How to Build Client Loyalty by Offering Gift Cards through Trafft 

Let’s face it – running a business is no longer only about getting people through your door; it’s about giving them a reason to come back. In a world full of choices, your clients are looking for more than a service – they’re looking for a connection.

But here’s the thing: loyalty isn’t built overnight. It isn’t as simple as throwing discounts around and sending generic “thank you” emails. Clients don’t want to feel like they are just another name on your calendar; they need to feel like they truly matter.

That’s why knowing how to build client loyalty isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. So, let’s dive into what real client loyalty looks like and how to build it for your business.

Understanding Client Loyalty in the Service Industry

In the service industry, client loyalty is the secret ingredient for long-term success. Creating strong, lasting connections means people will choose your business over plenty of others offering similar services.

But like the majority of things in life, loyalty isn’t automatically given; it’s earned. You need to build it over time through positive experiences, reliability, and, most importantly, a personalized touch. The key to loyalty is trust. When clients trust that you’ll deliver quality, consistency, and care, they’ll be more likely to choose your business again and again.

One way to nurture that trust and appreciation is through thoughtful gestures, like gift cards. While they’re a simple tool, they can go a long way in showing your clients that you value them.

Why Do Gift Cards Work?

Don’t let the simplicity of gift cards fool you; they can truly be a game-changer tool that can help you boost client loyalty. Frankly, it’s a win-win situation for both you and your clients. Gift cards give them flexibility while ensuring they come back for more.

Let’s take a closer look at why they are so effective and why you need to incorporate them.

They are convenient

Gift cards give your clients the freedom to choose when and how they use their credit. Whether they want to treat themselves or give a discount to a friend, gift cards offer both the flexibility and convenience they need. This freedom to choose makes them more appealing than many other reward types that may feel limited or restrictive.

They spark word-of-mouth marketing

When clients purchase gift cards for friends, family, or colleagues, they’re effectively recommending your business. And the best thing is that they are doing it for free! Word-of-mouth marketing is always incredibly powerful because it comes from a trusted source, and besides bringing in new clients, it also strengthens the loyalty of existing ones. That’s because it makes them feel like they’re sharing something valuable.

They drive more sales

Gift cards are one of the best tools for driving sales, especially during slow seasons or holidays. Clients will often purchase them as gifts for friends or family, or even for themselves as a holiday treat. This creates new streams of sales without much effort needed from your side.

Plus, when clients use their gift cards, they’re likely to spend more than the card’s value, whether by upgrading to a higher-tier service or adding on a product. Either way, they can help you keep your revenue more steady, even when business naturally goes through different seasons.

They are easy to distribute

Unlike flyers, coupons, or other promotional materials, gift cards are much easier to distribute. You can offer physical cards in-store, send digital gift cards via email, or even create special online promotions.

Moreover, because they’re tangible or easily shareable, clients are more likely to keep and use them, unlike a flyer that will likely get tossed in the trash. Keep your business at the forefront of your clients’ minds by marketing gift cards as a perfect birthday gift, holiday, or anniversary present.

They encourage repeat business

Frankly, gift cards are a key strategy if you’re wondering how to boost client loyalty. When a client purchases or receives a gift card, it creates an automatic reason for them to return to your business. After all, nobody likes to waste money, so the purchased gift card is bound to be used at some point. But if you want to create any sense of urgency, be sure to include an expiration date as well.

Lastly, as we mentioned, when clients return to use their gift cards, they often spend more than the value of the card. So, not only are they returning, but they are also actually creating more income for your business.

How to Build Client Loyalty by Offering Gift Cards?

Gift cards are an incredibly versatile tool when it comes to building client loyalty. They are not there just to help you make a sale but also to create an opportunity for long-term relationships with your clients. Offering gift cards can help you build trust, show appreciation, and give clients a reason to return. However, to get the most out of them, there are some recommendations to keep in mind.

