No Tricks, Just Killer Marketing: Halloween Campaigns That Nailed It
Halloween is no longer just for the costume-loving, candy-craving crowd. For savvy female founders, it’s a golden opportunity to take their brand to the next level. From cheeky social stunts to unforgettable product tie-ins, some brands have absolutely owned the spooky season. If you’re looking for inspiration to boost your marketing game, these Halloween campaigns are full of ideas you can borrow—no broomstick required.
1. Burger King’s ‘Scary Clown Night’
Year: 2017
Why it was magic:
Burger King went straight for the jugular by inviting customers to dress as clowns on Halloween for a free Whopper. It was a clever jab at their biggest rival (looking at you, Ronald McDonald), turning Halloween into a viral moment. Not only was it cheeky, but it was also a masterclass in turning playful competition into a social media storm.
Takeaway for founders:
Never be afraid to poke a little fun, especially when it sparks engagement. Rivalry can be healthy (and wildly profitable) when done right. With that being said, if you don’t know how to do it right, it’s best to not do it at all.
Image Credit: Lush
2. Lush’s ‘Witchy Bath Bombs’
Year: Ongoing
Why it was magic:
Lush doesn’t just throw out a few themed products; they create a whole Halloween experience. Their spooky bath bomb collection is legendary, transforming bath time into a magical ritual (complete with pumpkin, ghost, and witchy shapes). Lush customers go crazy for these seasonal drops, and it’s a reminder that sometimes it’s all about adding a festive twist to what you already do best—you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Takeaway for founders:
Seasonal product lines are a no-brainer. If you’ve got a signature product, find ways to give it a festive spin. Your customers will love it.
3. Heidi Klum’s Amazon Halloween Collab
Year: 2019
Why it was magic:
The Halloween queen herself, Heidi Klum, teamed up with Amazon to create a one-stop Halloween shop, full of costumes, makeup tutorials, and party essentials. It was a full-blown takeover, leveraging her iconic Halloween status to drive traffic and purchases. This is a perfect example of how influencer partnerships can turn a holiday into a major sales event.
Takeaway for founders:
Partner with someone who amplifies your brand’s message. It’s not about their follower count; it’s about finding the right fit for your audience.
Image Credit: LoyJoy
4. Fanta’s Frightening Snapchat Filters
Year: 2018
Why it was magic:
Fanta upped their Halloween game with limited-edition spooky flavours and a killer AR campaign on Snapchat. Users could transform themselves into terrifying characters with Fanta-branded filters. It blended fun with social media engagement and gave people something to share. The result? A serious boost in both brand love and Halloween fun.
Takeaway for founders:
Get interactive! Digital tools like AR and filters aren’t just for the big brands. Find clever ways to make your content more shareable, and watch your engagement soar.
5. Airbnb’s Dracula Castle Stay
Year: 2016
Why it was magic:
Airbnb offered an overnight stay in Dracula’s castle. Yes, the Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. It was spooky, surreal, and utterly perfect for Halloween. This campaign brought the Airbnb experience to life in the best way possible—combining a bucket list destination with a seasonally spooky twist.
Takeaway for founders:
Experiences are everything. Think beyond your product or service. What can you offer that gives your audience a story to tell?
6. Reese’s ‘Trick-or-Treat Door’
Year: 2019
Why it was magic:
Reese’s went beyond the candy aisle with their “Trick-or-Treat Door,” a mobile installation that showed up in random locations and handed out free Reese’s Cups. It brought the fun of trick-or-treating to fans in unexpected places, making it an Instagrammable event people couldn’t stop talking about.
Takeaway for founders:
Go where your customers are—literally. Surprise and delight them in real life, and make it an experience they’ll rave about on social media.
Which Halloween campaign inspired you the most? Share your thoughts with us or show off your own spooky branding ideas—because next Halloween, it could be your brand that steals the show!
