Light-hearted humour, practical jokes, and clever pranks… what an action-packed start to April! Apart from the legendary April Fools’ Day, the month is also known for welcoming the financial year. Temperatures have begun to rise, and your audience is cheerful and excited. This is a time for fresh beginnings. And your brand has the chance to build a strong digital presence and stay connected to consumers. Use these content marketing opportunities wisely to be a part of the ongoing conversations this April.

1. April Fools’ Day, 1^st April

This day provides fantastic content marketing opportunities for brands to showcase their fun, humour, and creative content to the world. You could upload GIFs, memes and playful content, pull pranks on employees and share them on the company’s social pages, or roll out hoaxes. This is perhaps the only time of the year a brand is recognised and rewarded for being funny, impractical, and even deceptive.

You could also hold contests on your social pages, asking users to pull pranks on their friends and share their reactions with the world.

(As per past two-year stats, Source: BuzzSumo)

2. Beginning of financial year, 1^st April

A financial year is the accounting period for a firm or government, at the end of which account books are closed, profits and losses calculated, and reports prepared for tax filing. This is the perfect time for brands like yours to educate your audience about the importance of planning one’s investments – whether it’s individual taxpayers or corporations.

Some content marketing opportunities to get you started: ‘Here’s how this financial year is going to be different for SMEs’, ‘Best apps to help manage your business’s finances better’, ‘Haven’t made your New Year’s resolutions a reality yet? Here’s your second chance’, ‘10 Ways to save more money this financial year’, ‘This financial year, move from cost savings to revenue generation with these hacks’.

3. World Autism Awareness Day, 2^nd April

Recognised by the UN General Assembly, this day aims to spread awareness about autism, and organisations are invited to conduct fundraising and educational events around it. You could conduct informal events for children with autism, showcase their creative work, hold artistic workshops, or enable panel discussions with experts, doctors, and NGO representatives.

Brands can participate in the discussion by posting content such as ‘10 Tips to raising your autistic child’, ‘8 Highly recommended apps for kids with autism spectrum disorder’, ‘Calming products for autism: sensory toys and tools’ or ‘A comprehensive guide to understanding autism’.

4. World Health Day, 7^th April

Marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO), this day is observed to stimulate action against a specific health issue or disease every year. The chief aim of this initiative is to promote awareness about the world’s most pressing health issues so that efforts can be made for prevention and cure.

Brands can post content such as: ‘7 Lifestyle changes you should make this World Health Day’, ‘12 Best doctor-recommended apps to monitor your health’, ‘4 Exercises that you can easily do at home without any equipment’, ‘Best health insurance plans for you’ or ‘5 Foods to include in your diet to boost immunity’. You can also involve influencers such as bloggers and vloggers to conduct a Mystery Box challenge that recreates delicious dishes using a different healthy secret ingredient each day of the week or share their most trusted product for a healthy diet.

5. World Parkinson’s Disease Day, 11^th April

This day is observed to spread awareness about the disorder and also acknowledge organisations around the world that are working towards eradicating it. Brands like yours can promote your CSR initiatives on social media by using hashtags such as #UniteAgainstParkinsons, or lend support to NGOs. You could also request your employees and followers to pin a red tulip on their shirts to show their support and solidarity.

Content marketing opportunities: ‘Early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s you shouldn’t ignore’, ‘Treatment of Parkinson’s: everything you need to know’ or ‘Ideal nutrition and diet for those with Parkinson’s disease’.

6. World Heritage Day, 18^th April

This day celebrates the world’s most precious asset – heritage. The UN aims to spread awareness about our diverse cultural heritage and the need to protect and preserve it. The content you create can tap into a number of emotions – from patriotism to pride to joy.

Some content marketing opportunities to get you started: ‘Must-visit historical monuments around the world’, ‘UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India’ or ‘8 Reasons why we need to care about heritage preservation’.

7. World Creativity and Innovation Day, 21^st April

Started in 2001 in Canada, this day is observed all over the world to encourage people to use their natural ability and creativity to bring about positive change.

Brands can take part in the buzz by posting content such as: ‘World’s greatest innovations that we should be grateful for’, ‘8 creative career options for those who don’t wish to take the conventional route’, ‘10 places to visit when you’re faced with writer’s block’ or ‘Ways to foster creativity in your children’.

8. World Earth Day, 22^nd April

This day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environment protection movement in 1970. In an effort to spread awareness regarding environmental conservation and the urgent need to care for the planet, Earth Day is the world’s most widely observed secular holiday.

As a brand, your content marketing goal can be either to spread awareness, invite action, or celebrate the earth. Relevant content buckets include gauging the impact of climate change, the need to go green, conserving endangered species, celebrating the vibrant variety of flora and fauna, and appreciating nature’s beauty.

