Starbucks Is Crushing Valentine's Day in Their App - Here's How You Can Too

TLDR

According to the NRF's annual survey, consumers are expected to spend $25.8 billion on Valentine's Day this year. While big brands are launching their special offers, your secret weapon is your mobile app. While Starbucks and Spotify offer personalized cups and playlists, your app can do much more. Stand out from the crowd by getting creative with unique features and make this Valentine's Day memorable for your customers by using the customization options in your app.

Offer Valentine's Day Specials in Your App

Valentine's Day is one of the biggest spending holidays, with the average person spending $196.31. Your app is the perfect place to promote Valentine's specials, deals, and experiences to capture some of that spending.

Starbucks has introduced Valentine's Day drinks such as the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino and Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew. Additionally, they are offering cold cups and mugs adorned with hearts. You can do the same by creating Valentine's Day menus, product bundles, or experiences in your app. For restaurants, offer a special prix fixe menu for two, or bundle a meal with a gift like flowers or a card. Bakeries and cafes can create heart-shaped pastries, themed lattes, or a Valentine’s Day sampler box.

Don’t forget about promotions and discounts. Taco Bell offers $5 Chalupa Cravings Boxes and Baja Blast Freeze sundaes in their app for Valentine’s Day. You can provide a percentage off for Valentine’s Day orders, BOGO specials, or free add-ons.

Valentine’s Day is also big for gifting. Leverage eGift cards in your app and encourage users to send them on this day. Starbucks app users can send a virtual gift card with a heartfelt message. You can enable that in your app to capture Valentine’s Day gifting revenue.

Leveraging your app for seasonal holidays and events is a smart strategy to boost sales and stay top of mind with customers. With some creative and strategic thinking, you can make the most of this day through special menus, promotions, gifting features, and more. Turn this day into an opportunity for your customers to fall in love with your brand.

Send Custom Push Notifications for Valentine's Day

You should leverage custom push notifications to spread the love this Valentine's Day. Per Diem's push notification feature allows you to craft personalized messages tailored to your customers.

Offer a Special Deal or Discount

Send a push notification promoting a special Valentine's Day deal, like 15% off all meals or a free dessert with the purchase of two entrees. Time-limited offers create a sense of urgency and drive traffic.

Wish Your Customers a Happy Valentine's Day

A simple message wishing your customers a happy Valentine's Day can go a long way in making them feel appreciated. For example, "Wishing you and your sweetheart a wonderful Valentine's Day! We're grateful for your continued support and business." Personalized greetings like this boost engagement and brand loyalty.

Offer an eGift Card

An eGift card is a thoughtful gift for Valentine's Day. Promote your eGift cards in a push notification, for example, "Surprise them with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or restaurant." Gift cards are an easy, last-minute gift option that also drives revenue.

Use custom push notifications to spread the love and boost sales this Valentine's Day. Keep your messaging positive, thoughtful, and authentic. Your customers will surely appreciate your well wishes and any special offers you provide. Make the most of this opportunity to strengthen your connection with customers and give them an experience they won't forget.

For detailed insights on effectively competing with Starbucks in holiday marketing through push notifications, visit our blog here.

Sell Valentine's Day eGift Cards

Selling digital gift cards through your mobile app is an effective way to boost revenue this Valentine’s Day. Offering gift cards in various denominations, like $10, $25, or $50, makes them accessible to all customers. Promoting your eGift cards in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day will drive sales from customers looking for an easy, last-minute gift option.

Customize Your eGift Cards for the Holiday

Your app allows you to fully customize the look of your eGift cards. Change the background image and color theme to incorporate the colors of Valentine’s Day like pink, red, and white. You can also add a custom banner promoting your Valentine’s Day eGift card sale. These small customizations make your eGift cards festive and help them stand out.

With customization and strategic promotions, your mobile app can be an excellent tool for selling eGift cards this Valentine’s Day. By driving eGift card sales, you stand to gain additional revenue from one of the biggest days of the year. And for your customers, your app provides an easy, digital way to give a thoughtful gift.

Customize Your App With Festive Images and Colors

Customizing your mobile app’s interface is an easy way to spread holiday cheer to your customers. For Valentine’s Day, consider updating your app’s icon, splash screen, background color, and banners with images of hearts, cupids, or roses. You could also change the dominant color scheme to shades of red, pink, and white.

Update your app icon

Your app icon is the first thing customers see when they look for your app. Swap out your usual logo for a special Valentine-themed icon featuring hearts or other classic Valentine’s Day symbols. This alerts your customers that you have something special in store for the big day.

Change your splash screen

A splash screen is the first screen users see when they open your app. Adding a Valentine-themed image or text here helps to create a festive first impression. You might use an image of two coffee cups in the shape of a heart or pastries decorated with heart sprinkles. Keep your brand logo and colors visible so people still recognize your app.

Customize banners and notifications

Once inside your app, grab your customers’ attention with banners featuring your Valentine’s Day promotions or specials. You can also use push notifications to send reminders about your seasonal offerings. Time these around major holidays like Valentine’s Day to maximize impact. For example, on February 13th, send a notification reminding customers to order treats or gifts for their sweetheart ahead of the big day.

Add festive accents

Small touches like changing button colors or adding heart icons next to certain descriptions help complete the seasonal look. Use shades of red, pink, and white throughout the app for accents. These kinds of customizations make your app feel fully decorated for the holiday and help spread the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Your customers will surely appreciate your extra effort in spreading the love.

Following these tips to customize your mobile app for Valentine’s Day is an easy way to attract and delight your customers during this special time of year. A festive interface helps set the mood and highlights your holiday promotions, keeping your brand at the top of customers’ minds. 

Per Diem’s white-label mobile ordering gives businesses the tools to leverage holidays like Valentine's Day through customization, in-app promotions, and an enhanced customer experience. By taking advantage of the latest mobile technologies, you can "share the love" with your customers in creative new ways.

Final Thoughts

Leverage your mobile app this Valentine's Day and make your customers feel special. With customization options and holiday promotions, you can create an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back. Starbucks sets the standard, but you can make your app stand out too. Get creative and turn a simple day into profits and memories. Your app is full of potential if you use it right. 

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