Key Takeaway:
Grasp the benefits of local gift cards for your small business during the holidays.
Gain tips for marketing, organizing, and diversifying your business’s gift cards.
Imagine a last-minute holiday shopper: arms full of bags, rushing from one store to the next, searching for that “just-right” gift. This is where gift cards shine. Easy, convenient, and packed with potential, they’re the perfect solution, offering flexibility of choice while still feeling personal.
For small businesses, gift cards and vouchers offer more than just a quick holiday sale. They’re an invitation for new customers to discover your shop, a way to keep spending local, and an excellent boost to holiday revenue. Let’s explore how gift cards can be a powerful tool to not only drive seasonal sales but also build a foundation of loyalty that lasts into the new year.
“Gift cards and vouchers offer more than just a quick holiday sale for your small business. They’re an invitation for new customers to discover your shop, a way to keep spending local, and an excellent boost to holiday revenue.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
Why Local Gift Cards and Vouchers Are Valuable for Small Businesses
Gift cards are more than just convenient presents. They’re a smart way to encourage local spending and loyalty. Here are three ways that offering gift cards can benefit your business during the bustling holiday season.
1. Building Community Support
When customers buy local gift cards, they’re investing in the businesses that make their community unique. By promoting gift cards, you’re not only increasing your sales but also encouraging local spending. When people buy and redeem gift cards at your business, they’re more likely to return in the future, strengthening loyalty and creating lasting relationships.
2. Elevating Holiday Sales and Cash Flow
Gift cards are a fabulous way to capture holiday sales early. Since they represent pre-paid purchases, they can boost your cash flow before the gift cards are even redeemed. This immediate influx of cash can help support your business through the festive season and offset the costs of additional inventory or special promotions.
3. Reaching New Customers Through Gift Giving
Gift cards act as a valuable tool for acquiring new customers. When someone receives a gift card to your business, they’re likely to visit, try your products or services, and potentially become a loyal customer. Customers often spend beyond the gift card value. This increases your sales and provides an opportunity to showcase more of what your business has to offer.
Promoting Local Gift Cards as Holiday Gifts for Shoppers
To maximize gift card sales, it’s essential to let holiday shoppers know they’re available. With a few creative strategies, you can make your gift cards top of mind for local customers looking for easy, thoughtful gifts.
Creating Awareness Among Local Shoppers
To increase sales of your gift cards, make sure customers know they’re available. Use in-store signage, window displays, and digital banners to promote your gift cards, and consider running a “Gift Local” campaign to tap into the community’s desire to support local businesses during the holidays.
Promoting Gift Cards Across Marketing Channels
Leverage all your marketing channels to promote gift cards as a meaningful and simple holiday gift option. Create holiday-themed social media posts, include gift cards in holiday gift guides, and send targeted email campaigns that emphasize gift cards as a convenient choice. Make sure gift cards are prominently featured on your website, in newsletters, and on any other holiday promotional materials.
Offering Limited-Time Holiday Discounts or Perks
Attract more buyers with special holiday deals on gift cards. For example, you could promote a “buy a $50 gift card, get $10 free” offer to incentivize purchases. Another idea is to offer exclusive holiday designs for physical gift cards to make them more festive and appealing as gifts.
Creating Bundles or Packages for Local Shoppers
Holiday gift card bundles add an extra touch of convenience and charm to your offerings. Here are some tips for organizing gift cards into unique packages that appeal to every kind of holiday shopper.
Developing Seasonal Gift Card Bundles for Target Audiences
Gift card bundles are a creative way to provide a ready-made gift solution for your customers. Consider themed bundles, such as a “Holiday Pamper Package” for spas or a “Family Fun Night” package for restaurants and entertainment venues. Offering bundles at a discounted rate can make them even more attractive.
Promoting Bundles as Unique and Convenient Holiday Gift Solutions
Once you’ve established your gift card bundles, it’s time to market them to your shoppers. Highlight the convenience of bundled gift cards in your holiday ads and gift guides, positioning them as a painless yet personalized way to support local businesses. They’re a fantastic solution for last-minute shoppers looking for thoughtful gifts.
Offering Limited-Time Holiday Discounts or Perks
Add value to your gift card bundles by including small gifts or exclusive perks. This could mean offering free wrapping, adding a small treat, or offering a thank-you note with each bundle. Encourage customers to add personal touches for a truly memorable gift-giving experience.
“Having both digital and physical gift card options ensures you’re meeting the needs of a wide range of shoppers. Digital gift cards appeal to last-minute buyers who need an instant gift, while physical cards are perfect for customers who want a tangible item to gift in person.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
Offering Digital and Physical Gift Card Options for Ease of Use
Providing both digital and physical gift cards meets the needs of every type of holiday shopper. Here’s how to showcase the benefits of each option to drive gift card sales this season.
Benefits of Offering Both Digital and Physical Gift Card Options
Have both digital and physical gift card options, so you’re meeting the needs of a wide range of shoppers. Digital gift cards appeal to last-minute buyers who need an instant gift, while physical cards are perfect for customers who want a tangible item to gift in person.
Showcasing the Convenience of Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards are particularly convenient during the holiday rush. Create a holiday “instant gift” campaign that play up how easy it is to buy and send a digital gift card. Promote this convenience through social media, emails, and your website, providing direct links to make the purchasing process seamless.
Making Physical Gift Cards Appealing
To increase the appeal of physical gift cards, invest in exclusive holiday designs or packaging that makes them stand out. Set up a small display or kiosk in-store where customers can easily browse and purchase gift cards, making it a hassle-free addition to their holiday shopping experience.
Leveraging Local Gift Cards to Boost Your Holiday Sales
With a bit of planning, your gift cards can become more than just a quick sale. They can be a holiday favorite, drawing customers old and new to explore, shop, and share the joy of discovering your business.
Get Going with Gift Cards
Need help fine-tuning your business’s gift card strategy? Reach out to a TTG pro!
