How to Set Up One Time Codes in Klaviyo

One-time codes offer a powerful way to create personalized, secure discount experiences for your customers. In this post, we’ll explain what one-time codes are, why you should use them, and walk you through how to set them up in Klaviyo. We’ll also share best practices for integrating with your ecommerce platform (like Shopify) and using these codes in emails, SMS messages, and flows.

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Introduction

Online shoppers love discounts, but repeated sharing of the same coupon can hurt profit margins. One-time codes—also called unique or dynamic coupon codes—ensure that every customer receives a unique discount code that can only be used once. This prevents a code from being shared widely and limits misuse. Klaviyo, a popular email and SMS marketing platform, makes it easy to create and manage one-time codes, especially if you use an integrated ecommerce solution like Shopify.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• The benefits of one-time codes in Klaviyo
• The difference between static and dynamic (one-time) coupon codes
• Step-by-step instructions to set up one-time codes in Klaviyo
• How to use these codes in email campaigns, automated flows, and sign-up forms
• Tips and best practices to maximize your campaigns

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What Are One Time Codes?

One-time codes are unique discount codes issued to each customer for a particular campaign or promotion. Their key characteristics include:

• Uniqueness: Each code is different so that every customer receives their own identifier.
• Limited use: They can only be used once by an individual customer.
• Reduced sharing: Since the code is unique and can only be used once, customers are less likely to share it with others.
• Customization: Code properties like a prefix, discount type, minimum purchase, or expiration date can be tailored to your promotion.

Using one-time codes can add urgency and exclusivity to your promotions, while also providing more precise tracking of campaign success.

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Why Use One Time Codes in Klaviyo?

There are several benefits to incorporating one-time codes in your marketing strategies:

• Increased Personalization: Each customer gets an individualized code, making the offer feel exclusive.
• Enhanced Security and Control: Since each code is for single-use, you reduce the risk of multiple redemptions by one user.
• Better Campaign Measurement: Track unique usage per customer and measure which segments respond best.
• Prevents Overuse: Limits discount exploitation, ensuring that offers only go to the intended recipients.
• Integration Opportunities: One-time codes can be used in various parts of your marketing—from welcome emails and abandoned cart flows to SMS and sign-up forms.

Klaviyo’s integration with ecommerce platforms like Shopify makes it simple to generate and deploy these codes directly from your marketing workflows.

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One-Time Codes vs. Static Codes

Before diving into setup instructions, it’s important to understand the difference between one-time (dynamic) codes and static codes.

Static Codes

• Definition: A single discount code that everyone receives (e.g., WELCOME20).
• Advantages: Easy to remember and share.
• Drawbacks: Can be widely distributed, which may lead to abuse if the discount is used multiple times.

One-Time (Dynamic) Codes

• Definition: Unique codes generated for each recipient.
• Advantages: Single-use nature prevents abuse and sharing.
• Drawbacks: They might be longer or more complicated; require proper setup and management to ensure every customer receives a unique code.

For promotions where exclusivity and controlled usage are important, one-time codes are usually the better option.

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Setting Up One Time Codes in Klaviyo

Now let’s walk through how to set up one-time codes in Klaviyo. The process involves several steps, from integration with your ecommerce platform to customizing the coupon code properties and then using them in your communications.

1. Integrate Klaviyo with Your Ecommerce Platform

If you haven’t already, connect Klaviyo to your ecommerce platform (for example, Shopify). Integration will allow Klaviyo to pull product and customer data and sync coupon code details.

Steps to Integrate with Shopify:

• Log in to your Klaviyo account.
• Navigate to the “Integrations” tab.
• Find and select Shopify from the list.
• Follow the prompts to authenticate and link your Shopify store.
• Verify that your dashboard now shows a Coupons tab under the Content section.

Having your ecommerce platform connected is critical because:

• It helps ensure that unique coupon codes are created directly in Shopify.
• It allows Klaviyo to send codes that correspond to your store’s discount settings.

2. Create a One-Time Code in Klaviyo

Within Klaviyo, you will configure your new coupon code’s properties. This is done from the Coupons tab in your Klaviyo dashboard.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Navigate to Content > Coupons.
• Click on the Create Shopify Coupon button (or a similarly titled option if you’re using a different platform).
• Enter a name for the coupon. This name will be used to reference the coupon in your email templates later, so choose something simple and identifiable (e.g., “WELCOME_ONE_TIME”).
• Optionally, specify a Prefix. Klaviyo can auto-generate random codes, but you may include a prefix like “WELCOME” so every code starts with that string.
• Choose the Discount Type. You can select from:
  • Fixed Amount Off (e.g., $10 off)
  • Percentage Off (e.g., 20% off)
  • Free Shipping
• If you are creating codes for specific products or collections, set the applicable restrictions under the “Applies to” option.
• Define Minimum Purchase Requirements if needed.
• Set the Activation Date and Expiration Date. For one-time codes, you might want a limited window (such as “activate at send time” and “expire in 48 hours”).

