The scent of red roses fill the air. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates line the shops. Delivery people are working overtime. Because it’s Valentine’s Day.

It’s the one day of the year when showing the love is mandatory. But what happens on those other days? Where is the love then?

An important marketing question for this occasion is: When do you show your customers love? Birthdays? Valentine’s Day? April Fool’s Day? Perhaps you make it a habit to show them how much they mean to you. Showing love doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. It can – and should – be a regular practice that builds a deeper relationship between you and your customers without smothering them in your branding.

Here’s another question: would your husband/wife/future spouse prefer a carload of tinted carnations that are wilted compost after 8 days OR a kiss on the lips accompanied with “Everyday I see how lucky I am that you chose me. But today I see it more than ever?”

They say it’s the little things that keep relationships going. Who cleaned out the dishwasher? Little things. Maybe you create a promotion for your most loyal customers. Or send a special message via Facebook, Twitter or email. Drop a custom note and gift in the mail. Actually pick up the phone and say “Hi there. You have been a critical part of this success, and this relationship just keeps getting better.”

While we are on this love topic, do you love your company? We sure do, here at Ignite. We can’t stand to call in sick. We go on vacation and shut off our smartphones, but we never shut off our ideas…our creativity. Our passion.

Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.