Some content marketing opportunities: ‘Simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint’, ‘10 Reasons we need to celebrate Earth Day every day’, ‘7 Mobile apps to help you go green’, ‘12 Best eco-friendly gifts’, ‘Can you tell which of these species is extinct and which is not?’ or ‘8 Ways going green can help you save money’.

9. World Immunisation Week, 24th-30th April

Declared by the UN, this day is observed worldwide and intended to raise awareness about the need for proper vaccination delivery services in every country. It aims to promote immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Brands like yours can gain some goodwill through relevant, publicised CSR. You can post content such as: ‘Prevention is better than cure; take time out for immunisation’, ‘Everything you should know about travel vaccines’, or ‘All you need to know about the Universal Immunisation Programme in India’.

10. International Guide Dog Day, 25^th April

This day celebrates the extremely adorable and dedicated guide dogs that help those with disabilities live a normal and safe life. It pays tribute to the tremendous contribution they make to the lives of their owners and society in general.

Brands can participate in the discussion by posting content such as: ‘Dog breeds that make natural guide dogs’, ‘How can guide dogs help the visually impaired?’ or ‘8 Myths about guide dogs debunked’.

11. World Malaria Day, 25^th April

Declared and observed annually by the WHO, this day aims to encourage doctors and volunteers around the world to work towards controlling the deaths caused by malaria and completely eradicating the disease.

The World Health Assembly seeks to reduce global instances of malaria and associated mortality by 90 percent by 2030. It also sets out to eliminate the mosquito-borne disease completely from 35 countries[1].

Content marketing opportunities for your brand: ‘How to safeguard your children from mosquito bites’, ‘Causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria’, ‘How to dress stylish yet safe this summer’, or ‘Things you didn’t know were attracting mosquitoes’.

[1] http://food.ndtv.com/health/world-malaria-day-2017-nearly-95-of-india-lives-in-malaria-endemic-areas-1685646

12. World Veterinary Day, 28^th April

This day aims to highlight, promote, and encourage continuous improvement in veterinary services across the world and raise awareness about existing contributions made by citizens and various organisations for the health and welfare of animals.

Brands can participate in the conversation by publishing content like: ‘How to get started with a career in veterinary medicine’, ‘Tips for taking your pet to the veterinarian’, ‘An open letter to the vet who saved my dog’s life’ or ‘The hardest things about being a vet’.

13. International Jazz Day, 30^th April

To be hosted this year in St Petersburg, Russia, International Jazz Day is UNESCO’s idea to bring together communities, schools, artists, enthusiasts, and followers of jazz from all over the world. The day celebrates this glorious international art form and educates the world about its significance in promoting peace and dialogue among cultures, respect for human rights, eradicating discrimination, fostering gender equality, and highlighting the role of youth in enacting social change.

14. Festivals in April

Brands can communicate with their audience by posting content such as: ‘The greatest jazz musicians the world has ever known’, ‘Best university jazz programs in the world’ or ‘10 Ways to finance your music education’.

Easter, 1^st April – Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. Known for Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, and delicious cakes, Easter provides great content marketing opportunities for brands like yours to participate in commemoration through content. Some ideas to get you started: ‘Where to dine with your family this Easter Sunday, ‘Places to visit on this long weekend’, ‘Delicious cake recipes to try this Easter’ or ‘How to click Instagram-worthy pictures this Easter’.

Baisakhi, 14^th April – One of the most important festivals for Sikhs, Baisakhi marks the harvest of Rabi crops. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and merriment, especially in the state of Punjab. Content ideas to post around Baisakhi: ‘Best places in Punjab to celebrate Baisakhi’, ‘Traditional Punjabi recipes and how to make them at home’, or ‘7 Basic bhangra moves to learn before you hit the dance floor this Baisakhi’.

Dr Ambedkar Jayanti, 14^th April – Marking the birth anniversary of the eminent Indian visionary, Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated with great zeal all over the country. Brands like yours can publish content such as: ‘15 Thought-provoking quotes by Dr Ambedkar that every Indian must know’ or ‘Lesser-known facts about Dr Ambedkar’s life’.

Bohag Bihu, 15^th– 21^st April – One of the most important Assamese festivals, Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the north-east. Brands can post content about the significance of the festival, dishes to prepare and eat, places to visit to experience the best of the festivities, and so on.

Puthaandu, 14^th April – The beginning of the Tamil New Year, this day is extremely important in the Tamil calendar. Brands can post content around the special festivities involved, foods to try, places to visit, and other destinations in Tamil Nadu around this time.