Note: Dates in Klaviyo are set in UTC, but your ecommerce platform (like Shopify) may display dates in your local time zone. Make adjustments accordingly.

• Click Create Coupon to save your settings.

At this stage, you have defined a coupon code that will function as a one-time use discount. Klaviyo will communicate with Shopify to generate the codes based on your defined settings.

3. Generate Coupon Codes

For emails that include one-time codes in campaigns, you generally need to manually generate a batch of unique coupon codes.

Generating Coupon Codes:

• Return to the Coupons tab.
• Find the coupon you created.
• In the action menu (often represented by three dots), select Add Codes.
• Enter the number of codes you need. Ensure you generate at least as many codes as the number of intended recipients.
• Understand that for campaigns, if there are fewer codes than the number of recipients, Klaviyo will not send the campaign.
• Click Add Codes.

Klaviyo will then start generating the codes and display progress. Codes will be automatically linked between Klaviyo and Shopify so that when a customer applies the code at checkout, the discount is honored as per the predefined settings.

4. Use One-Time Codes in Email Campaigns

Once your codes have been generated, you can add them to your email templates.

Inserting the Coupon Code into an Email Template:

• Open the email template builder in Klaviyo.
• Drag and drop a text block into the area where you want the code to appear.
• Insert the following dynamic coupon code tag:{% coupon_code 'WELCOME_ONE_TIME' %} Replace WELCOME_ONE_TIME with the exact coupon name you used when creating the coupon.
• Save your changes.

Now, when the email campaign is sent, each recipient will receive a unique one-time code that replaces the tag. This code is then linked back to Shopify’s price rules so that the discount will be automatically applied if the buyer enters the code at checkout.

5. Use One-Time Codes in Flow Emails

Flow emails, such as abandoned cart or welcome series emails, can also integrate one-time codes. In flow emails, Klaviyo automatically generates coupon codes in batches (typically 100 at a time).

Steps for Adding a Code in a Flow Email:

• Open the Klaviyo Flow builder.
• Select the flow email where you want to include the code.
• In the email content, add a text block where the coupon code should appear.
• Use the same dynamic coupon snippet:{% coupon_code 'WELCOME_ONE_TIME' %}
• Save and test the flow.

It’s important to note that if a customer receives the same one-time code from multiple emails within the flow, they will be assigned that same code until it is redeemed or it expires. For customers who might traverse the flow more than once, consider using codes with expiration to enable a fresh code upon new entry.

6. Use One-Time Codes on Signup Forms and SMS

Klaviyo also allows you to include unique one-time codes within signup forms and SMS messages.

Signup Forms

• When creating a signup form to capture email addresses, add a coupon block.
• In the coupon block settings, choose Shopify Coupon as your unique coupon type.
• Either select an existing coupon or create a new one following the steps above.
• Optionally, set a fallback coupon that is static if dynamic codes run out.
• Publish the form. New subscribers will receive the coupon code on the form’s success page or as part of a follow-up email.

SMS Messages

• Create an SMS campaign or flow in Klaviyo.
• In the SMS content, include the following snippet:{% coupon_code 'WELCOME_ONE_TIME' %} Remember that for SMS messages, only one coupon code can be included per message.

Klaviyo automatically handles the generation and allocation of the codes in these cases as long as you have configured the settings correctly for one-time use.

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Testing and Best Practices

Before rolling out your promotion widely, testing is critical. Here are some best practices to ensure a smooth experience:

Test Your Campaigns and Flows

• Preview Without Personalization: When previewing in Klaviyo’s editor, you might see something like “COUPON_NAME-preview.” However, this is only a placeholder.
• Send Test Emails or SMS: Always send a preview email to yourself to see a live generated code.
• Check Expiration and Redemption: Confirm that the code works at checkout on your ecommerce site and observe that its expiration behavior is as expected.

Monitor Code Generation

• Campaigns: For campaign emails, ensure you generate enough coupon codes ahead of time. If your campaign is scheduled for “determine recipients at send time,” be certain that there are enough codes to cover all recipients.
• Flows: In flow emails, codes are automatically replenished in batches. Keep an eye on the Coupons tab in Klaviyo to monitor how many codes remain available.

Separate Codes for Campaigns vs. Flows

• Avoid Overlap: Do not use the same coupon for both campaigns and flows. Having separate coupons for each type of campaign prevents unexpected overlaps and ensures you can control the distribution of codes.
• Different Expiry Settings: If you plan to use variable expiration dates (for flows), ensure these settings align with your campaign goals.

Provide Clear Instructions to Customers

When sending one-time codes, include clear instructions:

• Tell customers to enter the exact code at checkout.
• Mention if the code is valid only for one-time use and explain what products or collections are eligible.
• If using a code in an SMS or email that requires manual entry, remind them to copy the code exactly as received.

