Valentine's Day Marketing Ideas

Like most holidays, Valentine's Day brings out the worst, most hackneyed and cliche-ridden marketing programs of the year.

Thumbs down to everyone who wants their client to offer a "sweetheart deal" or run a heart-shaped ad with "we love our customers!!!" in a diagonal banner (Note the three exclamation marks, so much more effective than just one!!!).

Here's a few Big Marketing Ideas to help you get away from the cliche.

Idea :: Be Mine on a Dime
A new bakery sends locals a tiny, heart-shaped box on Valentine's Day. It contains a single chocolate and a tiny card. The outside copy reads: "Will you be my valentine?" The inside copy reads, "If you say yes, I'll give you 15% off any box of chocolates between now and the end of the month".

Clever, personal and useful.

Idea :: Rehab is for Quitters!
A rehab center runs an ad with a stunning woman looking straight into the camera with the headline: "Wouldn't you like to be my Valentine?". The body of the ad would go on to say that, if you accept the invitation, you could join her in getting really wasted, wrecking your car, losing your job, making yourself sick, destroying your marriage, etc. The point is that not every alcoholic or drug addict is homeless and rough looking ... at least, not at first. Get help now, etc.

Now that's a good use of a topical opportunity, powerful, unusual, counter-intuitive messaging.

Idea :: A Call to Tardy Cupids
A flower delivery service runs a radio ad on Valentine's Day saying "Okay, so it's Valentine's Day and you got nothin'. No flowers, no card, no candies - nothin'. Buddy, we're about to save your butt." Ad goes on to explain how they have operators standing by, ready to take emergency orders for their Last Minute Package - flowers, candy and a nice card with her name and your name pre-printed. Order by two PM and receive delivery by six PM.

Brilliant--albeit logistically tricky.


Have a Happy Valentine's Day Big Marketing Ideas readers!