Archive for the ‘Direct Marketing’ category

September is Chock Full of Marketing Ideas!

August 19th, 2011

You’re in the right place if you need ideas for promoting your business in September. First off, September is National Biscuit Month. I’m picturing a contest on Facebook and having people post photos of what they like eating with their biscuits. Let fans choose which are the best looking photos. Or have people send in recipes and post a few recipes in your newsletter. Then have people comment on which biscuit recipe they tried and why they enjoyed it.

September 6th is National Coffee Ice Cream Day. I think that would work great for ice cream shops, coffee shops, coffee roasters and even restaurants. Come up with specialty coffee ice cream flavors. September 29th is National Coffee Day so you can have to great promotions going on during the month. Maybe even have a Foursquare check-in promotion of a free coffee or coffee ice cream. Let me know what you do and how it turns out.

Bakeries need to be aware of National Cream-Filled Donut Day on September 14th. Get crowds clambering for a cream-filled donut! National TV Dinner on September 10th could work for weight loss programs using special frozen dinner meals.

And if you want to promote healthy eating September 7th is National Acorn Squash Day.

 

First Week:

September 1 – National Cherry Popover Day

September 2 – National Blueberry Popsicle Day

September 3 – National Welsh Rarebit Day [Hmm, not sure, what would you do with it?]

Second Week:

September 4 – National Macadamia Nut Day [Do a mailer with packets of nuts.]

September 5 – National Cheese Pizza Day [Invite your customers over for lunch]

September 6 – National Coffee Ice Cream Day

September 7 – National Acorn Squash Day

September 8 – National Date-Nut Bread Day [Promote a Date Night for customers!]

September 9 – National Weinerschnitzel Day

September 10 – National TV Dinner Day

Third Week:

September 11 – National Hot Cross Bun Day

September 12 – National Chocolate Milkshake Day [Great for a 50's Diner]

September 13 – National Peanut Day

September 14 – National Cream-Filled Donut Day

September 14 – National Eat a Hoagie Day [Have an open house with mini Hoagies!]

September 15 – National Creme de Menthe Day

September 15 – National Linguini Day [Great for restaurants!]

September 16 – National Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Day [Promote a baking contest.]

September 17 – National Apple Dumpling Day

Fourth Week:

September 18 – National Cheeseburger Day [Last Barbecue before it gets too cold?]

September 19 – National Butterscotch Pudding Day

September 20 – National Punch Day [Offer cups of punch to guests.]

September 21 – National Pecan Cookie Day10

September 22 – National Ice Cream Cone Day

September 23 – National White Chocolate Day [Send boxes to your top clients]

September 24 – National Cherries Jubilee Day

Fifth Week:

September 25 – National Crab Meat Newburg Day

September 26 – National Pancake Day [Breakfast with key clients?]

September 27 – National Chocolate Milk Day [Kid friendly day – what will you do with it?]

September 27 – National Corned Beef Hash Day

September 28 – National Strawberry Cream Pie Day

September 28 – National Drink Beer Day [Works great for sports bars and nightclubs.]

September 29 – National Coffee Day [Coffee shops and Roasters pay attention!]

September 30 – National Mulled Cider Day

Now you have 30 days worth of outrageous marketing ideas for September. Which days will you use and how? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know.

 

Cool Marketing Ideas for the Hot Days of August!

July 22nd, 2011

Looking for some marketing themes to cool off your customers on scorching hot August days? I notice several days have to do with ice cream, soda and refreshing fruits. I can really sink my teeth into August 2nd as National Ice Cream Sandwich Day.

Although August 6th National Root Beer Float Day sounds very thirst and heat quenching. August 14th is National Creamsicle Day and you can cool off your customers while they browse your special offers.

I’m curious what you can come up with for National Zucchini Day on August 8th. Would you do a Social Media based recipe contest? Offer samples of zucchini bread?

National Lemonade Day on August 20th is my favorite. I love drinking lemonade and frozen lemonade treats are fantastic. Would you have a recipe contest with judges doing taste tests

National Rum Day on August 16th has me thinking of a Captain Jack Sparrow costume contest. Now is that too outrageous? Post a photo of the winning costume on your Facebook Page.

1st Week:

August 1 – National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

August 2 – National Ice Cream Sandwich Day – Great on a hot day.