Keep the Code Layout User-Friendly

• Consider formatting the code in a visually prominent way in your emails. Use a larger font size or a badge-like design so that it catches the customer’s attention.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a robust setup, sometimes issues arise. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:

Code Not Displaying Correctly

• Placeholder Text: If you see “COUPON_NAME-preview” in the email preview, remember that this is normal. Testing on an actual send should generate a unique code.
• Email Clients: Some email clients may not render the code block as expected. Send a test email to multiple email addresses to see if the issue persists.

Insufficient Generated Codes

• Campaign Sends: Ensure you have generated a sufficient number of codes. If the number of recipients exceeds the number of generated codes, some customers may not receive a code and the send may be blocked.
• Monitoring: Use the Available/Total column in the Coupons tab to monitor your code inventory closely.

Incorrect Expiration Settings

• Timezone Differences: Understand that Klaviyo sets dates in UTC while platforms like Shopify use your store’s local timezone. Double-check that your activation and expiration dates make sense when applied to live emails.
• Additional Buffer: Note that due to a built-in buffer, coupon codes may appear to expire 24 hours later than the set expiration time. Plan accordingly for promotions with strict deadlines.

Integration Errors

• Authentication Issues: If codes are not generating properly, recheck your integration settings between Klaviyo and Shopify. Navigate to the “Integrations” tab in Klaviyo, update settings, and re-authenticate if necessary.
• Price Rule Updates: If you update the discount details in Shopify after codes have been generated, remember that the changes will affect future codes but not those already issued.

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Real-World Use Cases

Here are some scenarios where one-time codes in Klaviyo can boost your ecommerce performance:

Welcome Series Discount

When a new subscriber signs up for your newsletter, immediately provide a one-time code in the welcome email. This encourages first-time purchases and makes the initial experience feel exclusive.

Abandoned Cart Recovery

Customers who add products to their cart but do not complete the purchase can receive a follow-up email with a one-time discount code that expires soon. This adds urgency and can help convert browsers into buyers.

VIP or Win-Back Offers

Reward loyal customers or those who have not made a purchase in a while by sending them a unique coupon code. The exclusivity of a one-time code can make returning customers feel valued.

SMS Promotions

For longer text promotions, send a one-time code via SMS. A precise and clearly formatted code makes it simple for customers to redeem the discount when they visit your site on their mobile device.

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Best Practices and Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your one-time codes, consider these additional best practices:

Maintain Inventory of Codes

Always keep an eye on the number of codes available in your Klaviyo Coupons tab. Set reminders to generate more codes if you expect a spike in traffic or have a large campaign scheduled.

Use Conditional Logic in Flows

If you are sending multiple emails in a flow:

• Use conditional splits to check if a customer has already redeemed their one-time code.
• Prevent sending duplicate codes to the same customer, ensuring that each customer benefits from a single exclusive offer.

Personalize the Experience

Customize the email copy around your coupon code. For example:

• Use language like “Your exclusive one-time discount code” to emphasize that the code is uniquely theirs.
• Provide details on how the discount affects the order total and any minimum purchase requirements.

Track Performance

After your campaign is live, review the redemption rates and engagement metrics in Klaviyo’s analytics dashboard. Look for trends in which segments are redeeming codes more frequently and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Update and Monitor Expiration Settings

Periodically review your coupon settings. If you see delays in code generation or if expiration settings are causing confusion at checkout, tweak your settings or provide a notice to customers about the exact expiration date.

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Conclusion

One-time codes in Klaviyo are an essential tool to enhance marketing effectiveness, safeguard discount usage, and offer a tailored shopping experience. By following the steps discussed in this guide—from integrating with your ecommerce platform to configuring and deploying unique one-time codes—you can set up a system that drives sales while preventing code sharing or misuse.

Remember to:

• Integrate Klaviyo with your ecommerce platform correctly.
• Create and configure your coupon with the desired discount type, expiration, and usage limits.
• Generate a sufficient number of codes for your campaigns and flows.
• Insert the coupon code in your emails, SMS messages, and signup forms using dynamic snippets.
• Test your campaigns thoroughly before going live.
• Monitor the performance of your one-time codes and adjust your strategy based on real-world data.

By leveraging these one-time codes, you give every customer a personal touch with a unique offer that feels bespoke—helping your ecommerce business flourish even in a competitive market.

Whether you are running a welcome series, recovering abandoned carts, or sending out promotional SMS messages, one-time codes from Klaviyo ensure that your marketing is both secure and effective. With careful planning, clear instructions, and regular monitoring, you can create successful campaigns that both delight your customers and drive revenue.

With the steps and best practices outlined above, you now have the tools to set up one-time codes in Klaviyo and make the most of your discount campaigns. Happy couponing!