Pahela Baishakh, 15^th April – This day marks the traditional Bengali New Year. It is celebrated with huge pomp and show and is marked with processions and fairs throughout Bengal. Brands can talk about the history of the festival, traditional food items to try, dresses to wear etc.

Akshaya Tritiya, 18^th April – An annual springtime festival of Hindus and Jains, Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be the most auspicious time to make a precious purchase, start a new venture, or get married. Brands can post content such as: ‘Do you know why Akshaya Tritiya is the most auspicious day to tie the knot?’, ‘8 Tips for buying gold this Akshaya Tritiya’ or ‘6 Things you must do on Akshaya Tritiya’.

15. Fun days in April

World Party Day, 3^rd April – This day came about to celebrate everything good and optimistic in the world. Brands can take this opportunity to create user-generated content on their social pages by inviting readers to share funny, embarrassing, or memorable party stories. Suggest the best music, the best products for a memorable party, the best hacks for late-night photography, or the easiest dishes to throw together in a hurry!

World Stationery Day, 25^th April – This day is a dream come true for those of us who want a break from the digital world once in a while, as it celebrates pen, paper, and everything stationery! Brands can conduct contests on their social pages with stationery items as giveaways, and ask people to share what they miss the most about the pre-internet era or even involve them in product innovation.

16. Movie releases in April

October, 13^th April – Directed by Shoojit Sircar, October is a romantic drama that stars Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, and Gitanjali Rao in the lead roles. Since the release of its first look, the movie has been the talk of the town and is already gaining a huge buzz on social media.

Rampage, 13^th April – Directed by Brad Peyton and featuring Dwayne Johnson and Naomie Harris, this action-adventure sci-fi movie is based on the 80s video game of the same name.

2.0, 27^th April – Starring Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Amy Jackson, this sci-fi movie is a sequel to the 2010 Tamil film Enthiran. With an estimated budget of Rs 450 crore, it is the most expensive Indian film made to date.

Avengers: Infinity War, 27^th April – A follow-up to The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron, Infinity War is set to bring back the iconic Avengers magic on screen. It features some of our favourite global artists, including Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Chris Pratt. It’s said to be the ‘world’s most ambitious crossover’.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, 27^th April – a biographical film about the life of the brave Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. Kangana Ranaut, who will be seen playing the titular role, has already been creating headlines with her bold and remarkable makeover for the film.

Here are eight ways your brand can create content around each of the above movies:

• Fashion: The best looks from the movie and how to recreate them (on a budget)
• Personal finance: Tips and hacks to throw the perfect movie-viewing party
• Fitness/health: How to get in shape like your favourite leading ladies and men
• Travel: Travel to the locations you see in the movies
• Technology: Breaking down the technology used to create special effects
• Personal technology: Most amusing bloopers from these movies
• Career services: Getting into the role: how the actors prepared for these movies
• Pop culture: 5 Things about the upcoming movie that are already causing a controversy

And so much more!

17. Sporting events in April

2018 Commonwealth Games (multi-sport), 4^th-15^th April, Australia

(As per past two-year stats, Source: BuzzSumo)

2018 Masters Tournament (Golf), 5^th-8^th April, USA

2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships, 29^th April to 6^th May, Sweden

2018 IPL, 7^th Apr to 27^th May, India

(As per past two-year stats, Source: BuzzSumo)

Here are nine ways your brand can create content around each of the above sporting events:

• Match tickets and broadcast schedules
• Popular athletes to follow on social media
• Fitness regimes of famous athletes
• Major achievements of star players
• The best tourist destinations to visit in the city of the event
• Trivia about popular players’ personal lives
• Fashion and health regimes of players and their spouses
• Epic match moments and where to catch them online
• Live updates and post-match analyses

18. Celebrity birthdays in April

Ajay Devgn, 2^nd April

Robert Downey Jr, 4^th April

Jackie Chan, 7^th April

Kristen Stewart, 9^th April

Emma Watson, 15^th April

Leonardo da Vinci, 15^th April

Maisie Williams, 15^th April

Jennifer Garner, 17^th April

Victoria Beckham, 17^th April

Kourtney Kardashian, 18^th April

Mukesh Ambani, 19^th April

Maria Sharapova, 19^th April

Miranda Kerr, 20^th April

Queen Elizabeth II, 21^st April

Sachin Tendulkar, 24^th April

For each of the above celebrities, you can create content around their most well-known creations (from movies to music to sporting matches), and also trivia about their fitness regimes, their dietary habits, their favourite travel locations, their professional journeys, their family lives, and even their hometowns.

Closing note

April brings with it abundant marketing opportunities for brands like yours to engage, communicate, and connect with your audience through relevant, thoughtful, and impactful content. So give your brand a head start with these content marketing opportunities and grab your audience’s attention from the get-go!