There has been a great demand for coupon code scripts and WordPress themes nowadays and it is not easy to pick up one and establish a coupon site since there are a lot of options. While choosing the right coupon code script for my client I found opportunity to test most of the coupon code scripts, themes and plug-ins which are available online. Before I begin the review, I strongly recommend you to stay away from retailmenot clones and other php scripts. Let me clarify this :
Reasons Not To Use Custom Php Scripts
A few months ago, I purchased OWS Deals coupon code script (owssoftware.com) for $350 and Retailmenot theme for OWS coupon script for $150 – because the default theme is really ugly – so it cost me $500. After some time passed I realised that the script consumes a great percentage of my server CPU and I was warned by my hosting provider, Hostgator. I looked for possible cache plug-in for OWS coupon script and I couldn’t find. Additionally I had problems with translating the script to German and contacted OWS coupons support via e-mail. They responded a few times and then they stopped responding my mails. Plus, the backend of OWS coupons script really sucks and hard to use, it doesn’t have sitemap extension and not SEO ready. It seems like the guy behind the script knows how to code but not design. Result? My $500 went for nothing. I deleted the script. Knowing the fact that they will never refund me, I didn’t contact them. They wouldn’t respond it anyway.
Another custom php script for coupon code site was BACS (buildacouponsite.com), comparing the price and quality I can say that this script will be OK for amateur and never-planning-to-grow coupon sites. Yet, you can purchase a much better coupon code theme for $99. So, don’t waste your $99 for this script. By the way you can find this script under different names. Be careful.
Briefly, Php scripts are expensive and kitschy, you have to pay extra for extensions like caching, sitemap, seo-ready permalinks and stuff while you can have it all for free if you prefer WordPress and a coupon code theme. Let’s review the top 3 coupon code themes for WordPress.
Coupon Code Themes for WordPress
1. Clipper
Clipper theme is a product of AppThemes.com. This is my favorite coupon theme and I can assure you that this is the best coupon code theme for WordPress available online. They have 7/24 support on forum and Ideas Exchange platform, where you can share your ideas for a better Clipper theme and when the next version of Clipper theme was published you can see that they improved the theme regarding the desires of the customers. You have the advantage of WordPress, you can enrich the theme and customize it accordingly. Here is an example of Clipper coupon theme customization I found, simple but stylish : KuponKodlari, I would like to list other Clipper theme customizations here, just let me know through comment section. Clipper theme is only $99 with loads of features. Go to AppThemes.com to see the features of Clipper theme.
2. CouponPress
CouponPress is an option to Clipper theme and I think it is the second best coupon theme for WordPress. I also tried CouponPress, it has almost the same features as Clipper, as an addition it has listing packages which enables e-commerce owners to post their coupons for some fee and users can send/receive messages using their dashboard. It has some cons: coupon codes can be copied using mouse , design is not as professional as Clipper and it doesn’t have Facebook login extension. It is $20 cheaper than Clipper and sold for $79. Check CouponPress for more details.
3. WP-Coupon
WP-Coupon was the first coupon code theme for WordPress, actually the package includes both coupon code plug-in and the suitable, style WordPress theme. WP-Coupon was my first preference but I didn’t use it because it is really expensive ( $499 for basic package ) and I needed single pages for each coupon which WP-Coupon lacks. It has a user-friendly design and cool redirect pages along with a seperate tab menu for deals. Also, it has a quick share-a-coupon form which makes it easier for your visitors to share coupons. If it was not this expensive I could recommend you Wp-Coupon too but $499 is pretty much money when compared to Clipper and CouponPress. Check Wp-Coupon for details.
Coupon Code Plug-Ins for WordPress
I also searched for coupon code plug-ins to use coupons effectively. As the result, I found two coupon code plugins for WordPress. The first one is typical coupon code extension as we see in popular coupon sites such as Retailmenot.com and the other one which is named CouponReveal is a bit different and unique in its own way. Both plug-ins enable you to embed the coupon code extension in your blog posts.
1. CouponCodePlugIn : Classic, yet the best coupon code plug-in for WordPress. It cloaks links, copies the code on click and opens affiliate link in a new tab. That’s all you need.
2. CouponReveal Plug-In : If you need something large to take attention of your visitors. Here’s what you’re looking for. Once visitor clicks the button, affiliate link is opened in new tab and hidden coupon code is shown. You can see the demo on front page of official site of the plug-in.
Final Words
Eh, the review took long, although the templates and plug-ins are premium I didn’t add any affiliate links to ensure you about my neutrality. I hope you find the review useful. Don’t forget to like FalconHive on Facebook and subscribe the feeds via e-mail!