Halloween is a billion-dollar industry. Last year, Forbes stated that 158 million Americans had participated, each spending an average of $75.03 on goods and activities. Consumers are also getting ‘into the spirit’ earlier and earlier, with more than three quarters of the population starting their Halloween shopping at least two weeks before the big day.
Well now the big day is here – but it’s not too late to pull of a few last minute tricks by offering a few treats. Stuck for ideas? Try these:
1) Pumpkins as Leverage
Halloween is the perfect time to start ramping up your marketing efforts for the Thanksgiving and Yuletide seasons. Post some spooky stories on Facebook, promote it to your SMS contacts and offer them free shipping for the rest of 2014 if they ‘Like’ your page. That way, they’re more likely to use your services for the rest of their seasonal purchases.
2) Costume Competition
A staple of the season, running a costume contest might not win you any awards for originality, but at least you can guarantee a large number of people will be dressing up – all you have to do is get them to send you a photo. Best one wins a freebie. The more runner up prizes you offer, the more people will engage.
3) Best Horror Movie Survey
Get your subscribers to text in their favorite horror flicks. You can even divide them into sub-genres to attract movie buffs who feel unchallenged by the standard generic film poll.
4) Jack-o-Lantern Hunt
Photograph a company-themed carved pumpkin on a porch somewhere in your city. Offer a big prize to anyone who can locate the jack-o-lantern and send a picture in. As Halloween night goes on, text sporadic hints and clues to help people find it – it’s a good way to keep customers engaged with your brand for longer.
5) Halloween Hamper Quiz
Run a themed quiz. Advertise it on social media but ask people to opt in for SMS alerts in order to take part. If you offer a truly gobsmacking hamper filled with festive goodies, you can attract thousands of new opt-ins at this time of year.
Have you got any creative, seasonal marketing ideas of your own? Halloween’s almost over, but if you have some SMS marketing strategies for the upcoming holiday season, let us know in the comments below. Happy Halloween!
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