The Spooky Season. October. How Marketers can leverage the world’s love for Halloween. By Keren Obara.
The arrival we of fall not only brings cooler weather and pumpkin spice everything but also heralds the beginning of the “spooky season.” Halloween, with its ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, offers marketers a unique opportunity to engage with their audience in creative and memorable ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can utilize the aspects of spooky season in your marketing campaigns, taking inspiration from pop culture classics like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and iconic franchises such as “American Horror Story” and “Freddy vs. Jason.”
- Embrace the Nostalgia:
One of the reasons “Thriller” by Michael Jackson remains an iconic Halloween hit is its nostalgic appeal. Marketers can tap into this sentiment by incorporating elements of nostalgia into their campaigns. Consider using retro-themed visuals or references to classic horror films to trigger those nostalgic emotions in your audience.
Example: A clothing brand could run a campaign featuring ’80s-inspired Halloween costumes, drawing inspiration from the era of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.
- Create Interactive Content:
“American Horror Story” is renowned for its interactive approach, where each season tells a different story but retains familiar elements. Marketers can engage their audience similarly by creating serialized content or interactive experiences that keep consumers coming back for more.
Example: A streaming platform could release a series of suspenseful short stories or mini-movies leading up to Halloween, inviting viewers to guess the plot twists and win prizes.
- Leverage the Power of Collaboration:
“Freddie vs. Jason” brought together two iconic horror villains, creating a buzz in the industry. Marketers can collaborate with other brands or influencers to amplify their message during the spooky season.
Example: A candy company could team up with a popular horror-themed YouTube channel for a spooky taste test challenge, creating cross-promotion opportunities and reaching a broader audience.
- User-Generated Content Contests:
Encourage your audience to participate in Halloween-themed challenges or contests and share their content with your brand’s hashtag. This strategy leverages the enthusiasm of your community and increases brand visibility.
Example: A makeup brand could host a “Spooky Glam Challenge” where customers showcase their Halloween makeup looks, with a chance to win prizes or be featured on the brand’s social media.
- Incorporate Storytelling:
Halloween is all about storytelling, and marketers can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their target audience. Share eerie tales, legends, or spooky anecdotes related to your products or services.
Example: A travel agency could share spine-tingling ghost stories from haunted destinations, sparking interest in booking a thrilling Halloween vacation.
Conclusion:
The spooky season offers marketers a unique canvas to unleash their creativity and connect with their audience in memorable ways. By taking cues from pop culture classics like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and iconic franchises such as “American Horror Story” and “Freddy vs. Jason,” you can infuse the spirit of Halloween into your marketing campaigns, creating an enchanting experience that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression. So, embrace the spookiness, and let your marketing efforts shine like a jack-o’-lantern on a dark October night. Happy haunting!
Keren Obara 2023.
