From Likes to Loyal Customers: Leveraging Social Media for Valentine Success

Imagine if your business had people lining up, talking, and sharing YOUR fun business on social media. Sound intriguing?

My Grandmother and I walked past a cafe last year and it was packed, and people were standing at the windows peering in and watching something…

Upon closer inspection it was their “Romance Month Kissing Contest”. They had a chalk-drawn heart on the floor and encouraged couples to stand on the heart and kiss to win free Valentine treat all February long. It created a fun, playful atmosphere, got people talking, and generated plenty of interest on social media with photos of participants.

Here’s some proof that creating these type of fun, participatory events is effective.

This coffee shop (@coffeemilanocafe) has gone viral with a simple promotion. They posted a sign on the front door:

“Want a FREE COFFEE? Walk in and give us your BEST dance moves for 5 seconds!!”

Look at the number of views this one post has had!

It’s brought in a lot of business, made the local community very aware of this coffee shop and spread a lot of joy. Other videos they’ve shared show dozens of customers dancing. They have gained 10,000 followers (though only a portion of them will be actual local potential customers).

Creating an atmosphere of fun, uniqueness, and community are all great engagement strategies to make your customers more loyal to your business. Life is full of our to-do lists and work and commutes – finding a business that offers a little beacon of light in our average days is appreciated and rewarded. Every restaurant sells food, every auto repair shop fixes cars, every retail store sells things. What makes you head and shoulders above the rest is showing your personality and going outside the confines of your core business.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

💗 Customer Love Wall
Create a “Love Wall” where customers can post what they love about your business, your town, or their partner. As a reward, they could receive entry into a Valentine’s Month raffle. Display these notes in-store or on social media, spreading positive vibes and encouraging engagement.

💗 Blind Date Product
For retailers, create a “Blind Date” experience by wrapping up certain items and adding a playful “profile” description without revealing the item. This adds an element of surprise and fun to the shopping experience, and customers who “take a chance” could get a bonus item with their purchase or the actual item at a special price.

💗 Lonely Hearts Event
Restaurants can host a “Lonely Hearts” event as a weekly event on a slow night, with special menu at a group table. Groups of friends or singles can join, providing the opportunity to broaden their social circle. Put some “conversation starter” questions on the table or an interactive game to help get them connecting.

💗February Surprise Days
Pick a few “Surprise Days” in February where customers who come in receive a mystery offer, a small freebie, or a scratch-off card with a surprise offer on their next visit. Announce these days last-minute on social media and through your loyalty program to influence action.

💗 “Warm Up with Us” Event
Auto repair shops in cold regions could offer cozy drinks, a hot cocoa bar, or warm snacks in the waiting area in February. This “Warm Up with Us” theme could be promoted as a way to treat yourself and escape the winter chill, drawing in customers who appreciate a cozy atmosphere .

💗 Charity Hearts & Love Tokens
Offer customers the chance to purchase “Hearts of Love” in support of a local charity, where each heart (or token) represents a donation and is displayed in-house.

By focusing on Romance Month, you’re not just celebrating the season—you’re creating fun, meaningful ways to connect with your customers. And when you bring those social media followers into your business and onto your Rewards program, you’re building relationships that last long after February ends.

At Royalty Rewards®, it’s our job to help you come up with and implement these types of creative ideas – then we send out your marketing for you in a variety of formats. We are a complete Marketing and Loyalty System that delivers a flood of customers to your door every day – book a call with a Program Director to see how it can work in your business.