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First Campaign

Launch your first gift card campaign and start generating revenue. This guide covers everything from campaign creation to optimization.

Before You Begin

Section titled “Before You Begin”

Ensure you have completed:

  • ✅ Account setup with verified email
  • ✅ Stripe payment integration connected and verified
  • ✅ Restaurant profile with logo and brand colors
  • ✅ At least one high-quality image for gift card design

Campaign Creation Process

Section titled “Campaign Creation Process”

  1. Access Campaign Builder 1 min

    Navigate to: Dashboard → Campaigns → Create New Campaign

    You’ll see three campaign type options:

    Gift Cards

    Standard digital gift cards

    Customers purchase and send to friends/family.

    Best for: Revenue generation, customer acquisition

    Promotional Campaigns

    Limited-time offers

    Add bonus value or special pricing for specific periods.

    Best for: Holidays, special events, seasonal promotions

    Corporate Gifts

    Bulk gift card sales

    For businesses buying employee gifts or client appreciation.

    Best for: B2B sales, holiday corporate gifts

    For your first campaign, select Gift Cards.

  2. Configure Basic Settings 3 min

    Campaign Name (Internal only - customers don’t see this)

    Example: "2025 General Gift Cards"

    Campaign Display Name (Customers see this)

    Example: "Give the Gift of Great Food"

    Campaign Type

    • Standard Gift Cards (recommended for first campaign)
    • Promotional Bonus Cards
    • Loyalty Reward Cards

    Status

    • Draft (save without publishing)
    • Scheduled (set future launch date)
    • Active (live immediately)

    Start with: Draft (so you can preview before launching)

  3. Set Pricing & Denominations 5 min

    Denomination Options:

    Recommended Starter Pricing:

    AmountCustomer PaysBonus ValueCustomer GetsYour Cost
    $25$25$0$25$25
    $50$50$10$60$50
    $100$100$25$125$100
    $200$200$60$260$200

    Why offer bonuses?

    • Increases average order value by 40-60%
    • Creates urgency (“limited time bonus”)
    • Customers perceive higher value
    • Still profitable (you get full purchase price)

    Setting up in dashboard:

    Add Denomination → $50
    Bonus Type: Percentage or Fixed Amount
    Bonus Value: $10 or 20%
    Minimum Purchase: $50

  4. Design Your Gift Card 10 min

    Visual Design Options:

    Choose from pre-made templates:

    • Classic Elegant: Minimal design, professional
    • Modern Vibrant: Bold colors, contemporary
    • Rustic Charm: Warm tones, casual dining
    • Fine Dining: Sophisticated, upscale
    • Seasonal: Holiday-specific designs

    Customization:

    1. Select template
    2. Upload your logo
    3. Change brand colors
    4. Add background image
    5. Preview on desktop/mobile

    Preview examples automatically generated

    Design Best Practices:

    Image Quality

    • Minimum 1200x800px resolution
    • JPG or PNG format
    • Under 5MB file size
    • High contrast for text readability
    • Avoid busy backgrounds (text won’t show well)

    Color Contrast

    • Test on light and dark backgrounds
    • Ensure text is readable at small sizes
    • Use brand colors consistently
    • WCAG AA contrast ratio minimum (4.5:1)
    • Preview in different lighting conditions

    Mobile Optimization

    • 60% of purchases happen on mobile
    • Logo should be visible at thumbnail size
    • Text must be readable without zooming
    • Test on actual mobile device
    • Buttons should be finger-friendly

    Brand Consistency

    • Match your restaurant’s aesthetic
    • Use official logo (not modified)
    • Stick to brand color palette
    • Professional photography only
    • Proofread all text carefully

  5. Configure Delivery Methods 5 min

    Enable delivery channels:

    Most popular delivery method (65% of purchases)

    Email Settings:

    From Name: [Your Restaurant]
    From Email: gifts@yourrestaurant.com
    Reply-To: info@yourrestaurant.com

    Email Template:

    Subject: You've received a gift from [Sender Name]! 🎁
    

    [Personalized greeting]
    

    [Sender Name] has sent you a $[Amount] gift card
    to [Your Restaurant]!
    

