Holiday Gift Card Strategies for Small Business Season

November 5, 2024

Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous and bonuses.


If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue. Gift cards can also help you foster long-term customer relationships and assist you in increasing revenue for today for services rendered or goods purchased in the future.

Many businesses discovered the value of offering a gift card program during the pandemic (and at time of natural disasters). During these challenges, gift cards can be a source of revenue even when the business is not open.


Why Gift Cards Are a Must for Small Businesses


Gift cards are appealing to shoppers, especially for last-minute, hard-to-shop-for, or out-of-town gifts (have you seen the cost of mailing packages these days?!). If you sell online and offer gift cards, you can capture out of town buyers as well.

Gift cards don’t have to be an administrative headache. Digital gift cards are becoming the new standard, with over 50% of the market share in the first half of 2024. <If you are participating in Yiftee or some other card program add this line> Check out the merchant options with our community card program <insert URL>.

Gift cards can also be a gateway to future sales, new customer acquisition, and increased brand visibility.


Creative Gift Card Ideas for the Holidays

Boring rectangle cards are out. Instead, create an appealing gift out of them and include some upsells to facilitate purchases by:


Bundling Gift Cards with Small Holiday Extras


Include a small, festive item (e.g., holiday candle, ornament, or seasonal treat) with each gift card purchase as a value-add or offer a discount on a small item with a gift card purchase, such as buy a $25 gift card, get this ornament for an additional $2. Show them bundled together at the cash register to capture impulse buys.


Get creative with your bundle item. For instance, a coffee shop could include a mini bag of holiday coffee beans (a taster) or a boutique could add a scented sachet. It’s a nice touch the recipient will love. It creates a positive impression, encourages impulse purchases, and differentiates your business from all the other rectangle cards.


Tiered Gift Card Bonuses for the Holidays


Offer bonuses based on gift card spending levels (e.g., “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $5 bonus; Buy a $100 gift card, get a $15 bonus”).

Promote these offers on social media, in-store, and on your website to draw in more shoppers. Let us know because we can help you get the word out. Check out our Chamber Connect page on Facebook, or become part of our Go Local eGiftcard program.

This type of tiered bonus encourages higher gift card purchase values and attracts customers who might want to gift (or keep) the bonus card.


Partner with Other Local Businesses for Joint Gift Card Offers


Collaborate with nearby or complementary businesses to create a joint gift card package (e.g., a coffee shop and a bookstore, or a spa and a boutique). Create a gift card deal that adds value and introduces each business to new customers.

You could also work together to create a tiered bonus like above. For example, for every $100 purchased at the bookstore, get a free $5 gift card at the coffee shop.

You would need to work out payment arrangements with the other business. This type of partnership can also increase foot traffic, foster local exchanges, and offer an exciting, unique gift idea for shoppers.


Holiday Gift Card “Mystery Bonus”


Include a mystery discount or reward with each gift card purchase valid after the holidays. For example, a restaurant might offer a “mystery envelope” with a surprise discount for January or a “Buy one get one free” offer for a future visit.

This encourages repeat visits in the new year, provides post-holiday sales boost, and builds excitement around gift card purchases.


Limited-Edition Holiday-Themed Gift Card Designs


Offer holiday-specific designs or branded packaging for gift cards that make them more visually appealing and memorable. A limited-edition design can be created affordably, especially if it’s an e-gift card. Promote it on social media and in email campaigns.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to do this, add it to a special glitter sleeve or other festive mini container. Leave them wrapped beautifully on a tree or at your register to influence impulse buys.

Doing so increases the perceived value of the gift card and encourages more people to choose it as a holiday present.


Marketing and Promoting Gift Card Offers


While gift cards make ideal gifts, they don’t market themselves. Local shoppers may not realize you have a gift card.

Run a social media campaign informing people that you sell gift cards as well as any specials you’re offering. Post stories, photos, and videos to draw attention and drive sales. Get creative with photos of bundled gift cards, reels of mystery bonuses being revealed, or countdowns to encourage last-minute purchases.

Use attractive in-store signage and point-of-sale promotions to bring attention to your gift cards. Create holiday-specific displays near the checkout area to capture impulse buys.

Don’t forget email campaigns and website mentions. Design festive email campaigns focused on gift card promotions and ensure you can sell gift cards on your website for easy holiday gift purchasing.


Bonus Points for Overachievers


Gift cards are a great way to assist people in finding easy holiday gifts, but you also want to create a campaign to help convert those gift card recipients into loyal customers. You can do this by offering discounts or exclusive offers for their next visit. Additionally, you can place a message on the gift card about being eligible for a discount if they join your email list. That way you can continue to nurture the relationship even after the gift card is used.


Don’t think of gift cards as boring. They are an excellent source of revenue and can provide quick assistance for desperate customers. When implemented strategically, gift cards can provide immediate holiday revenue and long-term customer engagement.


Our Go Local eGiftcard program will send you statistics to help measure customer engagement.


