Customer acquisition in 2025 is more competitive than ever. Paid ad costs are rising, privacy rules limit tracking, and consumer trust is at an all-time premium. Businesses are searching for incentives that actually move the needle.
That’s where gift cards come in. Unlike a small discount or a free trial alone, gift cards deliver tangible value. They feel like cash in the customer’s pocket but are easier to distribute, track, and customize.
Platforms like Toasty Card now make it effortless to use gift cards as a customer acquisition engine. Instead of just rewarding purchases, you can weave them into referral programs, sign-up campaigns, social promotions, and more—all with instant delivery and detailed reporting.
Why do gift cards work so well for acquisition?
Perceived Value – Customers see a $20 card as “money they can spend,” which feels more exciting than a 20% coupon.
Freedom of Choice – A Toasty Choice Card lets them pick from hundreds of brands, so the incentive never feels wasted.
Instant Gratification – Unlike rebates or delayed offers, digital cards are sent instantly, sparking immediate satisfaction.
Reciprocity Effect – When customers feel rewarded upfront, they’re more motivated to complete actions like signing up or making their first purchase.
Great if you want the incentive to tie into a brand (e.g., Starbucks, Domino’s). These work best for campaigns targeting specific lifestyles.
They feel like cash but are more expensive for companies due to extra fees.
The most flexible and high-performing option—recipients can choose from fast food, retail, coffee shops, and more. Perfect for acquisition campaigns where you don’t know individual preferences.
Here’s where the magic happens.
Encourage customers to invite friends by offering both parties a Toasty Choice Card. This “dual-sided reward” increases participation and builds trust.
➡ Example: “Refer a friend and you’ll both receive a $20 Toasty Card when they sign up.”
Sweeten the deal for prospects on the fence. Offer a gift card for trying your product or service.
➡ Example: A SaaS company gives new trial users a $10 Toasty Card if they activate within 7 days.
Collect valuable insights by rewarding participants.
➡ Example: “Complete our 5-minute survey and receive a $15 Toasty Card instantly.”
Boost engagement by offering digital gift cards for shares, tags, or reviews.
➡ Example: “Post a photo with our product and tag us for a chance to win a $25 Toasty Choice Card.”
Capture leads at in-person or virtual events with on-the-spot rewards.
➡ Example: “Book a demo at our booth and we’ll thank you with a Toasty Card.”
Pro Tip: Use digital gift cards for acquisition at scale, but keep physical cards for select, high-touch moments.
Gift cards are no longer just a holiday gift—they’re a strategic acquisition tool. In 2025, the companies that win will be those who build trust and incentivize engagement with rewards customers actually want.
With Toasty Card—and especially the flexible Toasty Choice Card—you can give prospects instant, meaningful rewards that attract new customers while keeping acquisition costs under control.
👉 Want to supercharge your acquisition strategy in 2025? Use Toasty Card to deliver instant, flexible, and trackable rewards that win customers and build loyalty.
Make sure to use UTM links for the sign-up and book a demo button as well.
Yes—studies show that incentives increase sign-ups and referrals significantly compared to control groups.
Digital cards are faster, scalable, and ideal for online campaigns. Physical cards still work well for in-person events.
$10–$25 for low-barrier actions (sign-ups, surveys). $50+ for higher-value actions (demos, purchases).
Absolutely. Toasty Card simplifies bulk management, making it accessible for businesses of any size.
Track cost per acquired customer, redemption rates, and long-term retention of those customers.