August 2 – National Ice Cream Soda Day

August 3 – National Watermelon Day – Have a picnic for your top customers.

August 4 – National Chocolate Chip Day – I bake yummy cookies.

August 4 – National Lasagne Day – Calling all Italian food restaurants!

August 5 – National Mustard Day

August 5 – National Waffle Day – Eateries that serve breakfast can use this in a promotion.

August 5 – National Oyster Day

August 6 – National Root Beer Float Day – I’d visit a store offering me one on a hot day!

2nd Week:

August 7 – National Raspberries ‘n Cream Day

August 8 – National Frozen Custard Day

August 8 – National Zucchini Day

August 9 – National Rice Pudding Day

August 10 – National S’mores Day – Sporting Goods shops can hand out treats to customers.

August 11 – National Raspberry Tart Day

August 12 – National Julliene Fries Day

August 13 – National Filet Mignon Day – For you luxury target market.

3rd Week:

August 14 – National Creamsicle Day

August 15 – National Lemon Meringue Pie Day – Yummy! Bakeries can create a promotion.

August 16 – National Bratwurst Day

August 16 – National Rum Day – Nightclubs and Sports Bars can have a Rum night!

August 17 – National Vanilla Custard Day

August 18 – National Ice Cream Pie Day

August 19 – National Soft Ice Cream Day

August 19 – National Potato Day

August 19 – National Hot & Spicy Food Day – Bring Your Own Antacids!

August 20 – National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

August 20 – National Lemonade Day – I love lemonade! Have a recipe contest!

4th Week:

August 21 – National Spumoni Day

August 22 – National Pecan Torte Day

August 22 – National Eat a Peach Day – Healthy treat for your customers.

August 23 – National Spongecake Day – Now why am I thinking of Sponge Bob Squarepants?

August 24 – National Peach Pie Day

August 25 – National Banana Split Day – I’m thinking of an eating contest for customers.

August 26 – National Cherry Popsicle Day – Hand out to children.

August 27 – National Pots de Crème Day

August 27 – National Banana Day – I love them as a portable and healthy snack.

5th Week:

August 28 – National Cherry Turnovers Day

August 29 – National More Herbs

August 29 – National Less Salt Day – Good for nutritionists and restaurants

August 29 – National Chop Suey Day

August 29 – National Lemon Juice Day

August 30 – National Toasted Marshmallow Day – Have a campfire themed event.

August 31 – National Trail Mix Day

August 31 – National Eat Outside Day

I hope you find some marketing ideas for the 31 days of August. Please post a comment about which days you use and the results. I’d love to hear them.

Need to Rustle Up More Marketing Ideas for July?

June 28th, 2011

If you are looking for non-food related days for marketing themes here are a few. I’ ve had a few requests so I found these days courtesy of Giftypedia.

I think you can do a lot with July 26th – National Cowboy Day! Giddy Yup into audacious marketing promotions.  Have a western themed sale. Maybe even have a horse shoe pitching contest. Make sure its safe!

July 13th Embrace Your Geekness Day sounds fun. Have a Geek costume contest and post the entries in your business and on your Facebook Fan Page. Have customers vote for the best costume and give a prize to the winner.

July 9th is Rock N Roll day. Have a rocker theme going on in your store and send out promotional materials with guitars and other rock images. Have a live rock band playing for the day. Free concert for your customers.

Sponsor a pet adoption event for a local shelter on July 31st, Mutt’s Day. Give away a basket of pet care items for people who adopt a mutt who needs a happy home.

1st Week:

July 1st – International Joke Day – Make sure they are clean jokes!
July 2nd – I Forgot Day – Umm, what was I supposed to buy? Send out sales flyers!
July 2nd – World UFO Day – Have an Area 51 theme going on!
July 3rd – Stay Out of the Sun Day – Hand out sunscreen, hats or beach umbrellas.

