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1. Mention that you sell gift cards in all print and e-mail newsletters and communications.
2. Place a section on your website announcing that you sell gift cards.
3. If you have online purchasing, make it easy for consumers to add on a gift card during the check out process.
4. Hold a special training session for all of your employees to teach them to ask all guests in your store or restaurant if they’d like to purchase a gift card.
5. Create a direct mail campaign specifically around your business’ gift cards and the benefits of giving them as presents.
6. If you are a retailer, use out-of-stock tags as a way to promote gift cards. For example, place a display that says, “This item is currently out of stock. Consider purchasing a gift card instead.”
7. Create a drawing that you display within your business where customers can leave business cards or fill out their contact information and drop them into a bowl. The prize will be a gift card that you give away once a month, or even more during the holidays.
8. Place actual gift cards or pictures of gift cards around your store or at each table in your restaurant.
9. Offer free packaging. Did you know that 84% of consumers are more likely to buy a gift card if it comes already wrapped or with free packaging?
10. Send messages to your e-mail or mailing lists offering frequent customers discounts on gift card purchases.
11. Create an employee contest and offer a prize to the employee who sells the most gift cards. You can do it by the week, shift, or entire period around the holidays.

What other ways has your business successfully promoted gift cards? Why does it work? Share with us what is working for you!

Also, you may have noticed that social networks weren’t mentioned in this list of ways to promote gift cards. Check back in next week, where we are devoting an entire post to promoting your gift cards using Facebook, Twitter and other social mediums.

Mary Catherine Brutz, Marketing Communications
Radiant Systems