Gift cards aren’t just a convenience for shoppers—they’re a proven sales booster that can turn casual buyers into loyal customers.
This is because of browsing behavior. Someone may land on your website to redeem their gift card, but it’s likely they’ll also end up purchasing a few extra items while they’re at it. According to a Capital One survey, 61% of customers typically spend almost $32 more than the card’s value.
What’s more, browsing your offer can introduce people to your brand, period—which may lead to more purchases and a deeper relationship.
With so much potential, it’s clear that Gift card mailers can do more than boost short-term sales. To help you tap into this opportunity, we’ve put together 8 practical gift card marketing strategies that can keep your customers coming back.
1. Use Digital Gift Cards Instead of Physical Ones
Digital gift cards are more popular than ever — and for good reason. Here’s why they work so well:
- They’re fast and easy to send. If someone needs a last-minute gift, they can buy and send a digital gift card instantly by email or text.
- No shipping needed. There’s no need to wait for delivery, and there’s no packaging or wrapping involved.
- They feel more personal. You can add special designs or write a personal message to the person receiving the card.
Marketing Tip: Create special offers for holidays or busy seasons like, “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus.” Make sure to mention that it’s a limited-time offer so people act quickly.
2. Team Up with Content Creators or Influencers
Working with online creators can help spread the word about your gift cards in a fun and natural way.
Here’s how:
- Ask them to make videos or posts that show off your products, like a “what’s in my bag” or “get ready with me” video.
- Let them promote special offers like bonus gift cards during holiday sales.
- Host gift card giveaways with fun questions like “What would you buy with this gift card?”
Marketing Tip: Make sure their followers know your gift card can be used on lots of different products. This helps build interest in your brand overall, not just one item.
3. Offer VIP Gift Cards to Your Best Customers
Reward your most loyal customers with exclusive gift cards that come with special perks. For example:
- Send a VIP gift card after they reach a certain spending level.
- Let them use the card on special items like early-access products or limited collections.
Marketing Tip: Make your loyal customers feel valued by offering something that’s not available to everyone else. This keeps them coming back and strengthens their connection with your brand.
4. Add Gift Cards to Product Bundles
Product bundles with a free gift card are a great way to increase sales while encouraging customers to come back later.
For example, if you sell skincare, offer a bundle with your best-selling products plus a $15 gift card. That gives the buyer something to enjoy now and a reason to return in the future.
Marketing Tip: Bundles work well for higher-priced items. A gift card makes the purchase feel like an even better deal.
5. Suggest Gift Cards at Checkout
When a customer is already buying something, it’s a great time to suggest a gift card. You can even offer it at a lower price to encourage them to add it to their order.
For example:
“Add a $50 gift card for just $35 — limited time only!”
Marketing Tip: This is a great way to increase your average order value and bring the customer back for another purchase later.
6. Run Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Gift Card Promos
People love getting something extra for free. With a BOGO gift card deal, they can give one card to someone else and keep one for themselves.
Example:
“Buy a $100 gift card, get a $25 bonus card free!”
Marketing Tip: BOGO gift card promotions are perfect for holidays, birthdays, and other gift-giving times. They help boost your sales while encouraging repeat customers.
7. Let Customers Customize Their Gift Cards
Personalized gift cards feel more special. Let your customers choose from different designs and add a personal note for the person they’re buying it for.
Marketing Tip: Offer seasonal designs (like for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you messages) to make the gift feel thoughtful and meaningful.
8. Use Gift Cards as Prizes in Giveaways
Gift cards are great prizes for contests and giveaways on social media. They’re easy to deliver and attract a lot of interest.
Example giveaway ideas:
- Ask people to like and comment on a post to enter.
- Ask them to tag a friend or share their favorite product.
- Run polls and choose winners based on fun answers like “How would you use this gift card?”
Marketing Tip: Giveaways boost your brand’s reach and help create a fun connection with your audience. Plus, winners will likely explore your shop and maybe spend even more than the card’s value.
Final Thoughts: Why Gift Cards Are Worth It
Gift cards are a simple, low-cost way to:
- Attract new customers
- Increase the amount people spend
- Bring buyers back again
- Promote your brand in fun and personal ways
With a little creativity and planning, you can turn gift cards into a powerful sales tool for your business.
Whether it’s through a digital card, a holiday bundle, or a BOGO deal, gift cards help your customers share your brand with others — and keep coming back themselves.