2nd Week:

July 4th – Country Music Day
July 4th – Sidewalk Egg Frying Day – I picture an egg frying contest for kids.
July 5th – Workaholics Day – Hmm, spa day needed for these people. Gift certificates.
July 6th – Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day
July 7th – Father Daughter Take a Walk Together Day – Create sweet memories.
July 7th – International Cherry Pit Spitting Day – Another customer contest opportunity.
July 8th – Video Games Day [Pacman tune running through my head!]
July 9th – Rock N Roll Day – Great day for 50′s Diners and nightclubs

3rd Week

July 10th – Don’t Step on a Bee Day [I did this as a child during a family BBQ at the lake. Ruined my day.]
July 10th – Teddy Bear Picnic Day – Toy stores can do a promotion for kids!
July 11th – Cheer Up the Lonely Day
July 12th – Simplicity Day
July 13th – Embrace Your Geekness Day
July 13th – Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
July 15th – Be a Dork Day
July 15th - I Love Horses Day – Are they still called Dude Ranches?
July 16th – National Personal Chef’s Day
July 16th – International Juggling Day – Gift for customers juggling set
July 16th – Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day (third Saturday in July)

4th Week:

July 18th – Chrysanthemum Day
July 18th – National Get Out of the Dog House Day (third Monday in July)
July 18th – National Hug Your Kids Day (third Monday in July)
July 20th – Ugly Truck Day - Have a photo contest. Like that ugly dog contest.
July 22nd – Hammock Day
July 23rd – Gorgeous Grandma Day
July 23rd – Hot Enough For Ya Day – Invite customers in to cool off and browse!
July 24th – National Drive-Thru Day
July 24th – National Tell an Old Joke Day – Have a contest for your customers.

5th Week:

July 25th – Day Out of Time Day
July 25th – Threading the Needle Day
July 25th – Culinarians Day
July 26th – National Cowboy Day [Song in my head “I want to be a cowboy and you can be my cowgirl...]
July 26th – All or Nothing Day
July 27th – Walk on Stilts Day – Hire a professional to walk on stilts outside your business!
July 28th – Accountants Day
July 28th – Beatrix Potter Day
July 31st – Mutt’s Day – Sponsor a pet adoption from a local shelter.
July 31st - International Dance Day – for Dance instructors!
July 31st – National Underwear Day – Make sure its clean!

If you like the non-food days for your marketing promotions leave a comment and I’ll do it again for the next month. Otherwise I’m sticking to food holidays. I love food.

Battle of the Smartphones [Infographic]

June 26th, 2011

Smart Phones are changing social media as it goes mobile. Check out the following statistics:

  • 99.6 million smart phones were sold in the first quarter of this year.
  • Facebook added 45 million mobile users in six months.
  • Foursquare reported 380 million check-ins in 2010.

 

If you want to find out more interesting statics check out the infographic I found on Social Media Explorer about Android vs iPhone:


Mobile Marketing Infographic

31 Days of Marketing Ideas for July!

June 23rd, 2011

Looking for outrageous marketing themes for July to keep your customers engaged and buying? You’ve come to the right place. Below are a list of food and drink National Days to give your marketing a sparkling flare!

I like July 31st – National Cotton Candy Day. It just so happens its during the local County Fair in my area! I have lots of happy childhood memories attached to Cotton Candy.

Rent a cotton candy machine for your business and invite your customers to come in with their families for free cotton candy. You can create an event on Facebook, tweet about it and set up a Foursquare promotion related to National Cotton Candy Day. And if you hurry you can even drop a cotton candy themed postcard in the mail to your customer list. Invite your guests to post photos of their cotton candy fun on your Facebook wall.

National Junk Food Day on July 21st sounds like lots of fun! Get your customers talking about their favorite Junk Food and have them post photos on your Facebook Wall.

Want a tropical theme for your marketing promotion? National Pina Colada Day on July 10th should work just fine. If you are a non-food service business you can have non alcoholic Pina Coladas available for customers to enjoy/

If you want to get fancy and deal with a luxury market send your best clients caviar on July 18th National Caviar Day.

1st Week:

July 1 – National Gingersnap Day
July 1 – National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day – Have a contest and have people submit recipes.
July 2 – National Anisette Day – Its an Anise flavored liqueur.
July 3 – National Chocolate Wafer Day
July 3 – National Eat Beans Day [Make sure you use this for an out door event! LOL]

2nd Week:

July 4 – National Barbecue Day
July 4 – National Barbecued Spareribs Day
July 4 – National Caesar Salad Day
July 5 – National Apple Turnover Day
July 6 – National Fried Chicken Day – My Grandma fried the best chicken!
July 7 – National Strawberry Sundae Day
July 7 – National Macaroni Day
July 8 – National Milk Chocolate with Almonds Day
July 9 – National Sugar Cookie Day
July 9 – National Don’t Put all your Eggs in One Omelet Day
July 10 – National Pina Colada Day – Have a tropical theme with special offer on Pina Coladas!

