1. World Cancer Day 4th February:

“Do I know enough about the C word?”

A global event uniting the world in the fight against cancer, on World Cancer Day, your readers are looking up information on the types, causes, and treatments of cancer.

With an annual 8.2 million cancer-related deaths worldwide and three people dying of the disease every minute in India, this day provides excellent opportunity to push informative content like ‘Quick breast self-exam (BSE) women should do every week’, ‘5 facts about cancer you need to know’ ‘Is your job putting you at a higher risk of cancer’, “Bizarre cancer myths that worry doctors’, ‘Can we imagine a cancer-free future with gene mapping and subsequent personalized treatment?’ etc.

Your readers would definitely find stats-based posts a worthy read. This is also the time when they have made fresh resolutions, which are either being pursued with dimmed enthusiasm or put on the back burner. Therefore, posts like ‘Small lifestyle changes that help prevent cancer’, ‘Can an hour at the gym lower the risk of breast cancer’, ‘Not just lung cancer, smoking can cause 12 types of cancer!’, etc. promise good readership and make your users reconsider pursuing those resolutions.

Everyone loves an inspiring and tear-jerking survivor story. Therefore, brands can also publish video snippets and blog posts of the hardships and triumph of cancer survivors.

Lending support to the three-year World Cancer Day campaign that started in 2016 with the theme We Can. I Can. by talking about how they can collectively and individually lessen the impact of cancer is again a good idea. Reeling in the rural sector and throwing light on the lack of information as well as treatment opportunities in the underdeveloped parts of the country would be a good conversation starter in the digital space.

2. International Day of Women and Girls in Science 11th February:

“Yes, we can!”

Brand participation in the already-buzzing conversation on the topic online is a good show of their attempt to promote gender parity in the field of science

The number one question that cross your readers’ mind in this context is ‘just why are there such few women in the field of science?’ Pushing content around debunking myths like women don’t have an aptitude for science, they’d have to take a sabbatical to raise children, etc. will generate good online traction.

Some content ideas: ‘Ways to encourage your daughter to develop interest in science at a young age’, ‘5 scientific discoveries by women’ ‘Where are the IIT women graduates of the 90s’, etc.

3. Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day 11th February:

“Figuratively spilling milk hurts more than literally spilling beer, or wait, does it?”

Not a commonly celebrated day but Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day provides an excellent opportunity to talk to your readers about either redoing things or starting afresh.

Every brand, irrespective of the industry they cater to, can say something useful.

From ‘How to restart your New Year’s resolutions’ to ‘What to do if you don’t clear a competitive exam’, there’s an abundance of conversations stemming from the idea of crying over spilled milk.

There’s also an opportunity to build content in the context of depression and suicide, albeit on an empathetic and calibrated note. With the number of depressed Indians on the rise and discussion of such subjects gaining momentum on the internet, brands can contribute their two cents along the lines of “3 things that get you out when you hit rock bottom”, “5 extraordinary people who are the epitome of ‘past doesn’t dictate future’”, and “How to be your child’s best friend and confidant?”

4. Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary 13th February:

“More than just The Nightingale of India”

Most people know Sarojini Naidu as The Nightingale of India, but she was also the first woman governor of an Indian state and the first Indian woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress.

On her birth anniversary, brands can extoll her in the context of women empowerment and what modern Indian women can learn from her. Lesser-known facts, key achievements, and her contribution as a freedom fighter all make for interesting reads.

Also, extracts from her literary work can be published on social media, inviting readers to contribute their interpretation and opinions on the same.

6. Valentine’s Day 14th February:

“V-day is overrated but at least we get candies on discount”

Valentine’s Day might get mixed reactions in the virtual world with couples attempting to not be too clichéd and singles lambasting – with words and eye-roll emojis – the couples. The day, however, is still highly anticipated by your readers.

In the days leading up to V-Day, your readers are looking for gift options, gift ideas, gift discounts, unconventional gift choices for their significant other, spending Valentine’s Day single, etc. Therefore, content around these points will immediately pick up.

Additional content ideas: “Handmade gifts that she will adore”, “How to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget”, “5 kickass ways singles can spend Valentine’s Day”, “10 people you should show love to this Valentine’s Day” and “5 hilarious tweets that perfectly sums spending Valentine’s Day single”.

7. World Heart Month:

“From heart-shaped candies to heart health”

With over 900 Indians under the age of 30 succumbing to heart-related diseases, cardiovascular health is a rising cause of concern not just globally but also on a national level.

Educative posts on the type of heart diseases, how to keep your heart healthy, how to detect heart diseases at the very onset, 5 everyday activities that are bad for your heart, 5 foods that can lead to a heart attack, etc. will be appreciated by your readers.

Emotional survivor stories as well as quick tips from doctors to keep your heart healthy will do well on social media.

8. Finances:

“How has the budget affected me? And God! Tax season is almost here!”

With the Budget scheduled to roll out in late January this year, Budget talks are top of your readers’ mind.

They’re looking to understand the components in a simplified way, and more importantly, understand the impact it will have on their everyday lives. Educative Budget-centric posts will position you as a thought leader in the domain. Content around “5 ways Budget 2017-18 will affect your savings”, “Key moment from Budget 2017-18”, etc. will likely trend.

With the financial year-end inching so close, content around tax planning, tax saving instruments for different income groups would also be well received.

Content ideas like how to save taxes this year, last minute tax saving tools, next year tax planning, etc. are popular topics to talk about.