1. Add a personal touch

Clients love feeling special, and gift cards can be personalized to make that impression. Try using custom messages, unique designs, or specific service offerings tied to the card. Make sure you’re not just giving them a card but rather offering a meaningful gesture that says, “We see you, and we appreciate you.”

2. Make them an exclusive reward

Why not make your best clients feel extra special by offering gift cards as a reward for their loyalty? Consider gifting a card after a client has reached a certain number of visits, or even as part of a VIP program. This reinforces the idea that loyalty is appreciated and incentivizes them to stay committed to your business.

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3. Use gift cards as a reminder to reconnect

Gift cards act as gentle reminders for clients to return. After receiving or purchasing one, they will be more likely to book their next appointment. Plus, it’s a subtle way to stay on their radar, especially during quieter periods when you need a little extra push. To leverage this benefit, you can simply share a gift card through email, reminding the customer you are waiting for their next visit.

4. Use them as a part of special promotions

Gift cards work wonders when bundled with special promotions or limited-time offers. If you offer them after a certain number of visits or tie them into seasonal campaigns, they become more than a perk – they turn into a reason to come back.

For example, “Book three sessions this month and get a $20 gift card for your next visit.” Simple, but effective. It not only rewards loyalty but also nudges clients to commit to multiple bookings. And the best part? They’ll return again to redeem that card, making the cycle of loyalty feel natural, not forced.

5. Introduce new services

Expanding your service offering can be a challenge, especially if you are not sure how well your clients will receive those new services. What if they are reluctant to try them? Well, if that happens, gift cards can jump to your rescue.

You can offer a gift card specifically for the new service or even bundle it as a bonus: “Try our new [service name] and receive a $10 gift card toward your next visit.” This removes some of the hesitation and gives clients a gentle nudge to explore something new. With this kind of card up their sleeve, they’ll be much more likely to explore something new without feeling like they’re risking their time or money.

6. Strengthen the connection to your brand

Client loyalty is partially built on how your brand makes people feel. Gift cards, especially when given as a thank-you or surprise perk, can create memorable, feel-good moments that stick.

Think of it like this: a client finishes their 10th appointment and unexpectedly gets a “thank you” gift card. It doesn’t have to be huge; even a small amount shows that you’re paying attention and genuinely appreciate their support. That kind of gesture leaves a lasting impression, and it builds the kind of emotional loyalty that keeps people coming back, not because they have to, but because they want to.

How to Set Up Gift Cards in Trafft: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know how powerful offering gift cards can truly be, let’s talk about how to actually put them to work using Trafft. The good news? It’s super straightforward – no tech headaches or complicated setup.

Here’s how to get your gift cards up and running in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Trafft dashboard

Already have a Trafft account? Great – just log in, and let’s get started.

If you’re new to Trafft, sign up here to create your account and unlock all the powerful features, including gift cards.

Step 2: Navigate to the Finance section

In the Finance section, click on “Gift Cards” and then “Settings”. Here, you can choose where gift cards will show on your website. Additionally, you can set gift amounts and expiration dates and allow a custom amount. After configuring everything, click on “Save Changes.”

Step 3: Manage gift cards

When you navigate to the Finance section > Gift Cards and then choose “Gift Cards” from a drop-down menu, you can see the list of all existing cards. Here, you can also create a new gift card by clicking on the “Add Gift Card” button.

You’ll be prompted to choose an amount or enter a custom amount. You can also check a box if you want to send the gift card via email. All you need to do is input the recipient’s name and email. After this, you’ll also get a gift card link you can either copy or download as a PDF file.

All gift cards have a QR code that, upon scanning, directs the user to the appropriate link so they can use their discount. Your users will also get a coupon code they can type in during the booking process, and the discount will be applied.

Conclusion

For all those wondering how to build client loyalty, the answer isn’t in big, over-the-top strategies but rather in the small, consistent ways you show clients they’re valued. Gift cards are a simple yet impactful way to create that feeling again and again.

With Trafft, you have the tools to make those moments effortless, so building loyalty becomes a natural part of how you do business.

Because when clients feel appreciated, they don’t just come back – they stay.