13 Halloween Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses (That Actually Bring in Customers)
Halloween is one of the most fun times of year to be on social media. It's also one of the easiest times to waste a week posting pumpkins that don't bring in a single customer.
After 8 years of planning seasonal campaigns for small businesses, here's my rule: seasonal posts should still sell. Have fun, get creative, but make sure every post gives people a reason to get in touch.
Here are 13 Halloween marketing ideas (spooky number, of course) that do both.
Fun ideas that still get you noticed
"Horror stories" from the job. Trades, this is your moment. The scariest wiring, the worst DIY disaster, the creepiest loft. Before-and-afters with a spooky twist are pure gold.
The team in costume. A quick team photo or Reel in fancy dress shows the people behind the business. Keep it light and fun.
A spooky makeover. Salons, florists, bakers and cafés: show your Halloween creations being made, start to finish.
Myth-busting "monsters". Turn common myths in your industry into monsters and bust them one by one in a carousel.
Decorate with your customers. Share photos of your shop, salon or van dressed up, and invite customers to share theirs.
Halloween puns in your captions. "Our prices are so good, it's scary." Cheesy? Yes. Memorable? Also yes.
Ideas that turn fun into sales
A limited Halloween offer. A small, time-limited discount or bonus ending on 31 October. Deadlines make people act.
"Trick or treat" Stories. Use a quiz sticker in your Stories. Get it right and win a treat, like a discount code.
Partner with another local business. A joint giveaway with a nearby café, shop or salon introduces you to their followers. Always check the platform's rules for promotions before you run one.
Book now before the festive rush. Halloween is the perfect moment to remind people that Christmas is coming, and your diary is filling up.
Content formats to try
A Halloween Reel. Short, fun videos travel furthest. Film a quick transformation or a "what I found on the job today" clip.
A spooky carousel. "5 scary mistakes businesses make on social media" works for almost any industry.
A countdown. Post a daily Story in the last week of October to build excitement for your offer.
Don't forget the next step
Every Halloween post should still end with what to do next: book, call, DM or visit your website. That's the difference between a post that gets likes and a post that gets customers.
Tartan Social tip: plan your Halloween content by mid-October, and have your Christmas content ready to go the day after. November is when festive planning really starts.
Need a posting rhythm to go with it? Here's how often a small business should post on social media.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start posting Halloween content?
Start teasing it around mid-October and build up in the last week. Most of your engagement will come in the final few days before 31 October.
Does Halloween marketing work for B2B businesses?
Yes, if you keep it relevant. A light-hearted "scariest marketing mistakes" post can work brilliantly on LinkedIn.
What if Halloween doesn't suit my brand?
Skip the costumes and use the season instead: autumn tips, getting ready for winter or booking before Christmas.
Want seasonal campaigns planned for you?
At Tartan Social, we plan and create seasonal content that's fun and still brings in business, from Halloween right through to Christmas. Done-for-you packages start from £399.
Get in touch and let's plan your festive season.
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