Valentine’s Day is not just bouquets and booking panic. It is a perfect moment to land on the one channel your audience always has in their hand: their phone. SMS and WhatsApp cut through crowded inboxes with personal, time-sensitive messages that feel more like conversations than campaigns. 

In this blog, we will look at smart, permission-friendly ways to use SMS and WhatsApp around 14 February, without becoming “that brand” that buzzes people at 11 PM. 

Why mobile messaging matters in February 

Valentine’s is still big business. The National Retail Federation expects Valentine’s Day spending in the US to hit a record 27.5 billion dollars in 2025, with average spend per person close to 189 dollars. 

In the UK, Mintel estimates that Valentine’s spending reached around 2.1 billion pounds in 2024 and has continued to grow. 

At the same time, mobile has become the default shopping device: 

  • 72 percent of UK consumers made online purchases via smartphone in Q3 2024. 
  • A 2025 UK survey suggests that 93 percent of consumers have signed up for SMS marketing or are open to it. 
  • Research indicates that 32 percent of people prefer SMS for brand communication, while 49 percent still prefer email. 

WhatsApp is equally powerful. Industry research suggests that WhatsApp campaigns can deliver engagement rates of around 70 percent and click rates in the mid-teens, with some reports indicating up to 89 percent higher purchases per user when brands adopt WhatsApp Business. 

If you are planning cross-channel campaigns, both SMS mailings and WhatsApp messaging can be managed directly within Spotler through Mail+ SMS and Spotler Message for WhatsApp. 

5 Valentine’s SMS ideas 

1. Last-minute “don’t panic” reminders 

Triggered SMS for people who browse Valentine’s categories but do not check out. 

Copy angle: “Still looking for something special? You have got time. Here are 3 ideas that will arrive before the 14th.” 

2. Time-sensitive offers with real value 

Use SMS only for genuinely time-critical promotions. 

Copy angle: “Order by 8 PM tonight for guaranteed delivery before Valentine’s Day.” 

3. Store or venue reminders 

Use SMS for booking confirmations and day-before nudges.

Copy angle: “We are looking forward to your Valentine’s booking tomorrow at 7 PM. Tap for your menu and directions.” 

4. Post-Valentine follow-up 

Ask for reviews or gather first-party data. 

Copy angle: “Hope your Valentine’s went well. Tell us how we did in 2 taps.” 

5. Self-love and “treat yourself” campaigns 

A strong audience segment. 

Copy angle: “No date? No problem. This one is for you.” 

Best practice: consent, timing and frequency 

  • Always secure explicit opt-in for SMS and WhatsApp. 
  • Respect quiet hours: Ofcom’s telecoms reviews consistently highlight consumer frustration with poorly timed communications, particularly in evenings or early mornings. 
  • Use frequency caps across channels through Mail+ Automation. 

Bringing it all together 

Use email for rich storytelling with Mail+ Email Marketing.  Use SMS and WhatsApp for just-in-time nudges.