Whatever you use, Gift Cards can be a valuable tool for reaching customers and increasing your brand awareness!

Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth

February 19, 2025
Strategic partnerships expand reach – Small businesses can attract new customers, reduce costs, and strengthen their local presence by collaborating with complementary businesses. Joint events boost visibility – Pop-up shops, community festivals, and charity partnerships create opportunities for cross-promotion and increased customer engagement. Shared marketing maximizes impact – Social media takeovers, email marketing swaps, and joint discounts help businesses reach wider audiences without increasing advertising costs. Co-working and shared spaces reduce expenses – Businesses can lower overhead costs by sharing retail locations, office spaces, or market stalls while enhancing customer experience. Success stories highlight collaboration benefits – Partnerships like breweries and food trucks or bookstores and coffee shops demonstrate how businesses can thrive together by providing complementary services. ~ 507 words / 2.5 min read Small businesses looking to expand their reach and strengthen their customer base are finding success through local collaborations. By forming strategic partnerships with other businesses and organizations, owners can tap into new audiences, reduce costs and contribute to a thriving local economy. Finding the Right Business Partner Successful collaborations often involve businesses that complement, rather than compete with each other. A coffee shop, for example, may partner with a bookstore to host book signings, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement that brings in customers for both. A fitness studio might team up with a health food store to promote wellness programs, offering discounts to each other’s customers. Leveraging Events and Promotions Local businesses can increase visibility and engagement by organizing joint events. Some popular strategies include: Pop-up shops – A bakery can be set up inside a boutique, providing shoppers with refreshments while increasing exposure for both businesses. Community festivals – Restaurants, retailers and service providers can join forces to sponsor or participate in local events, drawing in larger crowds. Charity partnerships – Businesses that collaborate with nonprofits or local organizations not only contribute to a cause but also boost customer loyalty and trust. Such initiatives create opportunities for businesses to cross-promote and introduce their brands to new audiences. Collaborating on Marketing Efforts Marketing can be a significant expense for small businesses, but shared promotional efforts help reduce costs while maximizing impact. Local businesses can work together through: Social media takeovers – Partnering businesses can feature each other on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, increasing engagement. Email marketing swaps – Businesses can promote each other in their newsletters, introducing their products and services to a wider audience. Exclusive discounts – Offering customers a deal when they visit both businesses encourages spending across multiple locations. Exploring Shared Spaces Another effective collaboration strategy involves sharing physical space to cut costs and increase visibility. Co-working environments, pop-up markets and joint retail spaces are becoming increasingly popular among small business owners. For instance, a yoga studio and a wellness clinic might share a lease, offering their clients a one-stop destination for fitness and health. Similarly, food halls that feature multiple vendors allow small restaurant owners to reach new customers without the financial burden of operating a standalone location. Success Stories in Local Collaboration One well-known example of local business partnerships is the collaboration between breweries and food trucks. Many craft breweries lack kitchen facilities, so they invite food trucks to set up outside their establishments. This arrangement brings in more customers, benefits both businesses and creates a vibrant atmosphere for patrons. Independent bookstores and coffee shops have also successfully partnered to attract customers. By allowing book lovers to enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing, both businesses see increased engagement and longer customer visits. The Bottom Line For small businesses, collaboration is more than just a marketing strategy—it’s a way to strengthen the local economy and build lasting relationships with customers. By forming strategic partnerships, hosting events and sharing marketing efforts, businesses can maximize their resources and drive mutual success. --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Seeing Results

