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Advocate Loop Docs

Plugins Overview

The Advocate Loop plugin is a single WordPress plugin with two parts: a base WordPress integration that adds the referral widget and shortcodes to any WordPress site, and an optional WooCommerce extension that adds automatic discount application and conversion tracking on top of it.

Both parts live in the same plugin. Activating the plugin gives you the WordPress side automatically. The WooCommerce side activates on its own if WooCommerce is also installed and active — no separate plugin or addon to install.

Which parts apply to you

WordPress only

If your site uses WordPress but not WooCommerce (a brochure site, blog, lead-capture site, custom checkout, or any non-WC e-commerce solution), you’ll use:

  • The referral widget to let visitors claim discounts or sign up as advocates
  • Shortcodes to place the widget on pages and posts

You’ll record conversions by adding a small JavaScript snippet to your thank-you page (see the JavaScript Quick Start), or by sending events directly to the Advocate Loop API (see Connecting Zapier, Make, and Custom Backends).

WordPress + WooCommerce

If you run a WooCommerce store, the WooCommerce extension handles everything in checkout automatically:

  • Detects referral codes from inbound URLs and stores them for the customer’s session
  • Auto-applies the referral discount as a coupon when the customer’s cart meets the conditions
  • Records the customer’s claim when their order is created
  • Records the conversion when payment is confirmed
  • Cleans up tracking data after a successful purchase

No code required for the core tracking flow.

In this section

WordPress

  • Installation & Setup — Install the plugin, connect your brand, verify everything’s working
  • Settings Reference — Every plugin setting explained, plus a guide to what’s controlled in the WP admin vs. the Advocate Loop dashboard
  • Shortcodes — All shortcodes the plugin registers, with placement notes and examples

WooCommerce

  • How It Works — The full referral lifecycle on a WooCommerce store, from inbound link to recorded conversion
  • Discounts & Coupons — How the referral discount is applied, minimum purchase enforcement, discount caps, and stacking behavior
  • Troubleshooting — Pre-launch validation checklist, common issues with fixes, and how to use debug mode

Already using WooCommerce?

If you want the fastest path to a working install, start with the WooCommerce Quick Start. It walks you through install → connect → first test in about ten minutes. The pages in this section go deeper into specific topics once you have the basics in place.