We just got through some major holidays but now it's time to start over. Your first mission? You need to send your email marketing campaigns for Valentine's Day. We're already seeing them fly
through our system. Your customers need to think about their loved
ones, ones they're hot for, and their Moms. Best of all, it's not just
for flower, lingerie, and jewelry shops anymore.
Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking about what to offer for your business.
Restaurants - You should start booking those romantic dinners now. Do you have a special prix fix menu? Get the word out to your favorite customers using email.
Jewelry - Pictures work! Make sure you put them prominently in your emails to show off your stuff.
Flowers - This is too obvious, but remember to include email marketing campaigns all the way up to and on the day.
Spas & Salons - Start putting your offerings out on your websites and in your salons now. Gift certificates are THE thing you should be pushing for this holiday.
Wineries/Wine Shops - How about putting together gift baskets of your merchandise? We've seen some nice red gift bags that wineries are giving for free with nice card attached.
Paper Goods and Rubber Stamps - We've seen some nice Valentine's Day-themed papers and gift bags on sale for this holiday.
Entertainment - Send an email offering event tickets to your loved one's favorite act.
Gift Baskets! - Just about anything can go into a gift basket. Make up a special Valentine's Day gift basket and market it. We've seen the obvious ones like food and wine, but if you've got a nice "suite" of products go for it!
Odd and very cool Valentine's Day offerings we've seen - Cooking classes, weight loss programs (ouch), plastic surgery (whoa!), Swiss Army tools, gelato shop certificates and even yoga for partners. Very creative stuff here.
Got any more ideas? Give us a comment.
What about boutiques/clothing & accessory stores? I sent out a 'LOVE YOU' email for my 'RED SALE', where everything in the store that is RED is on sale through Feb.14.
Posted by: Kathy An | February 09, 2008 at 08:04 AM
For Jeff on Carpet Cleaning....I suggest sending a campaign on Feb 15. "Have a little too much fun with the chocolate on Valentine's Day? We have a sweet deal for cleaning your carpets!"
Mardi Gras is also right around the corner on Feb 5th and could also be a deliciously messy holiday:)
Good Luck!
Posted by: Erin Jacobs | January 29, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Any one have an idea for promotion for carpet cleaning on valentines day?
Posted by: Jeff | January 29, 2008 at 10:41 AM
If you want to see what the chocolate companies are doing on their websites, check out
http://thisweekinetail.blogspot.com/2008/01/valentines-chocolates.html
Posted by: Ed Henrich | January 29, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Alan - So sorry, how could I forget about critters! Great idea, now get emailing! :-)
Posted by: Janine Popick | January 29, 2008 at 08:34 AM
For Russell - How about a gift certificate for portraits (not knowing what type of photography you do), like a private session for families or couples?
Posted by: Janine Popick | January 29, 2008 at 08:33 AM
You forgot to mention stuffed animals & teddy bears!! We're a little biased being that our site is StuffedAnimals.com, but nonetheless a BIG part of Valentine's Day! :)
Posted by: Alan Townsend | January 29, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Any thoughts as to how a "photographer" could capitalize on "valentines day"?
Would appreciate any feedback.
Posted by: Russell Climie | January 29, 2008 at 07:54 AM