9. Fashion Week:

“How do they even pull that off!”

• New York Fashion Week – 9th February – 17th February
• London Fashion Week – 17th February – 21st February
• Paris Fashion Week – 28th February to 8th March
• Milan Fashion Week – 22nd February to 28th February

All the major Fashion Weeks kickoff in February, creating a lot of buzz online. Your readers want a glimpse of the candid backstage moments, of what the models eat before a show, what is their beauty regime, etc.

Some interesting topics to grab your readers’ attention are ‘Will you dare to wear these 5 NYFW outfits?’, ‘Who’s your favorite of the Hadid sisters?’, ‘The best outfits from the Paris Fashion Week’, ‘Here’s what your favorite models eat to get that runway body’, etc. will draw in good readership.

10. Festivals and Fests:

“This sounds interesting, how many sick leaves do I still have?”

Jaisalmer Desert Festival (8th – 10th February) gives an intimate view of the culture of Rajasthan with activities like turban tying competition, camel racing, and longest moustache competition. This is a time to talk about Jaisalmer in particular and Rajasthan in general with posts like ‘5 authentic Rajasthani dishes you must sample in Jaisalmer’, ‘A brief history of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival’, ‘7 things to do in Jaisalmer after the Desert Festival’, ‘5 hidden gems of Rajasthan even seasoned travellers missed’ etc.

Ragasthan, held sometime in early February, is a music festival giving center stage to indigenous artists and promoting the visceral folk songs of the region. With stages, tents, and movie screens all pitched on the desert itself, the Ragasthan draws in an impressive number of youth as well.World Sufi Spirit Festival (13th – 15th February), held in Jodhpur and Nagaur, Rajasthan, the Sufi festival sees artists from all over the world bring soulful Sufi music to India.

Both these music festivals give brand an opportunity to talk about the diverse folk music that India is home to, praise indigenous artists and craftsmen, as well as publish checklists on the dos and don’ts of desert camping. It’s also the perfect Valentine getaway for music lovers, therefore, brands can also build content on the two topics combined.

11. Sports:

“Who’s playing this February?”

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kick started in January will inch towards the finals in February.

The 2017 Super Bowl will be held in Houston this year. Although American football isn’t a much-viewed sport in India, the Indian digital landscape too sees decent traction. The Super Bowl commercials are always much talked about and snippets of the best Super Bowl commercials through the years will draw eyeballs.

From the world of cricket, South Africa v/s Sri Lanka ODI series will be held in Durban and Cape Town, India will play Bangladesh in a test match series as well as Australia towards the later part of the month, and Australia battles it out with Sri Lanka in T20I in February.

Searches around players, past matches and broadcast schedules surge, creating a lot of online buzz. There’s also an increase in searches around fashion and lifestyle since your readers are interested to know about celebrity sightings at matches, their fashion and fitness choices, etc. Feature content like “Will these players make a comeback?” “Today’s key match moments” as well as live updates and post-match analyses will be greatly appreciated by the millions of fans. Additional content ideas: ‘5 things we can learn from our favorite match moments’, ‘What sports teaches us about life’, etc.

12. Fun Days:

“I heard there’s ice cream involved”

• Eat ice cream for Breakfast day 4th February. Is this the best day ever or what! From inviting users to share pictures of them eating ice cream for breakfast to talking about the bizarre flavored ice cream from all over the world, this is a great day to connect with your users. Maybe even go a step ahead and get customized ice cream in your brand colors for your employees and put it on social media or show how different ice cream flavors relate to your products.
• Innovation Day 16th February. Although celebrated in select parts of the world, Innovation day gives you an opportunity to publicize your own innovations. Inviting readers to share their innovations and giving them a digital shout out is a great way to ensure massive user-generated content.
• Doodle Day 5th February is more than just a fun day. With the latent intent to also promote awareness about epilepsy – a disorder of the brain that affects 10 million people in India – through limericks, illustrations, and doodles, brands can throw light on it through informative content.

13. Upcoming movies:

“Will I boast about it or roast it on Facebook?”

John Wick Chapter 2 10th February – Although not much is public about Chapter 2, the prequel was centered on an ex-hitman seen taking revenge on gangsters. With promising performance from the likes of Keanu Reeves and Orange is the New Black star Ruby Rose, this action thriller will be much talked about. Content around the movie itself, epic scenes, as well as tidbits from the personal lives of the star cast would interest your readers.

The latest in The Ring series, Rings, releasing on 3rd February, will attempt to live up to its cult horror movie status with the plot based on a movie within a movie. Content ideas: “5 horror flicks you shouldn’t watch alone”, “Scariest scenes from The Ring”, “The Ring series bloopers”, etc.

What can go wrong when you combine LEGO with Batman? Nothing. The LEGO Batman Movie (10th February) sees Bruce Wayne not just combating the villains of Gotham city but also struggling with the responsibilities of an adopted little boy. A movie on a lot of your readers’ must-watch list, talking about it promises interaction. Talking about Lego toys, perfect gift ideas for your kids, best Batman moments is a good idea.

Closing Note: “This February, pick up from where January ended and restart, it’s not too late”

The abundance of talking points in February will make for an interesting and fruitful content marketing calendar for your brand.

Give your readers insightful posts on finance and health, make their lives easier by helping them pick the right gifts on Valentine’s Day, encourage women empowerment and contribution on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and make the digital landscape a fun place with fun-filled content on fun days, there are tons of conversations waiting to be started.

If January didn’t go as planned, dust it off because February is the new January.