Many say Valentine’s Day is just another scam by American businesses to try and get more money out of consumers. And so what if it is? The holiday benefits businesses and reminds us to celebrate the people we love, because all too often we forget.

So, in the interest of tapping into the profits that are to be had, here are some ideas to help you lure in additional customers on this heartfelt holiday:

1. Pictures
Hire an inexpensive local photographer (maybe one that’s just getting starting so that you help his business and yours) to come to your place of business and offer pictures of couples for free or a very small fee.

Have a fun lovey-dovey background for the pictures and make sure your photograher uses a digital camera. That way, you can email the finished product to the customers, and advertise your business (and the photographer’s) a second time.

2. Contests
Advertise a greeting card, love song or poetry contest. Be sure to start things around mid-January, with a deadline the week before Valentine’s. Announce the winner on Valentine’s Day and provide them with a special prize, such as a gift certificate to your business and dinner for two at a local restaurant.

Other smaller scale contests could be the couple that has been married the longest, the couple married the shortest, who proposed in the most creative way, etc. You could even have couples registered for a make-shift newlywed game and have them compete for a prize. The couple that knows each other best, wins.

3. Giveaways
Consider conducting a drawing for a larger giveaway, sponsored by your business, for a cruise or 4 day/3 night getaway. Couples are entered when they spend a certain amount at your business (say $10-$25). That way, you don’t have the whole town trying to get in on the fun, and you make some money back from you investment.

Also, if your business provides products or services that are often used for weddings, such as photographer, catering, wedding coordination, etc., consider giving away a package to an engaged couple. This will generate interest in your product/service and, though you’ll only be giving it to one couple, will bring in potential clientele who would be willing to pay if they don’t win because they like what they see.

Regardless of how you wish to take advantage of the revenue Valentine’s Day brings in, be sure you advertise whatever special event you choose. The local newspaper is a good choice, but your best venue is usually local radio stations. Investing in some air time to advertise the special contest or giveaway, and your business, will probably reach the biggest audience.

And don’t forget to call your local TV stations to let them know what’s going on. If it’s exciting enough, they’ll want to be there to see who the big winner is, and you’ve get even more advertising for your business.

I realize today is actually Valentine’s Day, so the above ideas won’t do much good to help you this year. But these things take time and planning, so starting now will get you well on your way to bringing in that twitterpated crowd on the next Day of Love.

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2 Responses to “Ideas to Generate Business on Valentine’s Day”

1. Carnival of the Capitalists » Blog Archive » February 26 Edition CotC says:
   

   […] Small Business Buzz has some Ideas to Help Generate Business on Valentine’s Day. I let this one through because it is on-topic, has entertaining bits and might be of interest to some, and even apply in part to other holiday or event days. You could complain about the holiday being too artificial or commercial, or you could incorporate it into your marketing. Mmmm… revenue. […]

   Posted February 26th, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
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2. One Man Band » Carnival of the Capitalists 2.0 is Here! says:
   

   […] The first-click-through award goes to Michelle Cramer at Small Business Buzz for “Ideas to Generate Business on Valentine’s Day” because every One-Man Band can use ideas on how to generate income. Generalized, you should plan ahead for special occasions that allow a promotion to be designed that ties in positively to your business. […]

   Posted February 26th, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
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