Link only, code only or both
Both is the documented recommendation, because forcing one channel loses the shares that would only have happened the other way.
Give every customer a referral link and a referral code
Each referrer gets a unique 8-character share code, delivered as a link and as a code. You choose whether to offer one or both, and BLOOP tracks which one brings in sales.
What it is
Referral links and codes, explained
A referral link and a referral code solve different problems. A link works in emails, chats and social posts, and it asks the friend for an email address before the discount is sent, which gives you someone to follow up with. A code has no extra step: the friend types it at checkout, and it travels well in conversation, in a store or on a podcast.
BLOOP lets you turn either method on or off per campaign, with at least one required. It tracks shares by both link and code, so the analytics show which channel actually drives referral sales instead of leaving word of mouth buried in direct traffic.
For your customers
How it works on your store
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01
A customer gets a personal share code
When someone joins your program, BLOOP assigns them a unique 8-character code and builds their link and code from it.
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02
They share it their own way
They send the link by email, chat or social, or say the code out loud to someone in person.
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03
The friend claims the offer
With a link, the friend lands on your store, enters their email and gets the discount. With a code, they enter it at checkout.
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04
The friend buys
A qualifying first order by a new customer turns the share into a successful referral.
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05
The referrer is credited
BLOOP credits the right referrer by their share code and issues their reward under your timing rules.
For you
Set it up in BLOOP
Steps follow the BLOOP user guide. Most stores finish setup in about 30 minutes.
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01. Open the referral method section
In your campaign, open Referral method and switch on Referral link, Referral code, or both. At least one must stay on or the program stops.
Read the guide → -
02. Set a code prefix
On the referrer reward, choose a Discount code prefix: your own custom text, or the referrer's first name. A shared code is the prefix plus the personal code, for example BLOOP_a8Kd2PzQ.
Read the guide → -
03. Choose sharing channels
In the campaign's Sharing channels, pick the buttons to show and write the message that goes with them. Put the channels your customers use privately at the top.
Read the guide → -
04. Use your own link domain (optional)
By default links use r-bloop.cc. In Settings, General, you can request a branded subdomain such as refer.yourstore.com by adding an A record and sending support the URL. Custom domains need a paid plan that includes them.
Read the guide → -
05. Check the channel split
After launch, open Referral analytics to see sharing sources and sources of referees before you turn any method off.
Read the guide →
Options you control
Make it fit your store
Code prefix
Use custom text for a campaign-wide look, or the referrer's first name so a code reads as personal. BLOOP falls back to your custom text when no first name is on file.
Sharing channels
Pick from channels such as WhatsApp, Native Share, Custom Email, Mail App, Gmail, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, LINE, iMessage and Weibo, and order them.
Branded link domain
Replace r-bloop.cc with your own subdomain so shared links look like your store.
Guides
Go deeper
FAQ
Referral links and codes: common questions
Should I use a referral link or a referral code?
Turn on both unless you have a specific reason not to. The link captures the friend's email for follow-up, and the code needs no extra step and works when someone recommends you out loud.
What happens if I turn the code off?
Turning off the referral code also deactivates its underlying Shopify discount. Turning off both methods stops the program entirely.
Can the code carry my brand name?
Yes. The code is your prefix followed by the referrer's personal share code, and the prefix can be your own text or the referrer's first name.
How does BLOOP know which referrer to credit?
Every referrer has a unique 8-character share code, and both the link and the code carry it. BLOOP tracks shares and conversions by link and by code.
More referral program features
Pairs well with
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