How to Gate Your WooCommerce Pre-Launch Store with Coupon Codes

Why gate a pre-launch store?

Launching a new product or store? A gated pre-launch gives you the best of both worlds:

• Visitors can browse your full catalog, see prices, and get excited
• Only early supporters can buy - those who have your exclusive launch code
• Build urgency - the coupon code becomes a status symbol
• Control order volume - limit initial orders to what you can fulfill

This strategy is used by major brands like Supreme, Shopify stores running limited drops, and any business that wants to build anticipation before going fully public.

The pre-launch coupon strategy

Phase 1: Build the store (visible, not purchasable)

Set up your WooCommerce store normally. Add all products, set prices, write descriptions, upload images. Everything is public and indexed by search engines.

Install GateCoupon and enable it. The checkout is now locked. Visitors see your products but cannot buy.

Phase 2: Collect early access signups

Add an email signup form to your site (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or any provider). The call-to-action: *"Sign up for early access. Be the first to shop."*

This builds your email list and creates anticipation.

Phase 3: Launch to early supporters

When you're ready:

1. Create a coupon in WooCommerce (e.g., EARLYBIRD)
2. Set it in GateCoupon as the required specific coupon
3. Email the code to your subscribers
4. Optional: limit usage to 100 orders

Your early supporters can now shop. Everyone else sees the store but still can't check out.

Phase 4: Open to everyone

When you're ready for the public launch:

1. Go to GateCoupon in the sidebar
2. Uncheck Enable GateCoupon
3. Save

The gate is removed. Your store is now open to everyone.

Setting up GateCoupon for pre-launch

Installation

Plugins → Add New → Search "GateCoupon" → Install → Activate

Configuration

1. GateCoupon in the sidebar
2. Enable the plugin
3. Set mode to Specific coupon
4. Enter your early access code
5. Customize messages:

- Cart message: *"This store is in early access. Enter your launch code to proceed."*

- Checkout message: *"Early access code required to complete your purchase."*

- Redirect message: *"You need an early access code to check out. Enter it on the cart page."*

1. Save

Create the coupon

Marketing → Coupons → Add Coupon:

• Code: EARLYBIRD
• Discount type: Fixed cart discount
• Amount: 0 (or offer an early bird discount)
• Usage limit: Set to your target number of launch orders
• Expiry date: Set to your public launch date

Pro tips for pre-launch success

Create multiple tiers with PRO

Use the multiple codes feature to add all your tiers in one place:

• FOUNDING100 - first 100 customers, 30% off, limited to 100 uses
• EARLYBIRD - next 500 customers, 15% off
• LAUNCH - general early access, no discount

Use scheduling for automatic launch windows

With GateCoupon PRO's scheduling, set the gate to start and end automatically. The gate activates on your pre-launch date and deactivates on your public launch date - no manual intervention needed.

Use GateCoupon PRO for category gating

If only some products are pre-launch:

1. Create a "Pre-Launch" category
2. Set GateCoupon PRO to gate only that category
3. Regular products remain purchasable

Share access links in emails

Use the PRO auto-apply via URL feature: include yourstore.com/?coupon=EARLYBIRD in your newsletter. The code applies automatically on arrival.

Track performance with analytics

GateCoupon PRO's built-in usage analytics dashboard shows you gate blocks, successful checkouts, and the top coupon codes used - all without leaving your admin panel.

Conclusion

A coupon-gated pre-launch is one of the simplest and most effective launch strategies for WooCommerce stores. GateCoupon makes it possible with a 2-minute setup, and you can disable the gate with a single click when you're ready to go public.