How to Design and Sell Branded Gift Cards Online

Gift cards have become one of the most effective mediums for online branding and customer retention. They provide the convenience, flexibility, and individualized experience that many modern consumers are looking for . For merchants, selling branded gift cards online can increase customer loyalty, repeat business — and hopefully, consistent cash flow. Here are the basics for designing and selling your branded gift cards.

1. Establish Your Brand Identity

Before you create your gift cards, be sure your cards reflect your brand's personality and values. Choose colors, font, and imagery that is consistent with the overall look and feel of your logo and website. A well-designed card will make your product more appealing, and build brand recognition. Consider your gift card a small marketing vehicle that builds awareness - every time a gift card is given, your brand is promoted.

2. Choose the Right Platform

Pick an eCommerce platform that supports digital gift card sales such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace. These platforms - and others alike - allow you to design, sell, and track your gift cards. You can also integrate EFT email delivery, balance checking, and redemptions into your eCommerce platform to facilitate a positive customer experience.

3. Incorporate Personalization Choices

Personalization is a strong lure for consumers. Allow customers to customize the card layouts or choose to add custom messages or upload a picture. Offering personalization builds emotional value for the customer and establishes a ripe environment for quick return purchasers. The likelihood of personalized gift cards being shared on social media is also high, providing your brand with an organic promotional opportunity.

4. Actively Market Your Gift Card Offer

Utilize social media, email newsletters, and the banner of your website to promote your gift card offer. Be mindful of promoting them on holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. Identify opportunities for cross-promotional activity with influencers or complementary brands. For example, beauty retailers promote seasonal offers, as consumers will often want to know where to buy Sephora gift cards online, and knowing how established brands promote their gift card offers can definitely inspire you!

5. Analyze Sales and Gather Actionable Insights

Once your gift card is live, monitor customer behaviours and redemption data. Use these actionable insights to improve marketing, pricing, and customer engagement.

Final Thoughts

Designing and selling your own branded gift cards online is a great option for any business interested in increasing revenue and strengthening their brand identity. With your creative design, eCommerce platform and marketing strategies in place, gift cards can create an incremental revenue stream and create a lasting engagement opportunity with you and your customer!