Not great at gifts

Earlier this week, there were a lot of gifts getting slung around.

Many of them were "thoughtful," but many more were simply fulfilling an obligation.

Personally, I am not a very good gift giver. In fact, I’m terrible at it.

I enjoy giving, but don’t have a knack for giving the “perfect” gift.

For example... last year for Christmas, I got my parents an electronic gift card to my favorite restaurant...delivered by email.

I don't seem to be able to translate my affection for others into gift giving.

My excuse?

It’s not my love language.

But thank goodness, it’s not my wife’s either.

Guess what I got her? Absolutely nothing.

I'm not in trouble. We rarely get each other gifts, and even joke about the fact.

Before you decide I'm a monster, are you familiar with the concept of the 5 Love Languages? 

If not, go check out The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

It’s a very helpful book that can strengthen interpersonal relationships between significant others, parents and children, friends and family.

It also has something sly to teach us about marketing.

But before I explain how to use the concept as a business hack, I should probably summarize the concept for you.

Basically, there are 5 different ways that people feel loved and appreciated:

1. Words of Affirmation: All about verbal praise and appreciation. Make someone feel loved by telling them how much you value them and their work.


2. Acts of Service: Actions speak louder than words. Make someone feel loved by doing something for them.


3. Receiving Gifts: Make someone feel loved by giving them a thoughtful gift. It's not about the material value of the gift, but rather the thought and effort that went into it.


4. Quality Time: Make someone feel loved by giving them your undivided attention and spending time with them.


5. Physical Touch: For those with this love language, physical affection is key. A hug, a pat on the back, or even a friendly handshake can go a long way in making someone feel loved.


Now, let's get to the real meat of the matter: how does this relate to marketing?  

If you show your customers love and appreciation in only 1 way (15% off coupons, cough cough), you’re missing opportunities to bond more deeply with the majority of your audience.

By understanding that different people in your audience feel love and appreciation in different ways, you can target different love languages at different times to make everyone feel loved.

For example, let's say you're selling a silicone spatula. 

If you understand that some people in your target audience value Words of Affirmation, be sure to thank and acknowledge them in your post purchase email sequence!

If you know that your target audience values Acts of Service, you might emphasize the convenience and time-saving aspects your product provides. 

On the other hand, if your target audience values Receiving Gifts, you might consider offering a special discount or a free gift with purchase.

Quality time? Occasionally offer to host “Ask Me Anything” sessions through email or social media, and be willing to dive deep with individual customers.

Physical touch? This one’s tricky in eCommerce, and I don’t want anyone getting into trouble…maybe leave this one alone for now. 😬

Is this something you’ve ever thought of?

Do you fall into the trap of only expressing love and affection using the Love Language that you prefer?

If so, I encourage you to branch out a little.

Happy New Year,

 Greg

P.S. Speaking of gift giving, do you or someone you know have a beloved family dog or cat?

For those of you with furry friends, I wanted to share this special gift offer.

(NOT an affiliate link, I do not receive a dime for this.)

Recently I have gotten to know Cindy, the owner of Scout & Zoe’s.

Her brand provides unique and HEALTHY snacks and treats for dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats thrive when eating a diet rich in animal protein (= MEAT), and yet most conventional pet food is filled with processed grain and other filler.

Scout & Zoe’s seeks to provide better, healthier solutions for your pet.

For a limited time, you can purchase a Mystery Box assortment of treats for 50% off the retail price.

To purchase $100 of treats for $50, click here.

To purchase $200 of treats for $100, click here.

I purchased one recently for our own dog, and he is currently enjoying sliced chicken hearts as a daily treat.

You see, his love language is eating parts and pieces of other animals, a trait he shares with me. We make a good team.