Offer codes setup

Offer Codes Setup Generator

Generate offer code distribution strategies, configuration guides, and campaign templates for promoting subscriptions and IAPs through redeemable codes.

When This Skill Activates

Use this skill when the user:

• Asks about "offer codes" or "promo codes" for subscriptions
• Wants to distribute free/discounted subscriptions to partners or influencers
• Mentions "redemption codes" or "App Store codes"
• Asks about re-engaging users via email with promotional codes
• Wants to set up influencer or reviewer programs

How Offer Codes Work

• Create in App Store Connect under Subscriptions > Offer Codes
• Up to 10 active offers per subscription SKU
• Two types: one-time use codes (generated in batches of 500–25,000) and custom codes (reusable, up to 64 characters, no special characters, redemption limit up to 25,000 per code)
• One redemption per customer per offer
• Quarterly ceiling: 1,000,000 codes per app per quarter — raised from the old 150,000, and now spanning subscriptions + one-time IAP combined (per WWDC25). Sandbox: 10,000 codes/app/quarter, with unlimited redemptions per sandbox account
• Beyond subscriptions, codes now cover consumables, non-consumables, and non-renewing subscriptions, with campaign eligibility criteria (never purchased / purchased but not in the last 30 days / purchased in the last 30 days) and auto-install of the app on redemption if it's absent (WWDC25)
• Offer applies the configured discount (free period, discounted rate, etc.)
• Expiry is configurable from 1 day to 6 months — one-time codes auto-expire at 6 months. Print the expiry date in every marketing asset

Code Types

Type	Description	Best For
One-time use	Unique codes, each used once	Email campaigns, individual distribution
Custom codes	Reusable keyword codes (e.g., "LAUNCH2025"), ≤64 chars	Social media, events, partnerships

Redemption Methods

1. In your app via AppStore.presentOfferCodeRedeemSheet() — preferred: your app stays in the foreground, so put a "Redeem Code" button on the paywall
2. Direct URL: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=APPID&code=CODE — ideal for QR codes and email; state the minimum iOS version in marketing materials
3. App Store > Account > Redeem Gift Card or Code

Configuration Questions

Ask user via AskUserQuestion:

1. Distribution purpose?

   • Influencer/reviewer program (free access for promotion)
   • Partner distribution (B2B or affiliate)
   • Email re-engagement (win-back lapsed users)
   • Event/conference distribution (in-person)
   • Social media promotion (public campaign)

2. Offer type?

   • Free subscription period (1 week, 1 month, 3 months)
   • Discounted first period
   • Extended free trial

3. Scale?

   • Small (< 100 codes, targeted distribution)
   • Medium (100-1,000 codes, campaign-based)
   • Large (1,000+ codes, broad distribution)

Generation Process

Step 1: Design Campaign Strategy

Based on the distribution purpose, design:

• Target audience and outreach plan
• Code type (one-time vs. custom)
• Offer duration and terms
• Distribution channel and messaging
• Tracking and measurement plan

Step 2: Generate Campaign Document

Output Format

# Offer Code Campaign: [Campaign Name]

## Campaign Overview
| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Purpose | [Distribution purpose] |
| Target Audience | [Who receives codes] |
| Code Type | [One-time / Custom] |
| Offer | [Free X months / Y% off first period] |
| Total Codes | [Number] |
| Distribution Period | [Date range] |
| Code Expiration | [Date] |

## App Store Connect Setup

1. Go to App Store Connect > Subscriptions > [Group] > [Subscription]
2. Navigate to "Offer Codes" tab
3. Create new offer:
   - Offer type: [Free / Pay as you go / Pay up front]
   - Duration: [X weeks/months]
   - Pricing: [If discounted, specify tier]
4. Generate codes:
   - Type: [One-time use / Custom code]
   - Quantity: [Number]
   - Custom code name: [If custom, e.g., "LAUNCH2025"]
   - Expiration: [Date]
5. Download codes CSV (for one-time codes)

