November 7, 2023

13 Gift Card Marketing Ideas to Boost Business

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Small Business Tips

Subscribe

According to research by the NRF (National Retail Federation), gift cards sit at the top of holiday shopping lists, with 59% of shoppers saying they want to receive them this holiday season.

If your business isn’t selling gift cards—or isn’t effectively marketing them—you stand to lose out on a massive source of revenue, both during the holidays and year-round. In this article, we’ll dive into some helpful tips to boost your gift card sales.

1. Get your program started

We know shoppers want gift cards—they’ve been the most popular holiday present for thirteen years running (via NRF)—so if you haven’t found the right solution yet, enrolling with a provider like eGiftSolutions® needs to be your first priority. You can get started right now with our QuickStartSM program.

2. Keep your existing customers informed

If your program is new, send emails, postcards, and text messages to let customers know gift cards are available. If you’ve been offering gift cards for a while, it won’t hurt to send out a reminder!

3. Promote online

Share photos of your gift cards on social media to spread the word. If you have a website, highlight your gift cards in a prominent position. Some sites use popups to promote gift cards—a strategy that often converts well.

4. Display signage

Place promotional signage at the front entrance, at your point of sale, and throughout your business to draw attention to your gift cards.

5. Train staff to talk about gift cards

Train your team to mention gift cards when they’re helping customers and checking them out. 

6. Make your gift cards visible

It’s essential to make gift cards easily accessible to shoppers. Create an attractive display at the register or strategically around your business to capture customers’ interest.

7. Use gift cards as promotional items

Give away $5 and $10 gift cards as promotional items. A small gift will stick with your customers long after they leave your business—encouraging repeat visits and word-of-mouth advertising.

8. Provide incentives

If a customer purchases a gift card in a larger denomination, give them a $10 or $20 gift card as a gesture of appreciation. They’ll likely make a separate trip to redeem the card, incentivizing repeat visits. Promotions like these also help increase post-holiday sales, as a majority of gift cards are sold during the holiday season.

9. Share suggested gift lists

Many customers purchase gift cards at the last minute and may need inspiration on what amount to give. Try displaying a list of items that can be bought with $25, $50, and $100 gift cards to help customers decide on a denomination.

10. Make use of out-of-stock items

When popular items are out-of-stock, place gift cards where that item would typically be displayed. Provide an estimated restock date so customers can purchase the gift card and return when the item is back in stock!

11. Plan ahead for holidays

Gift card purchases are most popular before upcoming holidays and events. Promote your gift cards in advance, and order cards ahead so you have plenty in stock. We also recommend ordering cards with designs to match the upcoming holiday!

12. Include reminders on receipts

Add a friendly note on all of your receipts to remind customers of the availability of gift cards.

13. Offer a loyalty program

Introducing rewards for loyal customers is a great way to get more value from your gift card program. Giving your customers gift cards when they shop in your store makes them more likely to return and buy more items!

Don’t miss out on gift card sales! Order your seasonal cards now with eGiftSolutions.

800-966-5520 | www.electronicpayments.com