FATHER'S DAY MARKETING TIPS

Father's Day is as strong a season as you make it. If sales in previous heard have been soft or softening, the only option is to change what you do.

In addition to celebrating dads, embrace the opportunity to celebrate strong men, strong boys, brothers, sons, friends, coaches, ministers, priests.

We think one of the best roles your business can play is to be a place of storytelling about men and how they have influenced lives and communities. That is not to say only men do this. It just so happens that Father's Day season is an opportunity to shine a light, just as Mother's Day is for strong women.

A terrific way you can be a place for storytelling is through a noticeboard, or a heroes board. This is a place where people post photos and stories of men they would like to shine a light on. This could build as a place for sharing stories, a place for reflection. Without being over the top. Without there being a commercial requirement.

The more you focus on people and good works and the less you focus on buy this or buy that, possible the more people will buy.

Here are our suggestions for engaging with Father's Day:

1. If there is a local men's choir, invite them in for a sing.
2. If there is a local men's shed, write a post featuring their work.
3. If there is a local men's focussed support group, shine a light on their work.
4. Do at least two Facebook posts a week featuring Father’s Day cards – one card in each post. Write quirky, entertaining posts. 
5. Do two posts a week on gifts, as above.
6. Try this Facebook post: Help us get ready with Father’s Day, tell us your best Dad joke here. Come on, make us laugh!
7. Try this Facebook post: In celebration of Father’s Day that is coming up soon, describe what your dad beans to you in one word.
8. Try this Facebook post: Celebrating dads in advance of Father’s Day – comment with your best dad photo and tag him if you’d like. 
9. Setup a simple HERO WALL. Head it with some text like: Celebrate the heroes in your life. Share their photos and stories here.
10. Put together a gift, gift bag, tissue and card hamper – make shopping easy.
11. Consider a dad joke day when dads come in and tell their best joke and you judge the winner.
12. Have a dad art competition where kids draw their dad and the winner gets a modest prize.
13. Put together a small gift pack to deliver to dads at a local nursing home. Do this on the quiet, without seeking recognition.

Plenty of retailers have Father's Day cards, it is a competitive marketplace. The best way to compete is to be out in front. Are you out in front with your marketing of Father's Day cards in your newsagency?