They say you can’t buy love, but that doesn’t stop millions of North Americans from dropping big bucks on their beloved every February. Valentine’s Day is an $18 billion event, according to CNN’s 2013 report on Valentine’s Day spending.

The average person spends about $130 on Valentine’s Day, on everything from greeting cards to chocolates, roses, jewellery and romantic dinners. And that’s not counting the number of wedding proposals that coincide with Valentine’s Day (6 million according to American Express’ Spending and Savings Tracker), which generally require a whole other level of spending.

It’s truly a day for sharing the love — and the goods. And if you’re looking to do just that with your customers this Valentine’s Day with the goal of driving leads, increasing engagement and nurturing long-lasting relationships, these contest ideas will help you aim Cupid’s arrow at those who love (and want more of) your products and services.

Food and Beverage Contest Ideas

Everyone knows the way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach. Food and beverage brands can use this to their advantage around Valentine’s Day with a contest or sweepstakes that tantalizes the taste buds with romantic dining options or irresistible recipes.

For example, Nestle’s All Things Chocolate Recipe Contest appealed to chocolate lovers by inviting them to submit their best original recipe using a Nestle chocolate ingredient. With submissions like chocolate hazelnut truffle and dark chocolate pot de crème, it must have been tough for public voters to narrow down the 125 entries to a shortlist of 10! Nestle picked the top prize winner who received $1,000 as well as publication on Nestle’s Facebook page and on www.meals.com.

Travel Contest Ideas

Every Valentine dreams of being whisked away on a romantic getaway. And travel and tourism brands are in a perfect position to make that dream come true with a romantic weekend escape, exclusive honeymoon suite or fantasy trip to a tropical island.

A 5-night trip for two to Tahiti, for example, would appeal to couples looking for a proposal opportunity, honeymoon or romantic dream trip. In its Dream Island sweepstakes, Goway Travel invited entrants to choose their dream Tahitian island for a chance to win a 5-day trip with round-trip airfare for two.

Wedding-related Contest Ideas

With 6 million people getting engaged on Valentine’s Day (and 14 million throughout the year), wedding-related contests are a solid bet, particularly if the prize helps the betrothed plan and provide for their special day.

This is the idea behind Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant’s Bliss List contest, which invites entrants to share a 250-word story and photo illustrating 5 things they would like to experience together as a married couple. Public voting will determine who wins the $5,000 credit toward a wedding banquet at Maggiano’s.

Sports Contest Ideas

What do sports fans love even more than getting to see their favourite team play live? Going to see their favourite team play live with their Valentine, of course!

And if, like the Calgary Flames have done, you offer two tickets plus a romantic pre-game dinner for two, matching jerseys, plus a special Valentine’s Day gift of flowers and chocolates delivered during the game, your fans’ devotion will surely last forever.

Ready to launch your Valentine’s Day promotion? We can help. Our social promotions platform can help you share the love with your customers. Contact us for more info.

Main image credit: Flickr/compassrose_04