February 17, 2025
Has this ever happened to you? A brilliant idea sparks, you meticulously plan every detail, create beautiful spreadsheets, and envision the triumphant launch. Maybe you even practice a little Law of Attraction in your meditative practices each morning. But then… . The plan sits there, gathering dust, because life has gotten busy, you’ve been plagued by self-doubt, or you moved on to the next exciting concept. Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re the opposite. Maybe you’re all about action and no planning. You’re jetting off to the next hottest thing without seeing anything ripen and produce. Many business professionals fall into this trap, leaning too heavily on either the planning or the action phase. We either over-analyze and never launch, or we jump in headfirst without a strategy and quickly burn out. So, how do we bridge the gap and turn those well-laid plans (or exuberant energy) into tangible results? Ready, Set, Go Finding the balance between planning and action is crucial for success. Too much planning leads to paralysis, while too much action leads to a game of chaotic professional ping-pong, bouncing from one thing to the next. Here's how to navigate that middle ground and start experiencing real progress: 1. Define Your "Why" and Set Clear Goals: Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, revisit the core reason behind your plan. Why is this important? What do you hope to achieve? Does it fit into what you’re already doing or is it a new undertaking altogether? If it’s new, do you aim to replace or enhance what you’re currently doing? Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation, making it easier to prioritize and stay focused. 2. Break It Down: Large, overwhelming plans are often the biggest culprits of inaction. Break your grand vision into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of "launch a new product line," think "research competitor pricing," "develop prototype," "create marketing materials." These bite-sized tasks feel less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off. Building momentum is a large part of sticking with something long-term. 3. Embrace Imperfect Action: Perfection is the enemy of progress. Don't wait for everything to be flawless (or the timing to be perfect) before taking a step. Sometimes, "good enough" is better than "never done." Remember, even a small step is a step, if it aligns with your goals. That imperfect thank you note you send is better than the perfect note you never write. 4. Resist the Shiny Object Syndrome: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted by the next "big thing." Don't be a "shiny object entrepreneur." Constantly chasing fleeting trends and abandoning projects when they don't instantly go viral is a trip to Nowheresville. True success is built on consistency and perseverance. Focus on your core plan, refine it as needed, and stick with it. 5. Build Relationships, Not Transactions: Today's most successful businesses are built on strong relationships. You can't cultivate genuine connections if you're constantly flitting from one project to the next, across multiple disparate audiences, solely focused on quick wins. Invest time in building rapport with clients, partners, and even competitors. These relationships can be invaluable for support, collaboration, and long-term growth. Remember, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. 6. Review and Adjust: Your initial plan is just a starting point. Regularly review your progress, analyze what's working and what's not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be flexible and willing to adapt. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and your plan should too. But this is where a lot of people stumble. They confuse new projects with timely adjustments. When things get rough or boring, they think innovation means a completely new undertaking. It doesn’t have to. Sometimes innovation is making changes to how you’re currently doing something and serving your market in a new way. 7. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, is essential for maintaining momentum. It reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep moving forward.  8. Create Daily Habits: Following daily habits can keep you on track and accountable toward your progress. Bridging the gap between planning and action requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset. Not to mention, walking away from the idea of going viral. You still can, of course, but don’t make it your only goal. It’s too easy to get discouraged. Instead, transform your ideas into reality and achieve lasting success through these steps. ---------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Embracing Imperfection to Strengthen Your Business

February 10, 2025
What do Han Solo (Star Wars et al), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) have in common? They’re terribly flawed and we love them for it. Imperfection can also be a powerful asset for businesses when approached with the right mindset. So stop trying your best to be perfect and embrace imperfection as a way to connect with your customers. Here’s how: How to be Perfectly Imperfect  You’ve probably heard the adage “finished is better than perfect” or “you can’t edit a blank page.” There’s something to be said for embracing life’s imperfections, especially in business. After all, everyone can relate, and imperfections are bound to happen. So you might as well make the best of them. There’s a popular self-help book called “How to Keep House While Drowning.” It was written by a recovering overwhelmed housewife. It’s funny and terribly relatable, especially if you do most of the housework around your home. But it’s also a book about very boring things like dishes in a sink. You can use this same “common denominator” to relate with your ideal client. Relatability It's hard to identify with a perfect business or person. When someone is busy telling us how perfect they are or only showing us the perfect side of their lives, a distance between us will arise. After all, if your life is less than perfect how do you align with someone who is only showing you the sunny side? Whether it's a fictional character, your best friend, or a business, seeing flaws makes us feel like that person or entity is going through the same things we are. This relatability can be loyalty-building when it comes to business. Transparency You can also turn mistakes into opportunities by being openly honest about your shortcomings. When you acknowledge errors and demonstrate a commitment to improvement, you actually build stronger relationships with customers. In fact, 89% of people believe a business can regain their trust if it admits to a mistake and transparently outlines steps to prevent future issues. Authenticity Companies that show their human side can gain a competitive edge. For example: Domino's Pizza ran a campaign admitting their pizza had its issues , but they were addressing them. Guess what? It increased sales. Netflix publicly apologized for a pricing mistake, demonstrating accountability (and let’s not forget their Tyson debacle—again, they apologized instead of ignoring it). Coke went back to the original and admitted the change was a terrible idea. All of these companies received kudos for their honesty (and listening to customers). Fearlessness From an employee perspective, embracing imperfection can unlock creativity by removing the paralyzing fear of failure. When businesses create an environment that accepts mistakes as part of the learning process, employees feel more comfortable: - Experimenting with new ideas - Taking calculated risks - Thinking outside traditional boundaries Companies that remove the fear of failure can accomplish great innovation. Healthier Work Environment Transparency in leadership can also improve your business. When leaders acknowledge their own flaws it: - Reduces stress among employees - Increases job satisfaction - Boosts overall productivity If you’ve ever worked for a workaholic, you know their flawed views on work can be detrimental to your own. But we’re not telling you to hang all your dirty laundry out on the line for everyone to see. There is a strategy behind using imperfection to build a stronger relationship with your customers and employees. A Strategic Approach to Imperfection The key is not to aim for mediocrity, but to view imperfections as opportunities for growth. Your business is never going to be perfect; but you can be perfectly relatable. Be real, be resilient, and be ready to learn and grow. Our best relationships in life (and on the screen) are not between us and perfect people. Quite the opposite. We embrace flaws and appreciate when those around us do the same. Showing your less-than-perfect side will make you more endearing and solidify a long-term relationship between your business and your customers. ------------------------ Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith
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