Valentine\u2019s Day is just around the corner, and while the holiday recognizes and shows appreciation for the important people in our lives, it also possesses several successful marketing messages that make it a profitable event year after year.<\/p>\n
According to the National Retail Federation<\/a>, consumers will spend a near record of $19.6 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2018. Fifty-five percent of the population who celebrates it will spend an average of $143.56, an increase from last year’s $136.57.<\/p>\n Here are 4 marketing lessons we can learn from Valentine\u2019s Day and apply to our businesses:<\/p>\n I still remember the excitement of exchanging Valentines with my classmates in elementary school, and I see it again in my kids as they prepare for their Valentine\u2019s Day parties. And as an adult, I don\u2019t know many people who don\u2019t appreciate receiving an old fashioned card. Taking the time to write a personal note to a client or customer will make you stand out in his or her mind simply because not a lot of people do it. Your card can be a thank you note, or just a card to check in or follow up. It\u2019s not time consuming, but takes a little more effort than sending an email. For that, you will be remembered.<\/p>\n I was shopping at Meijer shortly after Christmas and they had just cleared the shelves of the holiday items. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a glimpse of a heart and a few scarce traces of red and pink. I immediately thought of Valentine\u2019s Day, which was still 7 weeks away and not on my radar. Do you think of McDonald\u2019s when you see red and yellow? Does your favorite sports team come to mind when you randomly notice their colors in combination? Valentine\u2019s Day has solidified their brand, because even in December, the colors and shapes make us think of that day. How established is your brand?<\/p>\n Conversations hearts contain a short and sweet message. There is simply not room for a lot of text, but you get the gist of the message in just a few words. Our customers are busy people. They don\u2019t have a lot of time to read through long paragraphs of text, overly long explanations and details that don\u2019t matter to them. Get to the point and tell your customers what they need to know. They will appreciate your respect for their time.<\/p>\n Being open to variety and trying new things is how we learn and how our businesses grow. You may be limiting your potential by only having one type of chocolate. Don\u2019t limit yourself by putting all of your money in to one type of marketing. Try different things to see what works. Experiment with blogging, social media, email marketing or Facebook advertising. Then do more of what works and eliminate what doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Valentine\u2019s Day sets an excellent example to business owners on the importance of marketing, branding, customer service and communication. Who knew Cupid was a marketing expert?<\/p>\n If you’d like more information about how to market your business using content, please contact me<\/a> or join my email list below.<\/p>\nLesson #1: A hand written card says a lot
\nValentine\u2019s Day Subject: The Valentine<\/h2>\nLesson #2: Branding is Powerful
\nValentine\u2019s Day Subject: Hearts and the colors Pink and Red<\/h2>\nLesson #3: Keep your message short and sweet
\nValentine\u2019s Day Subject: Conversation Hearts<\/h2>\nLesson #4: Diversify your marketing plan
\nValentine\u2019s Day Subject: A box of assorted chocolates<\/h2>\n