There’s something creeping behind your business. It’s got a logo, a funnel, and maybe even a cheeky TikTok. Yep — it’s your competition. And if you’re not actively evolving your marketing strategies, they’ll sneak up faster than a Spirit Halloween store in an empty strip mall.
At Set Fire Creative, we know what happens when brands sleep on their strategy. (Spoiler: it’s not cute.) This Halloween, let’s flip the script and build a plan so strong, it sends your competitors running for the hills — or at least scrambling to update their Canva templates.
Strategy #1: Don’t Just Cast a Wide Net — Cast the Right Spell
You wouldn’t summon spirits without knowing their name (rookie move), so why launch ads or content without knowing exactly who you’re trying to reach?
Narrow targeting isn’t just smart — it’s cost-effective. Focused campaigns reach people who are actually interested in your offer, which makes your budget work harder (and last longer). In fact, brands that pair audience insights with strategic creative see way stronger conversion rates.
We break this down in our Social Media Strategy guide, where we explain how smart segmentation and storytelling beat spray-and-pray posting every time. Want results that haunt in the best way? Know your audience like they’re your ex’s Netflix password: specific, customized, and probably still active.
Strategy #2: Use Content That Lingers Like a Ghost (But Less Creepy)
Your audience doesn’t want more content. They want the right content — the kind that makes them laugh, think, click, or share.
It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about showing up with personality, consistency, and value. We dive into how to do that in our blog on creative marketing strategies. TL;DR: Your brand voice should be memorable, and your creative should make people feel something.
Want proof? A Forbes article on standout strategies emphasizes the impact of emotion and storytelling — especially when your competitors are stuck on “SALE ENDS SOON!” for the 10th time this month.
Strategy #3: Think Persuasion Over Promotion
People don’t want to be sold to. But they do want to solve problems, feel good, and find something they can trust. That’s where persuasive marketing — not pushy marketing — shines.
Smart strategy means understanding the psychology behind a purchase. Scarcity, social proof, value stacking, timing — it’s all part of the playbook. In our post on persuasive marketing for small teams, we show how even lean brands can compete with the big dogs by making the message sharper, not louder.
Here’s the trick: If your offer solves a real problem and your messaging makes it clear and compelling, your audience will lean in. You don’t need a megaphone. Just a mirror reflecting what your audience already wants.
Strategy #4: Test Everything (Even the Creepy Stuff)
The difference between guesswork and growth? Testing.
Your ad isn’t underperforming because it’s “bad” — it might just be the wrong format, wrong headline, or wrong audience. That’s why testing is your best friend (besides maybe cold brew and batch scheduling).
Test your hooks. Test your visuals. Test your CTA. Then listen to what your data tells you. As ECI Solutions puts it: brands that adapt based on performance insights outlast those stuck on autopilot.
Want to be the brand that lives rent-free in your audience’s mind? Make testing part of your weekly rhythm — not just your Q4 panic plan.
Strategy #5: Play the Long Game Like an Immortal Vampire
Yes, Halloween campaigns are fun. But your business isn’t just seasonal — and your strategy shouldn’t be either.
The smartest brands are building momentum before the holidays hit. They’re nurturing leads, creating evergreen content, and staying visible even when the pumpkins disappear. One PowerDirect study found that brands who show up consistently across channels build trust way faster than those who only appear when they have a sale.
Your marketing should be designed to compound. That means retargeting warm traffic, building your email list, and creating customer experiences that feel good to come back to. Loyalty doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design.
Final Incantation: Good Strategy Always Beats a Flashy Spell
No amount of spooky graphics or 15% off banners can replace a well-built, well-timed, well-tested strategy. When your competition is still fiddling with fonts, you’ll already be six steps ahead — because you built a foundation that’s clear, clever, and crafted for your customer.
This Halloween, don’t just show up in costume. Show up strategically.
And if you need help? Well… we do happen to be experts at that.
Ready to burn brighter than your competition? Let’s Set Fire to your strategy.
Kylee is passionate about health and runs an online fitness and nutrition coaching business called Incinerate Training where she helps women to feel confident in their reflection again through lifestyle changes. She also runs a self development podcast called the Believing & Achieving podcast where she interviews experts and learns from their expertise.