3rd Week:

July 11 – National Blueberry Muffin Day -  Bakeries, coffee shops and even diners can use this day.
July 12 – National Pecan Pie Day
July 13 – National French Fries Day [Oh, there goes my diet! Love fries!]
July 13 – National Bean ‘n Franks Day
July 14 – National Grand Marnier Day
July 14 – National Pick Blueberries Day
July 15 – National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16 – National Corn Fritters Day
July 17 – National Peach Ice Cream Day

4th Week:

July 18 – National Caviar Day – Luxury market! Send out jars to your top clients.
July 19 - National Daiquiri Day – Have non-alcoholic ones in your store for customers on a hot day.
July 19 – National Ice Cream Day
July 20 – National Lollipop Day – Hand out to your customers children when they stop by.
July 20 – National Fortune Cookie Day – Have ones with motivational quotes and use in mailers.
July 21 – National Crème Brulee Day
July 21 – National Junk Food Day – Why am I thinking competitive eating contest?
July 22 – National Penuche Fudge Day [Made from brown sugar]
July 23 – National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 24 – National Tequila Day – Bars, Nightclubs and Mexican restaurants can do a themed promo.

5th Week:

July 25 – National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26 – National Bagelfest – Bakeries pay attention!
July 26 – National Coffee Milkshake Day – Coffee shops can use this for a special promo.
July 27 – National Crème Brulee Day
July 27 – National Scotch Day – Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs can use this for a promotion.
July 28 – National Milk Chocolate Day
July 28 – National Hamburger Day
July 29 – National Lasagna Day
July 30 – National Cheesecake Day
July 31 – National Raspberry Cake Day
July 31 – National Cotton Candy Day  – Rent a machine for your business and invite customers for a treat.
July 31 - National Jump for Jelly Beans Day – Send out mailers with jelly beans packages attached.

For those of you looking for non food related marketing themes for July I’ll be posting a list soon. Let me know which days you use for a promotion and the response you get.

Piece of Cake Marketing Ideas for June!

May 30th, 2011

 

June has several cake awareness days that will make for some delicious marketing promotions. June 1st is National Hazelnut Cake Day, June 6th is National Applesauce Cake Day, June 11th is National German Chocolate Cake Day and June 14th is National Strawberry ShortCAKE Day.

I’m thinking wineries could also use National Cheese Day on June 4th to encourage wine tasters to visit. And stores selling kitchen items can have a special promotion for people who feel less skilled in the kitchen with National Kitchen Klutzes of America on June 13th.

If you want a family orientated theme how about International Picnic Day on June 18th. Or there is June 17th National Eat Your Veggies Day to encourage families to eat healthy.

What can you come up with for your June Marketing promotions?

First Week:

June 1: National Hazelnut Cake Day

June 2: National Rocky Road Day

June 3: National Chocolate Macaroon Day

June 4: National Cheese Day

June 4: National Cognac Day

June 5: National Gingerbread Day

Second Week:

June 6: National Applesauce Cake Day

June 6: National Frozen Yogurt Day

June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8: National Jelly-filled Doughnut Day

June 9: National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day

June 10: National Herbs & Spices Day

June 10: National Black Cow Day

June 11: National German Chocolate Cake Day

June 12: Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Third Week:

June 13: National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

June 14: National Strawberry Shortcake Day

June 15: National Lobster Day – Seafood restaurants do something fun!

June 16: National Fudge Day

June 17: National Apple Strudel Day

June 17: National Eat All Your Veggies Day – Nutritionists, chefs, restaurants!

June 18: National Cherry Tart Day

June 18: International Picnic Day

June 19: National Dry Martini Day – Have a 007 contest!

Fourth Week:

June 20: National Vanilla Milkshake Day – Have a retro 50′s theme sale!

June 21: National Peaches & Cream Day

June 22: National Chocolate Eclair Day – Delicious!

June 22: National Onion Rings Day

June 23: National Pecan Sandies Day

June 24: National Pralines Day

June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day

June 25: National Catfish Day

June 26: National Chocolate Pudding Day

Fifth Week:

June 27: National Orange Blossom Day

June 28: National Tapioca Day

June 29: National Almond Buttercrunch Day

June 30: National Ice Cream Soda Day – Lots of fun for summer time!

