Let’s take a look at the coming month of February 2019 for the various holidays, events and anniversaries that smart marketers can use as the basis for a promotion or campaign and to create a marketing calendar for February 2019.

Valentine’s Day (February 14) is the standout occasion for the month pretty much everywhere. Remember also “Groundhog Day” (February 2), now part of the popular consciousness thanks to the classic Bill Murray movie.

It’s also Chinese New Year, that starts on Tuesday, February 5 to bring in the Year of the Pig. Chinese New Year is actually celebrated for 15 consecutive days, but the first three days are most important. The 15th and final day, Chap Goh Mei is also a big event, where houses are decorated with an abundance of brightly coloured lights. It is a way of ending with a grand finale rather than the festivities just fading away gradually.

In the world of entertainment…the 91st Academy Awards (the “Oscars”) take place on February 24th.

Looking a little further ahead…Easter falls late this year (April 19-22) but it’s not too soon to prepare. My local supermarket had Easter merchandise on the shelves straight after New Year!

Looking at general events…

The cartoon (“aging in advertising”) from the great Tom Fishburne at the top of this post captures a key point from this article…

“Investing in longer lives will lift your portfolio”

…in a recent issue of “MoneyWeek” magazine.

The broad themes of the piece are… [Read more…]

2018 is not yet over…we still have Christmas and the New Year to enjoy…

…but it’s not too soon to get started on putting together a marketing calendar for January 2019. So let’s take a look ahead at some of the events, anniversaries and other occasions that we can put to use for an event-driven marketing event or promotion.

Of course, the New Year itself is a great reason for a promotion. At this time, most people are making plans for the year ahead and often looking to make a “fresh start”.

“New Year Sales” are a staple pretty much around the world and no reason why you can’t make use of this.

January is also “Brainteaser”, “Get Organized” and “Creativity” month.

Also…looking a little further ahead…

…in 2019 Chinese New Year falls in February on the 5th.

Other events of note…

As a follow up to this month’s “Looking Ahead – Marketing Calendar December 2018” feature, here’s a reposting of a special guest post that has proved popular since it was originally published some years ago on the “Total Package” site (sadly no longer active).

It’s from Troy White…

…with some great marketing tips that can be applied for other seasonal events, not just Christmas.

Over to Troy and his “Holiday Promotions Ideas You Can Take To The Bank”… [Read more…]

Time to look ahead and consider what’s available to the smart direct response marketer to create…

…a marketing calendar for December 2018.

That is to say, occasions, events and anniversaries that we can use as the building block for marketing campaigns and promotions.

December of course means…

…CHRISTMAS…

…with the NEW YEAR not far behind as a marketing event.

New Year provides a great marketing opportunity for pretty much any business.

Even now in November, it’s not too early to run with the theme…

…”Make 2019 Your Best Year”…

…which can apply to businesses in health, relationships, personal finance and success in general.

In December, New Year’s resolutions will be on people’s mind…

…so this is a fantastic time to promote any kind of personal development product…

…as well as business-oriented offerings.

Remember to plan and launch your New Year promotion well in advance and in good time for January 1.

With Christmas, keep in mind…

…any specific customs in your area.

For example, in Sweden the Yule season starts on December 13 with Santa Lucia Day.

It’s also the December Solstice on December 21 (at 22.23 UT…check the time in your location).

Other significant events in December… [Read more…]