Many surveys have shown that consumers of all types prefer to get gift cards as rewards because of their flexibility. A prepaid card such as a virtual Visa offers the ultimate choice, since it can be spent at any retailer that accepts that credit card.
But research has also shown that consumers want personalized experiences, and a virtual Visa prepaid card doesn’t necessarily scream “personal.” Maybe that doesn’t matter when you’re sending rewards to thousands of survey respondents, but for loyal customers and employees, that special touch is important.
Luckily, with just a little creativity and time, you can create a rewards program that offers both the flexibility of a virtual Visa prepaid card and the thoughtfulness of a personal gift.
READ MORE: Why You Should Go Digital With Prepaid Incentive Cards
The easiest and most obvious way to personalize any reward is to make sure it’s accompanied by a custom message. Whenever possible, identify the recipient by name in the delivery email, and be specific about why they are getting the virtual prepaid card. It’s also nice to have the email arrive from and be signed by the employee’s own supervisor or the customer’s dedicated account manager. The one-to-one gifting experience (or at least the appearance of it!) offers a little something extra to make the reward seem more meaningful and personalized.
Yes, you can send a virtual Visa prepaid card with a click of a button and cross it off your list. But that’s also not the only way to do it. By creating an event or experience around the reward delivery, you can make it more memorable. Distribute digital gifts live during a virtual appreciation party for employees or customers. Attach a certificate for each recipient, awarding them a silly superlative, like Customer With the Fewest Support Tickets or Remote Team Member With the Best Videoconference Background. Deliver a virtual Visa prepaid card with a link to a fun quiz related to your business or a video with a thank-you message from your team.
The flexibility of a reward such as a virtual Visa prepaid card is often preferred, but when you present recipients with a choice of rewards made for them, it adds a more thoughtful element. By offering a prepaid option alongside a choice of brand-specific gift cards, you can show a little more creativity and/or personalization. For instance, present your reward with a theme, like movie night, and offer a selection of gift cards for theaters and streaming services. Or tailor the options to your audience: If you know an employee or customer likes to cook, add a Hello Fresh gift card into the mix. If they’re always drinking coffee on your calls, a Starbucks or Dunkin’ reward is likely appropriate. It just comes down to showing the recipient that you have paid attention and learned about them as a person. And even if they opt for that virtual Visa prepaid card instead, the impression you’ve made will stick.
If you’ve never used digital prepaid rewards, here are a few things you need to know.
Hannah is a reformed journalist who has more than 15 years of experience and now focuses on content marketing for innovative tech companies.
Hannah is a reformed journalist who has more than 15 years of experience and now focuses on content marketing for innovative tech companies.