Let me know if you use June 25th National Catfish Day in a Marketing promotion. I think it could work for the right business.

Shape Up Your Marketing Promotions for May!

April 25th, 2011

Are you straining your brain for promotional themes for May? No need for a mental muscle pull. Here are some fun ideas to kick start your May sales.

I’m really liking May 6th as “National No Diet Day”. Might be a little outrageous but Athletic Clubs could use this as a get fit promotion. Celebrate No Diet Day then come in and start your fitness routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle not just and endless series of failed diets.

May 11th as “National Eat What You Want Day” can work for restaurants, candy shops, bakeries, ice cream parlors and even grocery stores.

May 23rd is “National Taffy Day”. Watching those taffy pulling machines is fun. Maybe you can rent one and have it in your store for a special sales promotion. Get the summer season started of with “National Grape Popsicle Day” on May 27th.

Check below for even more marketing ideas for the entire month of May.

First Week of May:

May 1 – National Chocolate Parfait Day
May 2 – National Truffle Day
May 3 – National Raspberry Tart Day
May 3 – National Chocolate Custard Day
May 4 – National Candied Orange Peel Day
May 4 – National Orange Juice Day
May 5 – National Chocolate Custard Day
May 5 – National Hoagie Day
May 5 – National Oyster Day [Seafood restaurants need to use this day.]
May 6 – National Crepe Suzette Day
May 6 – National No Diet Day [Yippee! Have a party for your clients.]
May 7 – National Roast Leg of Lamb Day

Second Week of May:

May 8 – National Coconut Cream Pie Day
May 8 – National Empanada Day
May 9 – National Butterscotch Brownie Day
May 10 – National Shrimp Day
May 11 – National Eat What You Want Day [Love this day!]
May 12 – National Nutty Fudge Day
May 13 – National Apple Pie Day
May 13 – National Fruit Cocktail Day
May 14 – National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

Third Week of May:

May 15 – National Chocolate Chip Day
May 16 – National Coquilles St. Jacques Day
May 17 – National Cherry Cobbler Day
May 18 – National Cheese Souffle Day
May 19 – National Devil’s Food Cake Day
May 20 – National Quiche Lorraine Day
May 20 – National Pick Strawberries Day [Make it a family event.]
May 21 – National Strawberries and Cream Day

Fourth Week of May:

May 22 – National Vanilla Pudding Day
May 23 – National Taffy Day
May 24 – National Escargot Day
May 25 – National Brown-Bag-It Day [Good for lunch presentations.]
May 25 – National Wine Day
May 26 – National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
May 26 – National Cherry Dessert Day
May 27 – National Grape Popsicle Day
May 28 – National Brisket Day

Fifth Week of May:

May 29 – National Coq Au Vin Day
May 30 – National Mint Julep Day
May 31 – National Macaroon Day

Be sure to leave a comment about which days you plan to use in your marketing promotions.

Curious about Quora? [Infographic]

April 13th, 2011

I found this interesting inforgraphic from Kismmetrics about Quora. Not sure you want to join? Check out the stats to help you make a decision. I’ve joined but have under-utilized it. I’m going to see how I can make it work for me.

the wonderful world of QuoraKISSmetrics Web Analytics

Is Social Media about to Embed Itself into Education?

April 11th, 2011

Is Social Media about to Embed Itself into Education?

Educators are using Facebook, Twitter and Youtube in larger numbers to connect with students and other educators. Three universities are even accepting one minute videos in place of essays. Admissions offices are even using social networking profiles during their decision making process.

Check out the infographic from Course Hero for more statistics:

If Educators are recognizing the value of Social Media to educate their students then why aren’t you using it to educate your customers about your business? Its time for your business to use Social Media as part of its Marketing strategy. Direct Marketing Rx can help you get started today.

LinkedIn has Reached 100 Million Members [Infographic]

March 27th, 2011

Are you on LinkedIn yet? If not think about becoming a member. There are now over 100 million professionals you can connect with on LinkedIn. 61%  of members are men. Come on women join in and connect with professionals in your target market.  The top countries with the highest percentage of LinkedIn users are U.S.A, India, UK and Brazil.  (Side note: I’ve been learning Hindi.)

Check out the infographic below to get more statistics about LinkedIn members.

 

The State of LinkedIn 2011

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