Some may consider Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark holiday,” even though it has been celebrated for centuries, but that’s not stopping people from spending money. According to the National Retail Federation, total spending for the holiday is around $18 billion, which breaks down to $136.57 per person. Knowing that consumers are willing to spend this time of the year, businesses try to make their ways into our hearts.
Which companies have done a great job with their V-Day marketing campaigns? Here are five of our favorites from 2018.
1. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts doesn’t have to work that hard for our love. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a Vanilla Long John in the morning? Still, this doesn’t stop the brand from coming up with adorable campaigns for every holiday, V-Day included. This year, Dunkin’ Donuts is asking customers to compete in a “Dunkin’ Love” Instagram contest, stream on Facebook Live, and use Snapchat Geofilters at participating DD locations. With so many ways to engage, DD will have plenty of user-generated content to support its campaigns.
2. Edible Arrangements
This cute commercial features the very single Kelly on Valentine’s Day. As an Edible Arrangements delivery guy shows up with a fruit basket, Kelly wants everyone in the office to know about it. She asks the delivery man to speak into the megaphone about her special delivery, which he does. This announcement fits with the company’s tagline: “Edible Arrangements. Worth bragging about.”
3. The Body Shop
The Body Shop recently launched their #SendingAKiss contest. In it, they ask Instagram followers to send a photo of themselves blowing a kiss to a friend. Winners get two sets of lip liquids, lip juicers, matte lipsticks, and special edition lip balms for them and a friend. What we love about the #SendingAKiss campaign is that it encourages user-generated content, plus reaches a wider audience because participants have to tag their “Galentine.”
4. Pandora
This marketing campaign is original and not over the top, especially for a brand that makes jewelry. The commercial starts off with a woman walking past others who are receiving an assortment of cliche Valentine’s Day gifts: roses delivered to the office, a giant teddy bear, and even a ride in a horse and carriage. While she’s half-heartedly convinced herself that she doesn’t need all that “stuff” from her guy, she’s surprised in a very cool and nonchalant way with a ring. The ad ends with, “You know what to DO.”
5. Oppo F5
This Valentine’s Day campaign is a bit different than what we’re used to but largely refreshing. And it shows. So far on YouTube, the 13-minute movie has racked up nearly 17 million views, 89,000 likes, and over 5,900 comments. The short movie focuses on a woman going through a breakup, the natural chemistry between her and a friend, and her personal journey to discover inner beauty. The hashtag #CaptureTheRealYou aligns perfectly.
These are some of our favorite Valentine’s Day ads from this year. Did any of your favorites make our list?