A brand-new, consumer-focused site, The Online Gift Guide (www.theonlinegiftguide.com) has been launched by Charlotte Biggs, founder of the Card & Gift Network with the aim of offering designers, makers and independent retailers a new option to promote their business direct to consumers.
Founder Charlotte Biggs commented, “Although the site is focused around a ‘Gift Guide’ concept I’m keen to include greeting cards, as they are such an essential part of the gifting process.”
How It Works
Contributors can submit one or as many greeting cards as they wish, which if approved will be live for a minimum of 30 days. Each product listing directs buyers to an online shop or marketplace for purchase. Adding card and gift ideas is completely free; there’s no ‘cost per click’ and no commission charged at any point.
For those who want extra promotion businesses can also add their company to the directory. Creating a dedicated page for their business, adding events and even special offers to entice even more customers. Special launch prices for the directory are in effect, which means businesses can get a year’s promotion from just £39 (inc. VAT). There will also be a special deal for GCA Members which will be announced in the next few days.
“I’d like as many greeting card designers, makers and retailers as possible to get involved,” says Charlotte. “As an industry, I’ve always found we work together really well and with The Online Gift Guide I want to create a collaborative space. Competition online for greeting cards and gifts is very strong, which often means that small, independents struggle to find an audience online and get enough website traffic to make eCommerce profitable. By working together and having lots of businesses contributing to The Online Gift Guide I think we’ll be able to offer real value to gift seekers. Value that will in turn help businesses in our industry attract new customers.”
Last year Charlotte experimented with a consumer-focused Christmas Gift Guide magazine. The response to the magazine was great, with over 250 businesses participating and in the eight weeks leading up to Christmas the viewing stats for the festive period were well over 150,000 people.
“Following interest in the magazine, I started to think about creating a website version of the Gift Guide that could connect gift seekers with greetings card and gift businesses all year round, and The Online Gift Guide was born,” says Charlotte.
Thinking of You Week
The Online Gift Guide will be teaming up with the GCA to promote Thinking of You Week 2018. “In the coming weeks I’ll be asking all contributors to upload their Thinking of You card designs and the website will be specially themed to celebrate the event,” says Charlotte.
Becoming a Contributor
Joining The Online Gift Guide as a contributor is simple and takes just a few minutes. You can find out all the information you need on the website at – https://www.theonlinegiftguide.com/contribute/
Alternatively, you can email Charlotte at hello@cardandgiftnetwork.com for more information.
