Welcome back to the In1 Solutions blog! Our last two instalments have focused on the importance of curating season-specific voucher packages. The first quarter of the year is bursting with opportunities to get creative. Think gift cards for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Ramadan, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter! If you play your cards right and get the word out, you’re certain to earn impressive revenue.
This week, we’d like to focus on that side of the coin: Getting the word out. You can have the best technology solution in the world, but if no one knows it exists, you won’t move the needle. Of course, there are the classic and pervasive modes of online advertising, such as promoting your gift cards across social media, via newsletters, and by investing in Pay-Per-Click campaigns. Having already written extensively on these mediums, this post advises on how to expand your gift card customer base. We’re talking about reaching brand new audiences with just a few simple promotional steps:
1. Loyalty programs: Did you know, the In1 Solutions gifting platform can integrated into your existing loyalty program? Not only does it keep loyal customers coming back for more, it can encourage new customers to choose your property over your competitors. If your gift card offerings are neck in neck with a nearby hotel, new customers will likely be swayed by the promise of future loyalty program perks. Same goes for rewards programs. Be sure and have these initiatives at the forefront of all your gift card marketing materials to entice buyers.
2. Partner with local businesses: Is there a popular adventure experience provider in your locale? How about a coffee shop? Or even a zoo? Many properties establish fruitful relationships with surrounding businesses. This will allow word of your gift vouchers to reach brand new, nearby audiences. Especially if you collaborate with local partners to offer exclusive discounts on gift cards. For example, visitors to a neighbouring cinema could earn 15% off a dining voucher at your property by using the code “CINEMA15”.
3. New customer discounts: Who among us hasn’t been swayed by a First Time Customer discount? By encouraging eligible customers to enter their email address, for example, not only do they receive a discount on their first gift card purchase, they may also opt-in to receive news of deals, discounts, and special offers. That way, you keep the lines of communication open and can continue promoting your property’s offerings well after that initial purchase. Reel them in and keep them coming back for more!
4. Reward reviewers: Platforms such as Google Reviews and Yelp are indispensable when it comes to customer decision-making. What if your property could attract new customers, earn five star reviews, and become more visible online? To achieve all three in one fell swoop, consider incentivising customers to review your property by offering promo codes in return. More positive reviews will beget a spike in new customers which will lead to even more reviews. It’s a positive cycle worth prioritising in your gift card marketing.
This is just a minuscule sample of our industry tips and tricks. If you’re already a client and would like to know more, why not book a free, one-on-one consultation with a member of our Sales Team? Simply email sales@in1solutions.com and we’ll get back to you within one business day. If you’re not already a customer, but are interested in switching to our world-leading gifting platform, feel free to contact us. We’ll be delighted to arrange a demo and talk you through the features and benefits of our solution.