Valentine's Day marketing ideas

Whatever you sell, Valentine's Day offers all retailers an incredible opportunity to create incremental sales and visits.

Let's start with those who don't sell the typical Valentine's gift products. You can put together a one-week "We Love Our Customers" event that lets your customers know how much you appreciate them. You can promote the event on the run-up to February 7th, and then hold seven days of We Love Our Customers specials, events, and giveaways. I'd promote the heck out of it. There's still plenty of time to put something together.

Those of you sell typical Valentine's Day products can also do We Love Our Customers events, of course. Your challenge/opportunity is to figure out how to get your message to shoppers who may not get your newsletter or be a member of your Facebook community.

I recommend a fun, Valentine's-themed campaign suggesting how your customers can leave hints for the perfect Valentine's gift. It could include things like little cutout notes in your newsletter to be left for the reader's significant other, or Facebook posts that a follower can share so his/her significant other will read. There are lots of fun possibilities with this one. Don't be afraid to take it over the top. You need to stand out!

Also, here's a thought for those of you who sell very traditional Valentine's Day gifts like flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. You need to do something that makes your products/gifts stand out above and beyond anyone else's. Consider adding a free $5 or $10 gift card for the buyer to add to the gift they're giving. The gift card acts as a bounce back to drive the recipient into the store to make an additional purchase.

Ah, there are so many possibilities this Valentine's Day - if you put your mind to it and dare to be better than good!

So let me ask, will your Valentine's plan bring you results you'll Love?