Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is a difficult holiday to avoid. As a holiday that celebrates love and relationships, marketers often focus on running campaigns that will bring out emotion and make people happy. These ads in particular bring a little extra joy to this holiday by focusing on humor. Even if you’re someone that isn’t normally thrilled on Valentine’s Day, these ads are worth your attention. Check out these 4 marketing campaigns you’ll love.
Heineken’s Date in a Box
This year, Heineken has launched ‘Date in a Box’ for Valentine’s Day. In exchange for an “adventurous mystery date”, your significant other must be willing to reveal his sensitive side through social media. If he does this by using the hashtag #dateinabox, he will receive a code to open up the box and get his prize. Running a social media contest for Valentine’s Day is a great idea and it’s sure to get a lot of participants.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmF61zh8YL0
Mr. Peanut Cards
Last year, Mr. Peanut offered digital Valentine’s Day cards through their Facebook page. If you created and sent a card, you and the recipient were given a $1 coupon for Planters nuts. Mr. Peanut also offered shareable videos featuring Mr. Peanut himself reclining in front of a fireplace with seductive background music. The campaign was smart because it not only helped market their product for Valentine’s Day, but it also reminded followers that February is National Heart Health Month—and Planters had plenty of lightly salted and unsalted products to go around.
Ikea’s Baby Coupon
Another interesting marketing campaign choice from last year came from Ikea. The massive furniture company offered a coupon for a free crib for babies born on November 14th—exactly nine months after Valentine’s Day. Although some might feel the ad was in bad taste, it’s an unexpected creative and humorous marketing move by Ikea. This coupon idea is a great example of how going a bit over-the-top could actually create a unique and attention-grabbing campaign.
TGI Friday’s ‘Wingmen’
For Valentine’s Day, TGI Friday is attempting to honor the ‘wingmen’ by offering a $15 coupon to the first 500 tweeters who use the hashtag #thankswingman. As an attempt to reach those people who might not necessarily be taking a date to their popular chain restaurant, it’s a pretty clever campaign that stays true to their brand. Also, by focusing on friendship instead of romance, TGI Friday has realized the potential of the singles market.
These ads show that it’s possible to creative on Valentine’s Day. Running a quick contest or offering something as simple as Valentine’s Day cards can bring attention to your company and perhaps bring in more business. What Valentine’s Day ads have you seen this year? Share with us!
Sources:
1) http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mr-peanut-is-declaring-his-love-for-hearts-with-planters-heart-healthy-peanuts-189805831.html
2) http://www.businessinsider.com/ikea-valentines-day-coupon-for-free-crib-2013-2