influencer discount code for Instagram?
What’s a good discount percentage for influencer codes?
What’s a good discount percentage for influencer codes?
What’s a good discount percentage for influencer codes?
How can brands track influencer discount code performance?
How can brands track influencer discount code performance?
How can brands track influencer discount code performance?
What are the benefits of using influencer discount codes?
What are the benefits of using influencer discount codes?
What are the benefits of using influencer discount codes?
Should every influencer get a unique discount code?
Should every influencer get a unique discount code?
Should every influencer get a unique discount code?
Author Bio
Author Bio
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
We Also Recommend To Read
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
Join over 30,000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
30K+ Active Users
May be Later
Join over 30,000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
30K+ Active Users
May be Later
Join over 30,000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
30K+ Active Users
May be Later