Did you take a shot at real-time marketing during this year’s Super Bowl? With women making up such a large part of the viewership, this year’s Super Bowl was a prime time event for fresh produce marketers to connect directly with consumers eager for fresh recipes and ideas. But even though one of the biggest real-time events of the year has passed, there are still countless opportunities for you to take a swing at real-time communications and connect with consumers on their level. Consider taking advantage of these real-time events in the second quarter of 2014:
April 1 – April Fool’s Day
Don’t pass up on the chance to play a harmless prank on your fans and followers and give them a chuckle.
April 4 – National Walk to Work Day
Tap into #WalktoWork conversations and encourage consumers to include a fresh and healthy breakfast as a start to their day along with walking.
April 7 – NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four Championship Game
The Final Four Championship and will be a hot topic in the social-sphere. Think of creative ways to join the conversation from bracket challenges and predictions to offering game-day recipes to munch on during the game.
April 11 – 13 – Coachella Music Festival
Every year the Coachella Music Festival brings together large crowds in California to watch live music. The younger audience offers fresh produce marketers the opportunity to connect with young consumers interested in healthy and organic solutions they could enjoy while camping at the festival.
April 15 – Tax Day
Not the happiest of occasions, marketers can use #TaxDay conversations to make light-hearted humor and offer consumers a delicious recipe or product solution to reward yourself with after filing those taxes.
April 20 – Easter Sunday
A major eating occasion, Easter is a prime time to introduce recipes and cooking solutions featuring seasonal spring produce that consumers are hungry for.
April 22 – Earth Day
Tap into #EarthDay conversations by sharing your sustainability stories and giving consumers an inside look into sustainable farming practices.
Try offering fresh and healthy snacking solutions for consumers watching the Kentucky Derby. You could even use it as fuel for the horses too! Think: fresh carrots and celery are great treats for star thoroughbreds – why not you, too?
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
A major drinking holiday, offer cocktail recipes with a latin twist or recipes that pair perfectly with fresh margaritas. Are you a citrus grower? Provide consumers with tips for making fresh squeezed drinks and keeping cut lemon and lime wedges fresh.
May 6 – National Teacher’s Day
Encourage your social media audiences to bring their teachers a fresh apple, orange, pear, carton of strawberries, or even a bundle of carrots or asparagus to show your appreciation!
The NFL Draft will be a heavy topic on social media sites in May. Brainstorm creative ways to tap in or simply engage with consumers with friendly conversations talking about the draft.
May 11 – Mother’s Day
Another major eating occasion, have seasonal family recipes readily available for consumers prior to this holiday. Make sure you engage with consumers on social networks looking for ideas for treating mom!
May 26 – Memorial Day
Like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day is a time for barbeque and cooking out. Fire up your grill recipes and be ready to offer inspiration and tips to consumers for cooking an outdoor-proof feast.
Late May – Early June – Graduation
Millions of graduates will be walking across the stage in late May to receive their college, high school and even elementary school diplomas. Engage with grads by offering congrats and recipes to celebrate with.
June 15 – Father’s Day
Dads love to be treated to a delicious home-cooked meal! Get your dad-worthy recipes ready and share with consumers browsing for ideas.
June 12 – 15 – Bonnaroo Music Festival
Similar to Coachella, Bonnaroo is a large music festival in Tennessee each year that attracts a young, free-spirited crowd. Use this opportunity to connect with this young audience that loves to learn about fresh food and where it comes from.
June 29 – Ramadan Begins
During Ramadan, observers fast during the daylight hours and replenish their energy once the sun sets. Be present by offering fiber-packed recipes to recover from fasting and stay full throughout the next day. Hint: Dates are very popular during Ramadan as a recovery food!
These are just several of the opportunities that Q2 of 2014 present, but real-time marketing can’t always be planned. Be prepared to embrace spur of the moment events and trends as they unfold on social media. Download the Produce Marketer’s Master Calendar for 2014 for more important dates you need to know.
