This year, brands really pulled out all the stops to convince you that they know how to help you tell that special someone “I Love You.”
From traditional sentimental masters like Hallmark to the usually less romantic brands such as McDonald’s, you’ll see an array of different campaigns that will make you laugh, cry and “awww” over and over again.
With Valentine’s Day spending projected to be around $18.9 billion according to a study from the National Retail Federation, it only seems fit that brands make the most out of this golden opportunity to showcase the best buys for your loved one and furry friends. That’s right, about $703 million dollars is the predicted spending on your fluffy companions alone! Below is my list of my favorite marketing campaigns that were launched in time for the season of love.
Top 5 Valentine’s Day Marketing Campaigns
5. “In Case of Love At First Sight, Break Glass” for Flower Council of Holland
The Flower Council of Holland is an industry group that helps florists promote and build their businesses. Through this unique guerilla-style marketing tactic, they’re securing a place for themselves in what will most likely be numerous “How your father and I met,” stories to come.
4. “Pay With Lovin’” for McDonald’s
McDonald’s slogan is “I’m Lovin’ it!” which was appropriate for this year’s ad campaign. McDonald’s new spot says that from Feb. 2nd to the 14th they will be randomly selecting customers to “pay with love.” Options include, but are not limited to: family hugs, “I Love You” phone calls and busting a move on the spot. McDonald’s effectively found a way to bring people into their stores hoping they’ll get to “pay with love.”
3. “The Proposal” for Cartier
This spot might leave people with mixed feeling considering the lack of diversity for characters, but the stories themselves were wonderfully marketed. The ad shows three intertwined love stories that inspire you to buy a ring for your loved one. You can watch the ads separately or all three together, including a heart-warming story about a man who proposes for the second time to his wife.
2. “Cupid Dog” for Lenovo
Remember when I mentioned that your furry friend would play a big role in Valentine’s Day this year? Well in this ad showcasing Lenovo’s YOGA Tablet 2 with a built-in projector, a couple argue over who was supposed to take the dog for a walk as their sad pooch watches from the doorway. This tech savvy dog fires up the projector tablet and re-watches some of his favorite clips of his owners together. The couple comes in to see their dog watching the footage and seem to forget their argument. Lenovo’s ad placement has everything it needs for an effective Valentine’s Day campaign: a cute animal, a hint of romance and happy ending all while showcasing their product.
1. “Put Your Heart To Paper” for Hallmark
As cliché as it is, Hallmark’s #PutYourHeartToPaper seven spots campaign comes in at the top of the list. Hallmark utilized seven couples with different sexualities, ethnicities and ages with ranging lengths in their relationships. Hallmark tapped into several demographics and made their point that there’s more than one way to say you love someone.
What have been some of your Valentine’s Day marketing campaigns? Share with us below in the comments!