Shopify How to Make a Custom Gift Card

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Custom Gift Cards?
3. Creating Custom Gift Cards in Shopify
4. Managing Gift Cards on Shopify
5. Tips for Maximizing Gift Card Sales
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine it's the holiday season, and customers are scrambling to find the perfect gift. One of the most versatile and appreciated presents is a gift card, especially when it's customized to reflect the uniqueness of the recipient. Not only do custom gift cards make great gifts, but they also boost sales and encourage customer loyalty. If you're a Shopify store owner looking to create and customize gift cards, you're in the right place. This post will walk you through the process of making a custom gift card on Shopify, enhancing your store's appeal and functionality.

By the end of this guide, you will understand how to create custom gift cards via the Shopify admin panel, personalize email notifications for better customer engagement, and utilize advanced features for maximum impact. Whether for special occasions or simply as a flexible purchasing option, custom gift cards can be a game-changer for your eCommerce strategy.

Why Custom Gift Cards?

Gift cards serve multiple purposes. They not only provide a convenient solution for last-minute shoppers but also drive traffic and increase overall sales for your business. According to research, over 50% of consumers prefer to receive gift cards over physical gifts, which makes them a potent tool to attract new customers and retain loyal ones.

A custom gift card distinguishes your brand and adds a personal touch. It can align with your brand's theme, reflect seasonal promotions, or cater to specific events such as birthdays and holidays. Moreover, it gives customers the flexibility to choose what they want, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Creating Custom Gift Cards in Shopify

Setting up a custom gift card in Shopify is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Navigate to Gift Cards in Shopify Admin

First, log into your Shopify admin panel. From the admin dashboard, go to Products > Gift cards. You will see options to create new gift cards or manage existing ones.

Step 2: Create a New Gift Card

Click on Create gift card. You will be prompted to enter details such as the initial value, the customer's email or phone number, and optional settings like expiration dates and internal notes.

Steps to Create a Gift Card:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Products.
2. Select Gift cards.
3. Click on Create gift card.
4. Enter the gift card’s initial value.
5. Input the customer’s details (name, email, or phone number).
6. Optionally, set an expiration date and add internal notes.
7. Preview the email that will be sent to the customer.
8. Click Save and then Send gift card.

Step 3: Customize Your Gift Card Email

To make your gift card email more appealing, you can customize the image and text that customers receive. This requires a bit of tweaking in the code section of the email notification settings.

Steps to Customize Gift Card Email Image:

1. Upload the new image to your Shopify files: Settings > Files > Upload files.
2. Copy the link to the uploaded image.
3. Navigate to Settings > Notifications.
4. Select Gift card created notification.
5. Find the line of code that specifies the gift card image, e.g., <img src="{{ 'gift-card/card.jpg' | shopify_asset_url }}" alt="">.
6. Replace it with the new image URL: <img src="YOUR_IMAGE_URL" width="240" height="160" alt="">.
7. Save the changes.

Step 4: Add Gift Card to Your Sales Channels

To make your custom gift card available for purchase on your storefront, you need to add it to your sales channels.

Steps to Add Gift Card to Sales Channels:

1. Go to Products > Gift Cards.
2. Click on the desired gift card product.
3. Under Sales channels, select the channels where the gift card should be available.
4. Click Save.

Managing Gift Cards on Shopify

Once your gift card is set up, it's crucial to manage it effectively to monitor sales and outstanding balances.

Viewing Gift Card Sales Reports

Shopify offers detailed reporting on gift card sales. Navigate to Analytics > Reports and select the Gift card sales report. This report will show you the number of gift cards sold and redeemed, helping you track their performance.

Tracking Outstanding Balances

To keep tabs on how much value remains in unredeemed gift cards, go to Products > Gift cards. This section lists all active gift cards with details such as the balance, customer information, and purchase date.

Tips for Maximizing Gift Card Sales

Here are some strategies to make the most out of your custom gift cards:

Offer Discounts on Gift Cards

Provide special discounts or bonus amounts when customers purchase gift cards. For example, offer a $50 gift card for $45, encouraging higher upfront purchases.

Promote Seasonal Gift Cards

Create themed gift cards for holidays and special events. These can attract more buyers during peak seasons.

Incorporate into Loyalty Programs

Reward your loyal customers by offering them gift cards. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Collaborate with Other Brands

Consider cross-promotions with other brands. Offering a bundled gift card can introduce your brand to new customers and facilitate mutual growth.

Utilize Social Media

Run contests or giveaways on social media platforms with gift cards as prizes. This increases brand visibility and engagement.

Conclusion

Creating and managing custom gift cards on Shopify is not just about offering a new product—it's about enhancing the customer experience and driving business growth. With the steps and strategies outlined in this guide, you can effectively set up, customize, and leverage gift cards to their fullest potential.

By offering personalized and flexible gifting solutions, you're not only catering to your customers' needs but also ensuring increased sales and loyalty for your store. Start creating your custom gift cards in Shopify today and see the difference they can make for your business.

FAQ

How can I make my own gift cards for my business?

To create gift cards, navigate to Products > Gift cards in your Shopify admin, input necessary details, and save.

Do businesses make money on gift cards?

Yes, gift cards boost cash flow and increase sales since customers often spend more than the card's value when redeeming.

Do gift cards help small businesses?

Absolutely. Gift cards attract new customers, drive repeat purchases, and improve cash flow, all of which are vital for small business growth.

How much does it cost to make gift cards?

The cost varies based on the design and medium (digital or physical). Digital cards on Shopify incur no additional cost, while physical cards might involve production expenses.