Whatever the size of your travel business, the scope of your marketing, and your level of technical expertise, there’s a way for you to run a successful gift card promotion.

Holiday seasons bring joy and opportunity, especially for travel advisors seeking to elevate their business game. In this blog post, we unravel the secrets of running a successful gift card campaign.

This isn’t just about generating income during the holidays; it’s about ensuring guaranteed sales even after the festive season wraps up. This strategy can be a game-changer for your business, and we’re excited to share it with you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to run a stellar gift card campaign.

Rather watch than read? Check out the video below!

Step 1: Design Your Gift Card

Head over to Canva, our go-to design platform, and let your creativity flow. With a million templates at your fingertips, crafting a stunning gift card is a breeze. Don’t forget to add your company logo, and here’s a pro tip – number your gift cards so they can’t be replicated. This also helps you keep track of what you sell and to whom, cutting down on any shenanigans later when they’re redeemed.

Step 2: Market Your Gift Card Campaign Like a Pro

Your beautiful gift cards won’t sell themselves; you’ve got to make some noise. Give your campaign a catchy name – Tripsy’s is “Put a Trip Under the Tree.” It’s simple, it’s catchy, and it sets the tone.

Now, onto the promotional schedule.

First, craft a compelling email for your subscribers, letting them know that the gift cards are available. Then, create content to share on social media. It’s important to think through the infrastructure of how you’re selling these cards – can someone purchase on your website or do they have to contact you directly – and include clear calls-to-action in your marketing. Then, incorporate the gift card campaign into your video strategy by creating promotional videos, like we have done for the Holiday Gift Guide. Last but not least, depending on the size of your agency and the size of your marketing budget, run some paid ads to your offers.

Step 3: Legalities and Logistics of Running a Gift Card Campaign

Before the sales start rolling in, ensure you’re compliant with your state’s gift card rules by researching any compliance issues or regulations that you need to follow.

If the coast is clear, set up a dedicated bank account for those funds. When someone buys a $5000 gift card, those funds have to be used to actually purchase the vacation in the future. You don’t want to mix up your client’s hard-earned money with the operational costs of your travel business.

And speaking of legality, solidify your terms and conditions – it’s a crucial step often overlooked.

Step 4: Follow Up and Seal the Deal

Once the holidays are over and your clients have their shiny gift cards, initiate a warm follow-up in January. Schedule those vacation-planning appointments and get the ball rolling. The quicker they’re on vacation, the faster you’ll be earning those well-deserved commissions. It’s a win-win!

For those who’ve graduated from our Careers on Vacation or Wanderlust CEO programs, you’re already familiar with the ins and outs of a successful gift card campaign. Now, to our viewers who haven’t joined us yet – imagine the possibilities if you could master not just one but ten different campaigns like this!

As we close out the year, we encourage you to explore what our travel school can offer. Let’s make your business soar in the coming year. So, if you’re looking for support in launching your own travel business successfully, sign up for our masterclass by clicking here.

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