Who's Your Daddy: Copywriting Tips For Father's Day

"Who made Father's Day the stepchild of holidays?"

- Jay Pritchett, Modern Family

Father's Day always seemed to be the, "odd man out" holiday. The sock under the sofa nobody talks about until absolutely necessary. Yet, it also deserves its own to-to lists, tips, specials, promotions, dad-jokes (there's a shocker), etc. In fact, Father's Day marketing is indeed alive and well. But what kind of copywriting and content.

Dads are dads. No matter what part of the world. Which makes both easier and harder to do copywriting for father's day. Because each culture has its own 'fatherly' traditions. In England, for example, common gifts are gardening tools, or ties, or socks. In America, it's sports or vehicle-related items.

This year, for example, was the coronation of King Charles III. How about Father's Day copywriting with a twist on that? The floor, as they say, is yours.

D'oh!

When it comes to copywriting for Father's Day, short and to the point is always best. Anything with "dad, "father," "happy father's day," "as a father[dad] you know that..." There are nearly 3 dozen different words for "Daddy," including pop, father, pappy, sire, and more. You can have a field day with these.

Think of some famous dads in literature. Movies. Music. How can you use them (or "harness" as they like to say in marketing) to promote your content or product? Atticus Finch, from To Kill a Mocking Bird, Arthur Weasley of Harry Potter Fame. Don Vito Corleone? Frank Costanza? Homer Simpson?

George Washington is known as "The Father of his Country." How can you use this line in your copy? How about a copywriting take on "Taken?" You know the Liam Neesen memes have been around forever. Father's Day is a great day to take advantage of it ("I don't know if 20% is enough...but I will find you.")

"Your dad gave you all the best of himself...show your appreciation." Copywriting at its best.

Content:

Blogs on topics such as: Man caves (let's be honest, everybody loves those) hi-tech gear, cars (you can never go wrong with cars), poker, Vegas, etc. But how about Charlemagne, the 9th century Emperor? Mark Twain had several kids. Benjamin Franklin.

Example of copy that makes you want to read the ad

There's no shortage of topics: Cars, sports gear, men's watches, etc. The trick is, you have to find the right angle so that you'll find an interested reader. Because there's so much content, so many "how to" guides, why should the dads read your piece of content? Answer: You need one, or more, factors in your content: Humor, grittiness, or sentimentality (your kid is growing up so fast...). If you can find the right mixture, you can find the right audience.

Please, PLEASE give your dad a break...please?

Most importantly, it should be eye-catching, not condescending, not offensive, and make the person (the dad!) feel good about himself, his family, who he is, and where he is at his stage in his life, wherever it may be.