{"id":41348,"date":"2021-04-22T09:47:44","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T16:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/?p=41348"},"modified":"2022-05-12T13:16:31","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T20:16:31","slug":"gift-certificates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/gift-certificates\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Your Own Gift Certificate: The Elements, Ideas, and Benefits of Creating Your Own"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you are a small business owner looking to design a <\/span>voucher<\/span> to reward your <\/span>loyal customers<\/span> or a thoughtful friend or family member searching for the <\/span>perfect gift<\/span> for <\/span>loved ones<\/span> for <\/span>special occasions<\/span>, <\/span>high-quality<\/span> printable gift certificates<\/span> can go a long way in making a simple gesture feel more meaningful. PicsArt’s <\/span>wide selection<\/span> of special effects, <\/span>stickers<\/span>, editing tools, and <\/span>templates<\/span> can help you create a <\/span>custom gift certificate<\/span> that will make a big impact on your business!<\/span><\/p>\n

Elements of a Gift Certificate<\/span><\/h2>\n

Beyond serving as a redeemable form of payment at local restaurants, spas, and retail stores, gift certificates are just one part of an integrated marketing strategy that can communicate your brand in invaluable ways to both new and existing customers. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to add an incentive for customers who are not familiar with your business to learn about your products or services and encourage them to give you a shot! Read on for some of the most common elements that should be included on your <\/span>gift certificate<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Company Name or Logo<\/b><\/p>\n

As with all marketing pieces, your <\/span>brand’s logo<\/span><\/a> must be included on any and all print collateral you distribute to your customers. Your logo is your brand’s signature that communicates with your audience who you are and what you do, whether you\u2019re a <\/span>coffee shop<\/span><\/a> or a <\/span>travel agent<\/span>. Be sure to include your custom logo at the top of your gift certificate to make sure the recipient knows exactly what they are getting. Your gift certificate might circulate farther than you think, so including a memorable logo will go a long way in establishing brand recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Company Branding<\/b><\/p>\n

Your logo is one <\/span>part of the brand elements<\/span><\/a> that must be included on your gift certificate. But be sure to also incorporate other elements of your brand such as unique graphics, a mascot, and colors or <\/span>fonts that are unique to your company<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Descriptive Title\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Make sure to include a descriptive title that explains what products, services, or experiences the certificate will be used toward. For example, if you create a <\/span>printable gift certificate<\/span> for dinner for two at your restaurant, be sure to indicate that clearly as close to the top of the <\/span>voucher<\/span> as you can. Clarity is key to avoiding confusion and disappointment when your customers use your <\/span>custom gift certificate<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Details About the Offer<\/b><\/p>\n

Below the descriptive title, it is important to include details about what the gift certificate will get your customer. For example, if the dinner for two includes specific menu items or is related to a <\/span>special occasion<\/span> or theme, get creative with your copy and get your customer excited about their experience. As mentioned above, stating the purpose and use of the <\/span>voucher<\/span> will eliminate any confusion about what is included in the offer. This description can also help tell a stronger story about your brand or company. For example, you can mention your restaurant’s extensive wine list or share that your business is housed in a historic building.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accolades or Awards<\/b><\/p>\n

If you’re a local business that has garnered praise for your unique brewery experience or for serving the best <\/span>Mother’s Day<\/span> brunch in the city, your <\/span>custom gift certificate<\/span> is the place to shout this from the rooftops. Including a seal or logo from a reputable travel or restaurant rating site can strengthen your credibility and create even more excitement around your customers’ visits. <\/span><\/p>\n

Contact Information<\/b><\/p>\n

Take the guesswork out of your customers’ visits by providing all of the information they need to know in the footer or toward the bottom of your gift certificate. Include your address, phone number, email address, and website to make it easier for customers to get in touch with you or get more information about your business. <\/span><\/p>\n

Terms or Disclaimers<\/b><\/p>\n

If the product or service that is being offered on the gift certificate is limited or restricted in any way, be sure to include all terms and conditions on the <\/span>voucher<\/span>. For example, if your offer is only redeemable on certain days, make that clear on the gift certificate. Certain disclaimers are often used to protect the business issuing the <\/span>voucher<\/span>. For example, many businesses include a note that their gift certificates are not redeemable for cash (to prevent returns) or that the certificate is not transferable (to prevent unauthorized sales).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Benefits of Using Gift Certificates<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Your business can’t go wrong by providing gift certificates or <\/span>gift cards<\/span>. Here are some benefits of using these fun and profitable perks!<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Reward <\/b>Loyal Customers<\/b><\/p>\n

Keep <\/span>loyal customers<\/span> coming back to your business with a simple and low-impact reward for being supportive. Gift certificates ultimately create goodwill among your customers and will inspire positive feelings toward your products or services.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Promote Your Brand<\/b><\/p>\n

If you’re just starting out as a business owner or want to expand your reach to new and untapped demographics, a gift certificate is a great way to introduce your products and services to those unaware of your brand. This is also a great tip if you are opening an additional storefront in a different region to get the word out about a new local business.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Encourage Repeat Patronage<\/b><\/p>\n

Beyond rewarding <\/span>loyal customers<\/span> for their business, gift certificates encourage patrons to come back to your business after their first visit with a clear and valuable incentive. For example, providing a customer with a 10% off coupon on their next purchase or a free add-on service will ensure they keep you in mind for next time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Gather Customer Data\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Good branding and marketing are nothing without data. Providing gift certificates and documenting the use and success of gift certificates can give you an inside look at who your customers are and what gets them to patronize your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Inspire Immediate Sales<\/b><\/p>\n

Your business has made a sale whether or not a customer uses their gift certificate or <\/span>gift card<\/span>. This is a great way to guarantee sales regardless of whether your inventory moves or a customer steps foot inside your business.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Create Additional Brand Touchpoints<\/b><\/p>\n

Gift certificates don’t only benefit or provide incentives to the customer. They can also be useful collateral to gather customer information and enhance your outreach processes. Collect customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, and any other information that can be used to continue your brand’s relationship with your customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3 Ideas for Making Your Own Gift Certificate<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Get Creative with Formats and <\/b>Templates<\/b><\/p>\n

You don’t have to stick to the <\/span>flyer<\/span><\/a> or traditional <\/span>voucher<\/span> strip format that you’ve seen a million times over. Mix it up with different shapes and sizes to add a unique touch to your <\/span>business gift certificate<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re just getting started, use one of our gift certificate templates<\/a> to kickstart your design.<\/p>\n

Consider the Season<\/b><\/p>\n

Is the busy holiday season upon us? Is <\/span>Mother’s Day<\/span> <\/a>coming up? Make it festive! Consider current or upcoming seasonal elements when you determine the design and intended use of your gift certificate. <\/span><\/p>\n

Use Strong Visuals<\/b><\/p>\n

A gift certificate is essentially a flyer for your business, so you want to make sure you create a piece of branded material that not only captures the spirit of your business but is also visually appealing. Use graphics and images that reflect the quality of your brand and what you are capable of offering to your customers. You can <\/span>crop photos<\/span> <\/a>with <\/span>PicsArt<\/span><\/a>‘s free crop tool for a high-impact look or <\/span>create geometric shapes and patterns<\/span><\/a> for a funky effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Make a Gift Certificate Using PicsArt<\/span><\/h2>\n

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