## Distribution Plan

### Channel: [Channel Name]
- **Recipients**: [Who gets codes and how many]
- **Delivery method**: [Email / DM / QR code / Link]
- **Message template**: [See below]
- **Tracking**: [How to measure redemption]

### Message Template

#### For Influencers/Reviewers
Subject: [App Name] — Complimentary Pro Access

> Hi [Name],
>
> I'd love to offer you complimentary Pro access to [App Name] — [one-line description].
>
> Your personal code: **[CODE]**
>
> Redeem: Open the App Store → Account → Redeem Gift Card or Code → Enter code
> Or direct link: [redemption URL]
>
> This gives you [offer details — e.g., 3 months free Pro].
>
> If you enjoy the app, we'd love an honest review or mention. No obligation at all.
>
> Best,
> [Your name]

#### For Email Re-engagement
Subject: We've missed you — here's [X] free on us

> Hi [Name],
>
> It's been a while since you've used [App Name], and we've been busy making it better.
>
> Here's what's new:
> - [Feature 1]
> - [Feature 2]
> - [Feature 3]
>
> We'd love for you to come back and try it. Here's a code for [offer details]:
>
> **[CODE]**
>
> [Redemption instructions or direct link]
>
> This code expires [date].
>
> Welcome back,
> [Your name / App name]

#### For Social Media (Custom Code)
> [Emoji] Special offer! Use code **[CUSTOMCODE]** in the App Store to get
> [offer details] of [App Name] completely free.
>
> Redeem: [Link]
>
> Limited time — expires [date]. [Emoji]

## In-App Redemption

### Add Code Entry to Your App

```swift
import StoreKit

struct SettingsView: View {
    var body: some View {
        Button("Redeem Offer Code") {
            Task {
                try? await AppStore.presentOfferCodeRedeemSheet()
            }
        }
    }
}

Measurement

Metric	How to Track
Codes distributed	Your distribution records
Codes redeemed	App Store Connect > Offer Codes (redemptions report)
Per-campaign attribution	offer_code_reference_name in transactions + OFFER_REDEEMED server notification
Redemption rate	Redeemed / Distributed
Post-offer retention	Retained after offer period ends
Conversion to paid	Continued subscription after offer

Campaign Calendar

Month	Campaign	Codes	Channel
[Month]	[Campaign name]	[Count]	[Channel]

## Distribution Strategies by Purpose

### Influencer Program
- **Scale**: 10-50 codes per quarter
- **Code type**: One-time use (track individual redemption)
- **Offer**: 3-6 months free (generous for genuine feedback)
- **Follow-up**: Request honest review 2 weeks after redemption
- **Tracking**: Spreadsheet mapping code → influencer → outcome

### Partner/Affiliate
- **Scale**: 100-1,000 codes per partner
- **Code type**: Custom code per partner ("PARTNER2025")
- **Offer**: 1-3 months free
- **Terms**: Clear agreement on promotion expectations
- **Tracking**: Unique custom code per partner for attribution

### Email Re-Engagement
- **Scale**: Match churned user count
- **Code type**: One-time use (unique per user)
- **Offer**: 1 month free (low barrier to return)
- **Timing**: 30-60 days after churn
- **Tracking**: Email open → Redemption → Retention

### Event/Conference
- **Scale**: Match expected attendees
- **Code type**: Custom code ("WWDC2025")
- **Offer**: 1-3 months free
- **Distribution**: QR code on slides/booth, printed cards
- **Tracking**: Post-event redemption monitoring

## Gotchas

- **Intro-offer stacking order is locked at creation** — whether a code redeems before or after the introductory offer can NEVER be changed later
- **Treat any code that leaves your systems as spent** — unredeemed codes can't be recovered or reissued
- **Never let a code land an active subscriber on a lower tier** — exclude current subscribers from campaigns priced below their plan
- **Listen on `Transaction.updates` from launch** — redemptions happen outside your app (App Store, URL), so entitlements arrive asynchronously

## References

- Related: `generators/subscription-offers` — StoreKit 2 offer implementation
- Related: `generators/win-back-offers` — Win-back campaign strategy
- Related: `app-store/marketing-strategy` — Overall promotional strategy