    [Personal message from sender]
    

    [Redeem Now Button]
    [Add to Wallet Button]
    

    Gift Card Code: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
    Balance: $[Amount]
    Expires: [Date]

    Customization Options:

    • Add custom header image
    • Personalized greeting
    • Include restaurant photos
    • Add redemption instructions
    • Include location/hours info

    Delivery Timing:

    • Instant (default)
    • Scheduled future delivery
    • Birthday/anniversary auto-send

  6. Set Terms & Restrictions 5 min

    Expiration Settings:

    Expiration Period: 12 months (recommended)
    Expiration Reminder: 30 days before expiry
    Expired Card Policy:
    • Honor for X days grace period
    • Extend on request
    • No extensions (strictest)

    Usage Restrictions:

    Minimum Purchase

    Optional minimum spend:

    No minimum (recommended)
    OR
    Minimum purchase: $20
    (encourages additional spending)

    Example:

    • $50 gift card
    • $20 minimum purchase
    • Customer orders $18 → must add items
    • Customer orders $30 → pays with card

    Product Exclusions

    Exclude certain items:

    • Alcohol (if legally required)
    • Tobacco products
    • Gratuity/tips
    • Tax (in some regions)
    • Other gift cards
    • Sale/discounted items

    Recommended: No exclusions for better customer experience

    Combination Rules

    Can combine with:

    ✅ Other gift cards (stack multiple)
    ✅ Loyalty points/rewards
    ✅ Promotional discounts
    ✅ Coupons
    ✅ Special offers

    OR restrict:

    ❌ Cannot combine with promotions
    ❌ One gift card per transaction
    ❌ No double-dipping

    Recommendation: Allow combinations for better CX

    Transfer Policy

    Can gift cards be transferred?

    ✅ Transferable (default)
    • Customer can forward email
    • Can gift to others
    • More flexibility
    

    ❌ Non-transferable
    • Tied to original recipient
    • More restrictive
    • Prevents resale

    Recommendation: Transferable for maximum gift flexibility

    Refund Policy:

    Full Refund: Within 14 days of purchase
    Partial Refund: Pro-rated based on remaining balance
    No Refunds: After redemption started
    Store Credit Only: No cash refunds

  7. Configure Purchase Experience 3 min

    Customize purchase process:

    Required Fields:

    ✅ Sender Name
    ✅ Sender Email
    ✅ Recipient Name
    ✅ Recipient Email or Phone
    ✅ Gift Amount
    ⬜ Personal Message (optional but recommended)

    Optional Fields:

    ⬜ Recipient Birthday
    ⬜ Delivery Date (schedule for future)
    ⬜ Occasion (Birthday, Anniversary, Thank You, etc.)
    ⬜ Gift Wrapping (virtual design)
    ⬜ Sender Phone

    More fields = More data but lower conversion

    Recommended: Keep optional fields minimal for first campaign

Testing Your Campaign

Section titled “Testing Your Campaign”

Before launching, test thoroughly:

  1. Enable Test Mode

    Toggle test mode in campaign settings to:

    • Make test purchases without real charges
    • Use Stripe test cards
    • Verify email/SMS delivery
    • Check gift card design rendering

  2. Test Purchase Flow

    Test Card: 4242 4242 4242 4242
    Expiry: Any future date
    CVC: Any 3 digits
    ZIP: Any valid ZIP code

    Verify:

    • ✅ Checkout page loads correctly
    • ✅ All form fields work
    • ✅ Payment processes successfully
    • ✅ Confirmation page displays
    • ✅ Emails send immediately
    • ✅ Design renders properly

  3. Test Delivery Methods

    Send test gift cards to yourself via:

    • Your email address
    • Your phone number (SMS)
    • Print PDF and review quality
    • Add to Apple/Google Wallet

    Check:

    • Email arrives within 60 seconds
    • SMS arrives within 60 seconds
    • Gift card design looks professional
    • All links work correctly
    • QR code scans properly

  4. Test Redemption

    Attempt to redeem your test gift card:

    • Enter code in POS or redemption portal
    • Scan QR code
    • Check balance display
    • Try partial redemption
    • Verify balance updates

  5. Mobile Testing

    View and test on actual mobile devices:

    • iPhone (Safari)
    • Android (Chrome)
    • Tablet (iPad/Android)

    Verify:

    • Responsive design works
    • Buttons are tappable
    • Text is readable
    • Images load quickly
    • Forms are easy to fill

Launching Your Campaign

Section titled “Launching Your Campaign”

To launch:

  1. Navigate to your campaign
  2. Click Review & Launch
  3. Final preview of all settings
  4. Click Publish Campaign
  5. Campaign goes live immediately
  6. Copy your gift card URL

Your Gift Card URL:

https://yourrestaurant.caramelgift.com

Promoting Your Campaign

Section titled “Promoting Your Campaign”

Share immediately after launch:

Instagram Post:

🎁 NEW: Digital Gift Cards Are Here!


