Promotion Ideas Generator
Get 6 promotion ideas matched to your goal and gross margin, each with a plain-word margin check and setup steps for Shopify or WooCommerce.
The margin check, worked out before the model writes anything
A percentage discount doesn't just cost you the discount: you have to sell more to earn back the same gross profit. The tool works this out itself and hands the model a table to copy, so every idea's margin note is real math, not a guess.
At a 50% gross margin (the default)
- 10% off
- needs 25.0% more orders to earn the same gross profit
- 15% off
- needs 42.9% more orders
- 20% off
- needs 66.7% more orders
- 25% off
- needs 100.0% more orders (you'd need to double your order count)
- 30% off
- needs 150.0% more orders
A discount at or above your margin always loses money and the generator refuses to suggest it.
For a full breakdown across margins and discount sizes, use the discount break-even calculator.
Ideas by goal
| Goal | What it leans on |
|---|---|
| Raise average order value | Spend thresholds, bundles, buy more save more, gift with purchase |
| Clear old stock | Discounts on the named products only, bundles with bestsellers, last-chance collections |
| Win new customers | First-order offers, a free sample, free shipping on the first order, referrals |
| Bring back past customers | Time-limited win-back offers, early access, loyalty rewards |
| Grow the email list | Sign-up offers and early access for subscribers |
At least two of the six ideas skip a percentage discount entirely, since a threshold, a bundle or a free gift can move the same needle without eating into every order's margin.
Setting it up
- 01
Shopify
Go to Discounts and click Create discount. Pick the type: Amount off products, Amount off order, Buy X get Y or Free shipping, then set the value, minimum requirements and dates.
- 02
WooCommerce
Go to Marketing > Coupons and click Add new coupon. Pick Percentage discount, Fixed cart discount or Fixed product discount, tick Allow free shipping if needed, and use Usage restriction for a minimum spend or specific products.
Questions people ask
How is the margin check worked out?
From the extra orders needed to earn the same gross profit after a percentage discount: discount ÷ (margin − discount) × 100. The tool computes this itself for 10% to 30% off at your gross margin and hands it to the model as fact, so it's never guessed.
What if I don't know my gross margin?
Work it out with a margin or profit calculator first. A rough figure is fine here since it only changes which discounts the margin check flags as unaffordable.
Will it ever suggest a discount that loses money?
No. A discount at or above your gross margin loses money on every order at that margin, and the generator says so instead of suggesting it.
Can I ask it to avoid discounts over a certain amount?
Yes, add a limit under Don't offer, such as "No discounts over 20%", and the ideas stay under it.
I already know I want a discount. I just need a name for the code.
Use the coupon code name generator for checkout-ready code names once you've picked the offer.
Related tools
Want this builtinto your store?
I'm Emmanuel, a Shopify and WooCommerce developer. If this tool pointed at something you'd rather have fixed for you (a faster store, cleaner product data, a migration, a custom feature), send me a note.
Emmanuel Asika
Shopify & WooCommerce developer, Dublin
I build and fix online stores: new builds, migrations, speed, SEO and the custom bits apps can't do.
Last reviewed 30 September 2026.
Sources: Shopify Help: Discounts · Shopify Help: Discount types · WooCommerce: Coupon management