Running a gift card program may sound simple enough, but can turn out to be a real challenge. In the first part of the series, we discussed a number of useful tips and strategies that could help you ease the burden. In this article, we will talk about some more helpful strategies that could mean the difference between a booming business and a flunked investment. Pay close attention to the following suggestions for ensuring the success of your gift card program:
- Pay close attention to the trends
- Provide a memorable & great experience
- Generate ample awareness
- Go above and beyond in promoting your program
- Make your cards grab interest
Pay Close Attention To The Trends
When it comes to the cold, hard data you have at your disposal related to the flows of your gift card sales, it is essential to not only meticulously track it , but use it to your advantage as well. How? By observing the periods in which your purchases are low or at least lower than average. After identifying these periods, try to tackle the problem by running an incentive program to increase sales or simply improve your marketing tactics.
Provide A Memorable & Great Experience
Your team could easily prove to be the weakest link in your gift card program. They need to be able to go through the process of checking out the cards efficiently when a customer becomes ready to actually purchase a gift card. This can be ensured by providing proper and thorough training on POS procedures to activate, pay for and utilize gift cards. As a result, every transaction will be a pleasant and smooth experience.
Generate Ample Awareness
In-store customers are the foundation of the program. Grab their attention and inform them about your gift card program by using in-store promotional signage. This serves two purposes: one is that it tells your customers that you have gift cards available for sale. The other, is that it encourages them to pick one or more up when they reach the checkout or as they’re waiting in line.
Go Above And Beyond In Promoting Your Program
Spreading awareness about your gift card program should not be limited to merely promoting them to in-store shoppers. Instead, get the buzz going by highlighting your program across all of your existing marketing materials. This can include catalogues, flyers or social media. No matter the platform, always include both an image and description of your gift card program.
Make Your Cards Grab Interest
The best way to draw attention to your cards is to showcase and promote quirky, creative and colorful messages or designs on them. You can draw even more attention by using a display case on your counter to pull customer focus towards the cards as a featured and special product. This will guarantee immediate interest and will likely convert into sales.
Related Post: Part 1: Tips to Boost Gift Card Sales