The holiday season is just around the corner, and for local restaurants and coffee shops, it’s one of the best opportunities to boost revenue—especially when it comes to selling gift cards. Think about it: gift cards are an easy win for your most loyal customers who want to share their favorite spots with friends and family. They’re also popular! Studies from last year’s holiday spending show that 55% of holiday shoppers said they would like to receive gift cards, and nearly 30% of consumers said they planned to buy themselves a gift card.
So there’s no doubt consumers will be buying gift cards this holiday season, but the question is, will they be purchasing one from you? Here are a few creative online marketing campaign ideas to help you capture their attention and make sure your gift cards are at the top of their holiday shopping lists.
Creative Campaign Ideas to Maximize Holiday Gift Card Sales
1. Gift Card Bundle Promotions
Create a sense of value and festivity by offering themed gift card bundles. Pair a gift card with a popular menu item or a holiday treat, such as a seasonal drink and a pastry. This type of promotion adds extra appeal for customers looking to gift an experience rather than just a card. You can promote these bundles through eye-catching social media posts and email campaigns that highlight the added value.
For example, you might offer something like this: “Buy a $50 gift card and get a free peppermint latte and gingerbread cookie with your purchase.” This not only incentivizes the purchase but also encourages the recipient to visit your cafe or restaurant.
2. User-Generated Content Campaign
Leverage the power of your loyal customers by encouraging them to share their favorite moments at your restaurant or coffee shop. Create a holiday-themed hashtag like #GiftOfFlavor and ask your followers to post photos or stories of their best experiences with your food or drinks. Incentivize participation by offering a chance to win a gift card.
This type of user-generated content not only promotes your gift cards but also strengthens your brand by showcasing real customer stories. You can feature the best entries on your social media channels and email newsletters, giving participants the added bonus of being highlighted by their favorite local spot.
3. Countdown to the Holidays
Create excitement and urgency with a countdown campaign leading up to the holidays. Each day, offer a different promotion tied to your gift cards. For example:
- Day 1: Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus
- Day 2: Buy two $25 gift cards, get a free dessert
- Day 3: Share our post and tag a friend for a chance to win a $25 gift card
This type of campaign can be promoted through email, social media, or text message marketing, encouraging your audience to check back daily for new offers. The sense of urgency and novelty each day drives engagement and can lead to increased gift card purchases.
4. Gift Card Giveaways
Who doesn’t love a good social media contest contest? Host a series of giveaways on your social media platforms where followers can enter to win a gift card by liking, sharing, or tagging friends in your posts. This can increase engagement while expanding your reach to potential new customers.
Consider hosting a themed series of giveaways—such as “12 Days of Giveaways”—where you give out gift cards or bundles each day leading up to the holidays. Giveaways can keep your audience engaged throughout the holiday season and build excitement around your brand.
For more insights, be sure to check out our resource on running a successful restaurant social media contest or campaign.
5. Personalized Email Campaigns
Use your customer data to send personalized email campaigns that recommend gift cards based on previous purchases. For instance, if a customer frequently orders a specific dish or drink, send them a targeted email suggesting they gift that experience to someone special.
An example email might say, “Treat someone to your favorite meal this holiday season! Buy a gift card and let your loved ones experience the best [insert dish or drink] in town.” Personalization makes your marketing feel more genuine and can lead to higher conversion rates.
Best Practices for Promoting Gift Cards Online
When promoting gift cards through digital channels like social media, email, and text messaging, it’s essential to keep a few best practices in mind to ensure your campaigns are effective:
- Use eye-catching visuals: Whether it’s a festive graphic or a well-designed email, make sure your visuals are engaging and convey the holiday spirit.
- Incentivize early purchases: Offer early-bird deals or bonus incentives for those who purchase gift cards before a certain date.
- Create a sense of urgency: Use countdowns or limited-time offers to encourage quick purchases.
- Leverage storytelling: Share stories of customers who have given or received gift cards, making your promotions feel more personal and relatable.
- Segment your audience: Tailor your email or text message promotions based on customer behaviors and preferences to make the message more relevant.
- Optimize for mobile: Ensure that your emails, social media posts, and landing pages are mobile-friendly, as many holiday shoppers will be browsing and purchasing from their phones.
Make the Most of Your Holiday Marketing
At the end of the day, making the most of the holiday season isn’t just about offering gift cards—it’s about creating an experience that makes people want to share your restaurant with others. With the right marketing plan in place, you can turn gift cards into more than just a sale; you can use them as a tool to bring new customers through the door and keep regulars coming back for more.
We’d love to help you take things to the next level. Whether it’s coming up with engaging social media campaigns or making sure your promotions reach the right people, Olive + Leo is here to make sure your restaurant or coffee shop shines this holiday season. Let’s chat and see how we can work together! And for more timely holiday marketing tips for your restaurant or hospitality business, be sure to follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn!
