October 20, 2015

Traditionally, Halloween conjures up images of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, but now more than ever business owners notice something different from October's holiday of horror: cash - and a lot of it. Between all of the costumes, candy, attractions, and holiday celebrations, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that the total Halloween spending by consumers in 2015 will be just under $7 billion dollars, with the average person spending around $74.34 cents. Simply put, Halloween is big business and no entrepreneur can afford to miss out on the opportunity. Here are three options for your startup to turn the Halloween spirit into increased revenues.

Show Your Company's Halloween Spirit on Social Media

A successful business owner understands the importance of building and improving their brand on social media. Holidays like Halloween offer unique opportunities to show your company's spirit and culture. Take a group shot of the employees in costume. Show off your office decorations to your followers. Change your cover photo to a Halloween theme. Any gesture, no matter how small, shows your business has personality and builds your brand in the process. The Charles D. Close School shows their spirit with custom Halloween infographics and related posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Bring the Halloween Spirit to a Networking Event on Drexel's Campus

According to the NRF study, approximately 33 million people will visit a Halloween attraction this year. While it may not be feasible for your company to set up an entire haunted house, the data shows that people want to visit something Halloween-themed. Put a Halloween twist on an October networking event: make the drinks and food Halloween-themed, have plenty of candy around, ask people to show up in costume, give a presentation on the frights of running a business, do whatever you can to make this event special! Make sure to have your networking event on Drexel's campus. The common proximity ensures easy access for all of your Close School peers.

Put a Halloween Twist on Your Product or Service

Holidays are the special occasions throughout the year when consumers throw caution to the wind, open up their wallets and look for things to buy. A simple Halloween twist on whatever you already offer can turn products that may not regularly be on people's minds into a purchase. Customize a line of accessories with orange and black or any of the spooky characters associated with Halloween. If you offer a service, use October as an opportunity for sales promotions. Remind consumers that this is a special time of the year, tie your promotions into a Halloween networking event and convince consumers to satisfy their holiday hunger with your product or service.