It’s difficult to remember a time without gift certificates and cards, but the truth is that they’ve only become popular in the last few decades. Today, businesses of all sizes and industries offer gift certificates to their customers.
In this blog post, explore why gift certificates are an excellent addition for small businesses and solopreneurs. Plus, get some inspiring gift certificate examples you can use.
Why Offer Gift Certificates?
There are several reasons why small businesses and solopreneurs may want to provide a gift certificate option.
Here’s a closer look at a few of them.
Convenience
Gift certificates are a convenient option for people who are unsure about what to give as a present.
It allows customers to purchase from you while also allowing the recipient to choose a product or service they desire.
Flexibility
These certificates can be used in-store or online, and can often be used for purchases on multiple occasions, providing flexibility for the recipient.
Incentives
If you want to encourage your team to meet a certain goal or target, try offering a gift certificate for completion. This can act as a great motivator.
Brand Promotion
Gift certificates can be used as a marketing tool to promote a brand, product, or service, while also providing additional value to the customer.
What Industries Provide Customers with Gift Certificates?
Many industries and jobs can benefit from providing customers with gift certificates. Check out these gift certificate examples for different types of businesses.
- Retail: Gift certificates are a popular option for retail stores, allowing customers to purchase products they desire while also promoting the brand.
- Hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and spas can offer gift certificates for meals, stays, and services, providing customers with an opportunity to indulge in luxury experiences.
- Entertainment: Movie theaters, amusem*nt parks, and other entertainment venues can offer gift certificates, giving customers the opportunity to experience their favorite activities.
- Education: Tutors, music teachers, and other educators can offer gift certificates for their services, providing a unique and thoughtful gift option.
- Health and wellness: Fitness centers, yoga studios, and other wellness-focused businesses can offer gift certificates for classes and services to encourage attendance or more sales.
5 Gift Certificate Examples to Inspire You
Not sure where to start with gift certificates for your business? We’ve got you covered.
Consider these different ideas to get the ball rolling.. . .
1. Gift Certificate for a Set Amount
This type of gift certificate is useful when you don’t know the recipient’s preferences, or when you’re not sure what specific item they would like.
The recipient can use the gift certificate towards any product or service up to the specified amount.
2. Gift Certificate for a Specific Service
A gift certificate for a specific service is a good choice when you know what the recipient enjoys or needs.
For example, you may gift a loyal client or customer with a gift certificate for something that matches their tastes and preferences.
3. Free Item Gift Certificate
If you have a small product or service, consider offering a free gift certificate for it. This can help you get more customers in the door or on your website.
This way, people who may not have otherwise known about your business can discover you.
4. Voucher with Purchase
A voucher with purchase is a good choice when you want to encourage customers to buy more of your products or services.
The voucher entitles the customer to a discount or free product after their initial purchase, which encourages them to come back and shop with you again.
It’s a great way to promote your products and services while also rewarding your customers.
5. Seasonal Gift Certificate
This type of gift certificate is usually designed to be used during a specific time of the year, such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day. It’s a way to show your appreciation during these special times.
Consider offering certificates for services and products that align with the time of year.
How to Make Your Own Gift Certificates
You don’t have to be a professional designer to put your own gift certificates together. Using Shutterstock Create, you can craft your own assets in minutes.
Here’s how it works:
Prepare Your Canvas
In Create, select Custom Size and enter the dimensions for your gift certificate design.
Find a Starting Point
From here, search templates or continue on with a blank canvas. You’ll have access to thousands of fonts, graphics, textures, effects, and color combinations to pick from.
If you want to start with a gift certificate template instead, simply click Templates then search and select one that meets your needs.
No matter what you choose, you’ll have access to the same customization options.
Make Design Changes
Click on any element to make your adjustments and see what options are available to you in the toolbar on the left side of the editor.
Select Your Visuals
Update images or graphics to meet your needs by clicking Images or Graphics. From here, you can upload, browse through the photo library, or select from your catalog.
Download Your Gift Certificate
When you’re ready to download, click the Download button in the top-right corner and select your preferred format.
From here, you can print out your gift certificates or send them digitally.
Want more gift certificate examples and other marketing ideas? Check out these posts next:
- A Guide to Marketing Email Best Practices and Design Trends
- How to Use Multimedia Assets for Business Marketing
License this cover image mockup via Ground Picture, Picksell, and mirvanone.
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