Cut Through the Noise and Build Real Connections
Let’s face it, winning new clients is harder than ever. So how do you stand out in a sea of sameness?
The answer might be simpler than you think: a well-timed, thoughtful gift.
Used strategically, gift cards can be a powerful tool to spark conversations, build trust, and show real appreciation, without coming off as pushy or transactional. In fact, when done right, gifting can be a competitive advantage.
In this post, we’ll break down five smart ways to use gift cards to win clients, from cold outreach to client referrals, and how we make it effortless, personal, and impactful at every stage.
1. Make the First Touch Memorable
First impressions matter, especially in sales. When you’re reaching out to a new prospect, your message is likely one of dozens (if not hundreds) competing for their attention.
A small-value gift card, like a coffee voucher or lunch treat, can be the difference between a deleted email and a genuine reply. It’s not about bribery; it’s about breaking the ice with value and thoughtfulness. A message like, “Here’s a coffee on us while you catch up after [event name]” or “Hope this helps power you through your inbox this week!” creates a warmer, more human first touch.
With our eGift cards, you can do this at scale, without asking for personal info. All you need is an email address or phone number, and the recipient gets a curated, brandable redemption experience that puts your business in a positive light from the start.
In a world of cold emails, a thoughtful gift makes the introduction feel more like a conversation, and that’s where relationships begin.
2. Use Gift Cards to Move Deals Forward
Sometimes, the hardest part of winning a client is actually keeping the momentum going. Deals stall, inboxes go quiet, and follow-up emails get lost in the shuffle. That’s where a well-timed gift card can give your outreach a gentle push in the right direction.
Sending a small-value gift card after a discovery call or demo is a smart way to show appreciation for their time, while keeping your brand top of mind. It signals that you value the relationship, not just the potential sale. A message like, “Thanks for taking the time to chat today, this one’s on us” adds a layer of warmth that many sales emails are missing.
It’s not about the gift’s monetary value, it’s about the thoughtfulness and timing. You can include a personalised message, brand the redemption experience, and deliver the card instantly with just an email address.
In sales, it’s the small moments that move relationships forward. A relevant, personal gesture at the right time can help keep conversations alive and deals moving.
3. Reinforce New Relationships
The moment a prospect becomes a client is a big one, but it’s also just the beginning. First impressions matter just as much after the contract is signed. Taking time to acknowledge and celebrate the start of a new partnership can set the tone for long-term loyalty and trust.
A simple “welcome” gift, like a multi-brand eGift card, adds a thoughtful, human touch to the onboarding experience. It shows clients that you appreciate their business, and it helps kick off the relationship with positivity and goodwill.
Even better? With us, you can fully brand the redemption experience, so when your client clicks through to redeem their gift, they’re engaging with your company’s look, feel, and message. The gift becomes part of the client experience.
Whether you’re welcoming a new account, celebrating a successful kick-off meeting, or recognising their trust in choosing you, a small, personal gesture goes a long way. It says: “We don’t just care about the sale. We care about the relationship.”
4. Incentivise Referrals or Reviews
Happy clients are your best marketing asset, but they’re often untapped. A satisfied customer is far more likely to refer others or leave a glowing review when there’s a small incentive to prompt them. That’s where gift cards come in as an easy, effective way to turn goodwill into action.
Offering a gift card as a thank-you for a referral, testimonial, or online review doesn’t just show appreciation, it gives people a reason to act. And when the gift is flexible, like a multi-brand eGift card, it appeals to almost everyone without requiring you to guess what they’ll like.
Here are a few smart ways to use gift cards for referral and advocacy campaigns:
- “Send a friend, and we’ll send you a thank-you.”
- “Leave us a review, and enjoy a coffee on us.”
- “Introduce us to a contact, and we’ll send you a small token of appreciation.”
Because these are digital and instantly delivered, you can easily scale your referral programme without the admin headache. Plus, adding the option for recipients to donate their card’s value to charity through WellBox builds even more goodwill, and aligns with the values of socially conscious clients.
The result? More referrals, better reviews, and stronger brand loyalty, powered by thoughtful, purposeful gifting.
5. Add a Personal (and Purposeful) Touch
Let’s be honest, no one wants to feel like they’re just another name on a sales list. The most effective client gifts are the ones that feel considered, relevant, and aligned with the values of the person receiving them. That’s where purpose-driven gifting comes into play.
Our eGift cards are designed to feel personal and impactful, while offering something even more meaningful: the option to give back. Every card sent includes a meal donation to someone in need in the UK, and recipients can also choose to donate the value of their gift card to a cause they care about instead of redeeming it.
This purposeful touch transforms a simple gift into a value-aligned gesture. For clients who care about social impact, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, it shows that your business isn’t just about the bottom line, you’re thoughtful about the way you connect.
And because the redemption journey can be fully branded, it’s personal, polished and professional. You’re delivering an experience.
In the end, gifting should be about genuine connection. And that’s exactly what a thoughtful, purposeful gift card can help you create.
Build Relationships, Not Just Pipelines
In a world where inboxes are crowded and decision-makers are harder to reach, thoughtful gifting can be the secret to standing out and staying memorable. But it’s not just about sending something for the sake of it. When used intentionally, gift cards can strengthen client relationships, drive action, and show that you value the human side of doing business.
From sparking a conversation to saying thank you, the right gift at the right time builds trust, encourages loyalty, and helps you move from “just another supplier” to a valued partner.
With our eGift cards, it’s easy to make every client interaction more personal, more professional, and more impactful, without adding extra admin to your plate.