Give the gift of [your cuisine] to
someone special.


✨ Special Launch Offer:
Buy $50, Get $60 (20% Bonus!)
Buy $100, Get $125 (25% Bonus!)


🔗 Order now: [link in bio]
📱 Delivered instantly


#GiftCards #FoodLovers #[YourCity]
#[YourRestaurant]

Facebook Post:

Exciting news! 🎉


You can now send digital gift cards to
friends and family. Perfect for:


🎂 Birthdays
💍 Anniversaries
🎊 Celebrations
💝 Just Because


LIMITED TIME: Get bonus value on all
purchases this week!


[Shop Gift Cards] → [Your URL]

Twitter/X:

🎁 Gift cards are live!


Buy $50 → Get $60 value
Buy $100 → Get $125 value


Send instantly via email or text.


[Your URL]


#GiftCards #[YourRestaurant]

Monitoring Performance

Section titled “Monitoring Performance”

Track these key metrics:

Sales Metrics

Daily dashboard review:

  • Number of cards sold
  • Total revenue
  • Average purchase value
  • Conversion rate
  • Traffic sources

Goal: 10+ sales in first week

Customer Insights

Who’s buying:

  • New vs. returning customers
  • Geographic location
  • Purchase time/day
  • Demographic data
  • Referral source

Use to: Optimize targeting

Redemption Data

How cards are used:

  • Redemption rate (target: 70%+)
  • Time to redemption (average: 30-45 days)
  • Remaining balances
  • Breakage rate (unredeemed)

Insight: Low redemption = more profit but less engagement

Revenue Impact

Financial metrics:

  • Total gift card revenue
  • Processing fees
  • Net revenue
  • Incremental spend (above card value)
  • ROI on bonuses

Track: Profitability over time

Optimization Tips

Section titled “Optimization Tips”

First week improvements:

A/B Testing Ideas

Section titled “A/B Testing Ideas”

Test different elements to improve performance:

Test different bonus structures:

Version A:

$50 → $60 (20% bonus)
$100 → $125 (25% bonus)

Version B:

$50 → $55 (10% bonus)
$100 → $115 (15% bonus)

Measure:

  • Which drives more volume?
  • Which has better profit margins?
  • Customer preference?

Recommendation: Run for 2 weeks minimum

Quick Wins

Section titled “Quick Wins”

Implement these proven tactics:

  1. Add urgency

    "Limited Time: 25% Bonus Ends Sunday!"

  2. Social proof

    "Join 500+ happy gift givers"

  3. Highlight convenience

    "Delivered instantly via email or text"

  4. Show use cases

    "Perfect for birthdays, thank yous, and celebrations"

  5. Risk reversal

    "100% satisfaction guarantee - full refund if not delighted"

Troubleshooting

Section titled “Troubleshooting”

Low Sales in First Week

Section titled “Low Sales in First Week”

Possible causes and fixes:

ProblemSolution
Low visibilityIncrease promotion frequency (daily social posts)
High priceTest lower denominations ($10, $15)
Unclear valueHighlight bonus value more prominently
No urgencyAdd time-limited bonus offer
Technical issuesReview analytics, check for errors

Poor Email Deliverability

Section titled “Poor Email Deliverability”

Emails going to spam:

  1. Verify sending domain
  2. Check SPF/DKIM records
  3. Reduce spam trigger words (“free”, “act now”)
  4. Encourage customers to whitelist
  5. Send test to multiple providers (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook)

Low Redemption Rate

Section titled “Low Redemption Rate”

Cards purchased but not used:

  • Send reminder emails (30 days, 60 days, 90 days)
  • Offer small bonus to encourage first use
  • Check for redemption process issues
  • Survey non-redeemers
  • Simplify redemption instructions

Next Steps

Section titled “Next Steps”

Set Up Automation

Create automated customer journeys to boost sales without manual work.

Automation Guide →

Analytics Deep Dive

Learn to read and optimize based on your campaign data.

Analytics Guide →

Seasonal Campaigns

Plan and create holiday and seasonal gift card promotions.

Seasonal Guide →

Advanced Strategies

Scale your gift card program with advanced tactics.

Advanced Guide →

Questions about your campaign? Contact support at support@joincaramel.com or use the in-app chat.

🎉 Congratulations on launching your first campaign! Welcome to the world of automated restaurant revenue growth.