Valentine’s day is one of the most commercial holidays out there. In 2012, consumers spent an average of $116.21 each on Valentine’s day gifts and treats for their loved ones, and in 2014, that had jumped to more than $130. This is a holiday all about spending, and that’s a trend that only increases every year. If you want to get a piece of that very lucrative Valentine’s day pie, then there are several direct mail ideas you could use to entice them to spend those dollars on your products or services. Here are a few ideas:
- Try to be creative, and think outside the traditional Valentine’s day box. If you’re going with hearts, Cupids or flowers, you might get lost in a sea of the same thing.
- If there’s one thing that everyone dreads on every holiday, it’s thinking up gift ideas. Create lists of gift ideas from your product range. Split them up by his and hers, or by price point, and create special Valentine’s day only pricing.
- Write a story about your product. Customers connect to stories, and if you can create one about your product, or about how your product will make their loved one feel, then you will have a greater chance of connecting with them, and gaining a sale.
- Make your Valentine’s day marketing to customers a card, and include a coupon or voucher for a special discount as your gift to them. Yes, it’s cheesy, but this is a holiday that is all about cheesy declarations of affection. If you can’t beat it, join it.
- Even if you don’t sell products related to Valentine’s day, create offers around the holiday. For instance, a car dealership could promise customers a gift card for a meal if they purchase a new card, or a baby sitting service could offer special rates on a night when most parents will be looking for their service.
- Run a Valentine’s day contest. Make the prize a Valentine’s day themed one that consumers won’t be able to say no to, and have a time limit on entry to generate urgency.
- Link your direct mail to your online store, by promising a different offer online every day for the 14 days leading up to Valentine’s day.
- Offer free shipping, delivery or wrapping as a part of your Valentine’s day offer.
- Since customers are much more likely to open direct mail if it’s a lumpy package, consider including a small Valentine’s day candy with your direct mail piece. A little foil wrapped heart may be all it takes to make your marketing stand out from the crowd.
Companies all know that Valentine’s day is a great day for businesses of all kinds, so you will probably be competing against many other marketing campaigns when you launch yours. Make sure you start early, and market often. Use direct mail, online marketing and social media together to make sure that your company is on everyone’s mind when they make their Valentine’s day purchases, and you will reap the rewards.
