With the Christmas shopping rush, New Year’s resolutions and January blues over, now's the time to plan for the next sales season. Invoking the romantic side of buyers can help consolidate the “love affair” between brands and customers (as corny as that may sound).
According to a 2024 study by Leger, men spent $111 last year versus $80.80 for women.
That's why we're sharing 10 Valentine’s marketing ideas for messages, gifts and promotions that you can apply to your online business to boost your sales results.
How to promote February 14th: 10 good marketing ideas
Now let’s take a look at some new ways you can lure more people to buy from you this February.
1. Gifts for couples
Our first Valentine's marketing idea is for the obvious.
For people in a romantic relationship, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to take their expression of affection to the next level.
So, it's no surprise that during this time of year lovers look to go beyond the classic flowers or boxes of chocolates.
Think of creative ways to make both members of the couple “fall in love” with your products/services. Consider:
- Coordinated outfits
- A spa day for two
- Professional portraits
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2. Gifts for BFF's
Beyond romantic love, BFFs are those people who are always there when you need them most — without expecting anything in return.
So, pamper your clients and their besties with offers and experiences to share
Offer a craft class — or a 2-for-1 pedicure — so everyone can catch up on the latest.
3. Family experiences
Although there are several dates throughout the year dedicated to each member of the family — Mother's Day, Father's Day, Children's Day or Grandparents' Day — February 14 can also be a good time to create sweet memories with the family.
Photo by Alex Green via Pexels
For restaurant owners, for example, a themed brunch with décor and photo props can create a unique atmosphere, luring in the socially minded.
It could also create good expectations, so that families will want to spend future celebrations in the same place.
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4. Gifts for pets
Nowadays, the furry ones in the home are practically an extension of the family. Therefore, if your business has to do with pets, create packages such as a grooming service and a special treat to pamper them.
Matching BFF pet tags to How Stella learned to talk, think outside the box.
5. Self-care gifts
Single people also have a heart and deserve some pampering on February 14th. Be sure to post individual offers, so they can treat themselves and feel good about themselves.
6. Challenge conventions
Believe that your brand goes beyond the image of heterosexual romantic love and prefers to give voice to other forms of love and friendship? You can also use Valentine's Day to reaffirm your business's value proposition.
Stand out among others by being an alternative to conventionalisms.
For example, you can promote February 13th under the concept of Galentine's Day, as popularized by the American TV series Parks and Recreation.
7. Run contests on social networks
User-generated content will always be the best digital promotion technique, as it strengthens customers' relationships with their favorite brands.
User-generated content is anything created by customers, whose products are then shared by you, the retailer.
It transmits trust to potential prospects who see friends or family interacting with them. And social media campaigns on Valentine's Day are essential for this.
Take advantage of your followers' creativity and create dynamics where they can participate.
For example, a photo contest where they can express what love or friendship means to them. The couple/friends must use your hashtags and tag each other and your account (you can even ask for your facilities or products to be in the frame).
The photo with the most votes can receive a special gift or a duo experience.
8. Make a “combo” with other businesses
Many times, on February 14th, people and their loved ones want to spend a day full of shared activities.
The idea is to visit various businesses to create different memories depending on the time of day or the theme of the celebration.
Take advantage of this to partner with other businesses in your community and offer a special discount if people shop at your location on the same day (or give a coupon for a future visit).
You can also check to see if your local chamber of commerce is organizing a Valentine's Day fair and set up a booth.
9. Create coupons and gift cards
To encourage sales beyond Valentine's Day, don't forget to offer coupons or gift certificates valid for future purchases.
Gift certificates or cards are especially useful for attracting shoppers who either
- Didn't have time to go out and pick out their gifts
- Simply left it to the last minute
How to do this? Although it can be done manually, it is best to have a website or online store with a discount coupon system.
Not only will this help your business keep better track of the promotions you apply, but you will also have a mailing list that you can use in future email marketing campaigns to remind your customers how great their gifts were. (Use catchy Subject lines like “Don’t Friendzone Us.”)
10. Do you publish gift guides?
Gift guides are combinations of products or services that perfectly fit the celebration your customers have in mind.
So, you can use the categories we already mentioned above — BFF's, Galentine's Day, self-care — or more specific ones. “Wine lovers,” “Those who have everything” or “For my bearded friend.”
Make a box whose contents make your loved one feel even more special. Get inspired with Pinterest gift guides like this one:
Pinterest: Mara Ferreira
Once you have your guides ready, you can post them on your blog and social media.
Delight your customers with Valentine's marketing ideas
Holidays such as February 14th or others throughout the year are excellent opportunities for your business to position itself in the minds of your buyers with ideas, products and services that help them create unforgettable moments.
So, in addition to gift guides and promotional banners, create valuable, fun, and memorable content that will make your customers have a more enjoyable Valentine's Day (and thus connect more with your brand).
For example:
- A checklist of the qualities of the ideal partner.
- “To/from” templates that can be downloaded, printed and filled out with the name of your partner or friend.
- A quiz about iconic scenes from romantic movies.
If you don't have the budget to hire designers ... don't worry! When you create a website using GoDaddy Airo, you’ll have social media ad creation, email marketing – even a marketing calendar with recommended posts.
Your website will have a design your customers will love and features to take advantage of every sales season.
Based on an article by Brandi Johnson originally published on GoDaddy Garage then published on the GoDaddy Spain blog.
