Our Shop Local Big Deals (SLBD) platform has paved the way for over 70 locally owned businesses to thrive with gift certificate marketing, paying for most or all of their radio advertising plans with trade.
When we started the platform, we began with the end in mind: knowing the power of radio to grow local businesses, we needed a way to make it a winning combination for all parties involved.
Small businesses like food trucks, spas, attractions, and restaurants with smaller marketing budgets have seen a HUGE growth in local foot traffic with the SLBD platform – paid for mostly in trade!
Shop Local Big Deals has fulfilled over 2,600 orders since we opened in July of 2023 – all benefitting local shoppers and businesses!
Gift certificates and cards have become a cornerstone of marketing strategies for local businesses in the United States, and for good reason! According to a report by Research and Markets, the U.S. gift card market is expected to reach $221 billion by early 2025, with digital gift cards playing an increasingly important role. (Source.)
Our e-commerce platform offers a wide range of options for customers, from print certificates, digital certificates, and business-provided gift cards. Our dedicated team ensures that every certificate is verified, embossed for security, and processed within 24 hours.
Popularized by Groupon, we know that local consumers are excited to save money with local small to medium sized businesses. Catching a deal on the new local hot spot is ideal. Thus, SLBD was born – to highlight businesses reached by our impact in the Mid-Atlantic network of radio stations.
Shop Local Big Deals is a win-Win-WIN!
- First, your business gets a tailored and effective radio plan paid for in part with gift certificates, allowing you access to bigger marketing plans with trade.
- Second, our Big Deals store generates revenue from the sale of the certificates that are supported by daily radio spots, email blasts, and social media features on station pages.
- Third, local listeners WIN by saving money on their favorite local businesses – tendering gift cards as gifts for loved ones and themselves!
For small, local businesses – studies show that 72% of consumers who receive a gift card end up spending more than the card’s value, which translates into direct revenue growth for local businesses. (Source)
Gift cards act as word-of-mouth recommendations
The appeal of gift cards lies in their versatility – they serve as an easy and thoughtful gift option for consumers, especially during peak shopping seasons like the holidays. For local businesses, gift cards act as a pre-paid commitment, ensuring future foot traffic or online engagement.
They also work as a marketing multiplier: when someone purchases a gift card, they’re effectively endorsing your business to the recipient. This word-of-mouth effect is particularly valuable, as Nielsen reports that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising. (Source)
Gift certificates turn into marketing gold
Additionally, gift card recipients often explore businesses they wouldn’t have visited otherwise. In this noisy day and age, finding an effective marketing platform is like discovering gold in the hills.
Gift certificate or gift card marketing helps local enterprises attract new customers and foster long-term relationships. With more than half of consumers preferring to shop locally when given the option, gift cards provide the perfect nudge for people to support their community’s economy. Gift cards and certificates are a powerful blend of convenience, promotion, and loyalty-building that no local business should overlook!
