Valentine’s Day is coming - are you using it in your marketing?

Valentine's Day is a special time for lovers, boxes of chocolate and hearts, not to mention a perfect excuse to send that special someone a sentimental e-card. It’s also a special time for businesses, and regardless of what type of business you have, you can use this holiday to show your customers some love.

Here are some ideas to help you become Cupid for a day:

• Appreciation emails.  Build those customer and client relationships by offering some unexpected holiday greetings. Plenty of customers receive Christmas or holiday cards. On Valentine’s Day, they may be looking for a note from that special someone. How about one from their favorite business?
• “We Love Our Customers” Discounts.  Show existing customers extra appreciation by offering a larger-than-usual discount.
• Decorate your store or your Facebook page with a Valentine's Day themed cover photo and profile. Post some romantic quotes, along with a few Valentine's Day cards. Your customers see your business side all year. Showing them your sentimental side may make them feel closer to you and remind them there’s a person behind the product.
• Cross-promote with another business.  Just because your business doesn’t lend itself to a Valentine’s Day theme doesn’t mean you have to let the holiday fall by the wayside. Think of ways to partner with more Valentine-friendly businesses such as a florist, restaurant or movie theater. 
• Write lists of date ideas or gift ideas and post them on your blog. Even if they are unrelated to your business, they will still be appreciated by your customers.
• Throw in some color.  February is a cold, dreary time of year in many parts of the world. Why not liven it up? Give away flowers. Or a box of chocolates. Or even a teddy bear. This can be in a drawing (customers must come to store to enter) or a gift with any purchase over a certain amount.
• Embrace the season.  Offer gift wrapping (in red paper, of course) or heart-shaped gift baskets. Why not throw a holiday party with cocoa and cookies social for singles?
• Don't forget pets!  Even if you don’t have a cat or dog or a blue tongue skink, it’s a good bet some of your customers do. Engage them by running a photo contest for cutest pets.

Many businesses have become savvy enough with marketing to recognize the importance of holidays, but most of them stop with a ‘Seasons Greetings’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ around November and December. There are plenty of holidays to go around, and each one offers unique marketing opportunities. Take advantage of holidays like Valentine’s Day. Your customers may just love you for it.