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Irresistible Gift Card Promotion Strategies to Drive Repeat Customers

Irresistible Gift Card Promotion Strategies to Drive Repeat Customers

Irresistible Gift Card Promotion

Gift card promotions are a powerful tool for driving repeat business, particularly for businesses targeting a B2B audience. A well-designed gift card campaign can not only encourage immediate sales but also foster long-term customer loyalty. We’ll explore different types of gift card promotions that have proven effective in keeping customers coming back for more.

Loyalty and Rewards-Based Promotions 


Loyalty programs are one of the most effective ways to encourage repeat business. A well-structured gift card promotion tied to a loyalty or rewards program can significantly increase customer retention. 

Why it works:

When businesses offer gift cards as part of their rewards program, customers feel valued and are more likely to return to redeem their points. 84% of consumers prefer businesses that offer loyalty or rewards programs, and 76% of consumers tend to spend more with brands they are enrolled with. This makes integrating gift cards with loyalty programs a smart move for brands aiming to boost repeat purchases. 

How to implement:

Create a program where customers earn points for every purchase they make, and they can redeem those points for gift cards. This not only rewards them for their loyalty but also encourages future spending. 

Buy One Get One (BOGO) Gift Card Promotions


BOGO promotions are a proven strategy to increase sales and delight customers. Offering a free or discounted gift card with the purchase of another creates an irresistible deal for customers while ensuring they return to redeem the bonus. It’s a win-win for businesses and consumers alike.

Why it works:

BOGO gift card promotions tap into customers' desire for added value, making their purchase feel like a double win. The "get something extra" factor not only increases their immediate satisfaction but also creates a compelling reason for them to return to your business. Additionally, it drives word-of-mouth referrals, as customers love sharing such exciting deals with their networks.

How to implement:

For Example, Run a promotion where customers receive a $10 gift card for free when they purchase a $50 gift card. This strategy works exceptionally well during holiday seasons, product launches, or anniversaries, boosting both immediate sales and customer retention.

Referral Gift Card Promotions 


Referral programs are a classic strategy for acquiring new customers while rewarding existing ones. When businesses offer gift cards as rewards for successful referrals, they create a mutually beneficial cycle. Not only does this incentivize customers to spread the word about your business, but it also brings in new customers who are likely to return for repeat business.

Why it works:

Referral gift card promotions leverage social proof, and the trust customers have in their networks. When someone refers a friend, they’re essentially ensuring the new customer is more likely to make a purchase due to that personal recommendation. Both the referrer and the referee can receive gift cards, which further incentivizes customers to refer others.

How to implement:

Create a referral program where customers can earn gift cards by referring others. For example, customers could receive a $10 gift card for every friend they refer who makes a purchase. This promotion works best when the referred customers also receive a welcome offer, like a $5 gift card on their first purchase, encouraging them to come back for additional transactions.

Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Promotions


Seasonal promotions are incredibly effective in keeping customers engaged and excited about your brand. Holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day are great opportunities to offer gift cards tied to special offers or discounts. Additionally, creating a themed campaign around popular shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday can drive a substantial amount of traffic and repeat business.

Why it works:

Holidays and seasons are times when people are already thinking about purchasing gifts, and offering gift cards during these periods allows your business to tap into that mindset. Holiday promotions also provide a perfect opportunity to create special offers that entice customers to come back and redeem their gift cards.

How to implement:

Launch gift card promotions with holiday-specific themes, such as offering double the value of a gift card during the holidays or providing a special holiday bonus card for purchases made in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Additionally, offering time-limited holiday discounts or exclusive online sales tied to gift cards can create a sense of urgency and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Gift Card Bonuses with Purchases


Offering bonus gift cards with certain purchases is an excellent way to increase the value of each transaction. For example, a business might offer a $20 gift card for every $100 spent. This strategy not only increases the average order value but also motivates customers to return and redeem their gift cards. 

Why it works:

Consumers love feeling like they are getting extra value, and a bonus gift card encourages them to spend more. This type of promotion works well because it increases both the purchase amount and the likelihood of repeat visits. Customers are likely to return to use the gift card they received, boosting your sales long after the original transaction.

How to implement:

Offer bonus gift cards for larger purchases, such as $10 gift cards for every $50 spent or $20 for every $100 spent. This strategy works particularly well during seasonal sales or product launches. By structuring these promotions around milestones, you ensure that customers have a reason to come back and make another purchase.

Gift card promotions are a versatile and effective strategy for driving repeat business, building customer loyalty, and increasing overall sales. By offering a variety of gift card promotion types, such as loyalty rewards, seasonal bonuses, personalized options, and time-sensitive offers, businesses can create campaigns that resonate with their customers and encourage them to return time and again. Whether you're targeting the holidays or offering incentives for referrals, gift card promotions are a powerful way to boost your business’s bottom line while keeping your customers happy. 

About Plasticard – Locktech International

PLI is the largest Closed Loop Gift, Loyalty and Hospitality card manufacturer in North America. PLI has been in business for over 30 years, specializing in end-to-end card marketing solutions including card production, design, packaging, displays, consulting and fulfillment services and capabilities. PLI has three manufacturing facility locations including two in Las Vegas, NV and one in Asheville, NC.

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