17 Ways to Increase Gift Card Sales

Strong sales of Gift Cards in the 4^th Quarter holiday season turns into strong restaurant sales in the 1^st Quarter of the new year as gift recipients visit to use their gift card. Promoting gift cards is the easiest way to ensure your restaurant sales have a running start next year!

With a little brainstorming, I’m sure you can add to our list of 17 ways to increase your gift card sales.

1. Festive Packaging: Design and offer gift cards in holiday-themed packaging, making them visually appealing and gift-ready.  Offer gift wrapped versions in boxes or bags, so guests can grab a complete gift card gift ready for the holiday party or gift exchange.
2. Online Marketing:
   1. Launch targeted social media campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, using holiday-themed visuals and messaging.
   1. Create engaging social posts showcasing your gift cards as ideal presents or stocking stuffers.
   1. Run paid advertisements to reach a wider audience. It’s easy to set up geographically targeted ads for a radius around your restaurant on Facebook and Instagram.
3. Email Marketing:
   1. Send out regular email newsletters to your subscribers, highlighting the convenience and versatility of restaurant gift cards for holiday gifting.
   1. Offer exclusive discounts or promotions for those purchasing gift cards online.  Some restaurant chains offer an extra gift for the purchaser – “Buy $100 in Gift Cards. Receive a $10 Gift Card for Yourself!”
4. Website Promotion:
   1. Feature gift cards prominently on your website’s homepage.
   1. Create a dedicated gift card page with online purchase options.
5. In-House Promotion:
   1. Display gift card stands near the entrance and cash registers.
   1. Add the Gift Card messaging to your receipts.
   1. Print Posters and Window Clings to promote gift cards.
6. Collaborations and Cross-Promotions:
   1. Partner with local businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a spa could offer your restaurant’s gift cards, and you could offer theirs in return.
   1. Collaborate with nearby retailers or hotels to bundle their gift cards with yours for a complete holiday experience.
7. Loyalty Program Integration:
   1. Offer bonus points or rewards for customers who purchase or redeem gift cards.
   1. Encourage existing customers to gift cards as a way to introduce new customers to your restaurant.
8. Limited-Time Offers:
   1. Create limited-time promotions, such as “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” for gift cards.
   1. Offer discounts or incentives for large purchases, like a free appetizer or dessert for gift card purchases over a certain amount.
9. Gift Card Giveaways:
   1. Host social media contests or giveaways where participants have a chance to win restaurant gift cards.
   1. Feature user-generated content from gift card recipients on your social media.
10. Corporate and Bulk Sales:
    1. Target local businesses for corporate gifting opportunities.
    1. Offer discounts for bulk purchases of gift cards, which companies can distribute to employees or clients.
11. Holiday Events:
    1. Host special holiday events or themed nights where attendees have the option to purchase gift cards.
    1. Promote gift cards as great prizes for contests or raffles at these events.
12. Charity and Giving Back:
    1. Allocate a portion of gift card sales to a charity or local community organization during the holiday season, creating a feel-good incentive for customers to buy.
    1. Have the charity share the message to their donor list and supporter emails.
13. Gift Card Mass Distribution:
    1. Tap into a Gift Card Management company like Blackhawk Network to sell your restaurant gift cards in grocery stores and other retail locations.
    1. Be sure to do your research as these companies may charge a significant percentage of the card sale value.
14. Local Media and PR:
    1. Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, and TV stations to feature your gift cards in holiday gift guides or restaurant spotlights.
    1. Provide Gift Cards as prizes to your local radio stations.
15. Remarketing and Follow-Up:
    1. Implement remarketing ads to target website visitors who viewed the gift card page but did not make a purchase.
    1. Send follow-up emails to potential buyers who abandoned their gift card cart, offering incentives to complete the purchase.
16. Early Giver Specials:
    1. Encourage early gift card purchases by offering special deals or bonuses for those who buy before a specific date.
17. Ask for the Sale!:
    1. Train your staff to suggest gift cards to diners during their visits.
    1. Hold a Server Sales Contest to incentivize your staff to sell gift cards.

By implementing these strategies, restaurant owners can maximize gift card sales and capitalize on the holiday season’s gift-giving spirit.