We have all been there. Monday morning rolls around, the brain is still stuck in Sunday mode and you have to come up with a killer idea for the week's email marketing campaign.
That is why planning ahead is so important for those creating new campaigns each week. Sometimes if you are not planning a week or two ahead, you are too late or even worse, you waste valuable time trying to come up with something.
We have mentioned it before on the blog and will say it again. Let the calendar be your friend and use special days to base your emails around.
Below is a list of real holidays, wacky holidays, and pop culture events in February that you can develop a timely and relevant email campaign around.
Tuesday, February 2nd – Groundhog Day
You know how this one goes. If a groundhog fails to see its shadow, winter will come to an end much sooner. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks (Nooooo). If weather is a driving factor in your business, more winter or less winter is most likely something to take advantage of.
Sunday, February 7th – Super Bowl XLIV - New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts
One of the few sporting events that pretty much everyone marks on the calendar. Many subscribers or potential leads who don't even watch football take part in this day in their own way. Be careful however because of strictly enforced trademark infringements, you can't use the words "NFL," "Super Bowl," or "Super Sunday" in your marketing campaigns. However, you can use terms such as "The Big Game," or other generic descriptions for Super Bowl XLIV.
Monday, February 8th – Boy Scout Day
Your company could have some fun with this one. Something based on trust, honesty and providing great service. Display to your customers the "Boy Scout" in your company.
Friday, February 12th-28th - 2010 Winter Olympic Games
The Winter Olympics only come around every four years so it is a great event to incorporate into your email marketing. Everyone in Canada has had Olympic fever for months and we can't wait to share the Vancouver games with the World. Take advantage of people's excitement about a particular sport or the Games as a whole.
Sunday, February 14th – Valentine's Day
If this is a big day for your company, hopefully you already have a plan in motion. Valentine's Day is 2nd largest retailing event of the year. Though men are expected to spend the most on Valentine gifts and are stereotypically procrastinators, don't wait too long to share your special deals and promotions. This is also a great day to share some love with your subscriber base and maybe even ask them to update their user information.
Tuesday, February 16th – Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday
Now this is a day you could really have some fun with. Everything about Mardi Gras is party-related and about going big. The opportunities for fun and creative ideas don't get better than this. Stop thinking of pancakes for a second and create your own Mardi Gras related event.
Wednesday, February 15th-21st – Random Act's Of Kindness Week
Random Act's Of Kindness Day is an unofficial holiday in order to encourage acts of kindness. This is an opportunity to give something back to your loyal audience of readers. Maybe it's just to say thanks. Maybe it is a no strings attached coupon for something free or at cost.
Saturday, February 20th – Love Your Pet Day
This one is a stretch, but I am a huge pet lover so I had to add it in. Create a theme, contest or some kind of interaction with clients that are pet related. Deep down, we all love our pets so this may be a connection you never knew you had with your subscribers.
The calendar on your wall or desk can spark all kinds of great ideas for your next campaign. The best part about using this concept is that each month you get a whole list of new holidays to use.
Let us know what special days or themes you are using in your email marketing campaigns on Twitter or Facebook. Can't wait to read them.
