I just published my first WordPress plugin to the official repository. It's called WP Coupons and Deals, and it helps affiliate marketers display coupon codes on their WordPress sites.
The problem I was solving
I was running a deals website and needed a way to show coupon codes that visitors could easily copy. The existing solutions were either too bloated or required a page builder. I wanted something simple — a shortcode that renders a clean coupon box with a click-to-copy button.
What it does
WP Coupons and Deals lets you create coupon listings with:
- Click-to-reveal coupon codes (great for tracking affiliate clicks)
- Expiration dates that automatically hide expired deals
- Clean, responsive design that works with any theme
- A simple admin interface to manage all your coupons
What I learned shipping v1
The WordPress plugin review process was humbling. My first submission got rejected for security issues I didn't even know existed — things like nonce verification and proper data sanitization. The reviewer's feedback was detailed and educational. I rewrote about 30% of the code before it got approved.
The whole process from first commit to approval on wordpress.org took about two weeks.
What's next
I'm already thinking about the next plugin. The WordPress ecosystem has gaps — real problems that existing plugins either ignore or overcomplicate. I want to keep building small, focused tools that do one thing well.
If you're running a deals or coupon site, check out WP Coupons and Deals. It's free and always will be.