What Valentine’s Day can teach us about online marketing

This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day! And while I don’t have any helpful hints for last-minute gifts, it’s important to note that Valentine’s Day is one of the highest grossing holidays of the year (roughly $13 billion is spent annually on gifts). Crazy, I know.

With numbers like those, it begs the question: how are businesses breaking through the clutter of Valentine’s Day online marketing tactics?

Be where your consumers are.

For starters, let’s run through some fun, basic statistics about Valentine’s Day. Consumers are using their smartphones more and more for online banking, movie rentals and shopping. Did you know that 2 out of 3 online Valentine’s Day shoppers own a smartphone and 2 out of 5 will do their V-Day shopping via a tablet? Since more than half of consumers purchase their Valentine’s Day gifts within one week of the holiday, retailers and ecommerce sites would be remise to not have a mobile app or responsive website to cater to these last minute shoppers. In order to generate more business and boost sales, you need to cater towards the habits of your current consumers and potential customers.

Be mine.

It’s okay to get a little silly and embrace the spirit of love. Let your customers know just how important you value their patronage. Even if you can’t offer a special, send out a Valentine’s Day e-blast to your subscribers and tell them their loyalty and continued support is appreciated. Here are some Valentine’s Day themed marketing campaigns that will melt your heart.

Be social.

Social media usage on Valentine’s Day is huge. Everyone wants to show off their flowers and candy. Make sure you are actively participating in online discussions. V-Day is the one day a year where everyone wants to be recognized – even your customers. Send some extra love out and recognize new followers and pay extra attention to mentions from other businesses. Show your employees making the most of Valentine’s Day in the office. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with it!

So this Valentine’s Day, surprise your followers and customers by showing a little love. Make sure to be where your customers are, and make the day about them. Send a special eblast to your subscribers or thank recent followers. After all, a little love can go a  long way.