Boo-st your business this Halloween with UTP’s seasonal tips

 

According to Montel, last year we Brits spent a whopping £1 billion on Halloween. From Halloween parties and events to stocking up on decorations and sweets, it's clear the nation embraces the spooky season. But it's not just a consumer holiday; small and medium-sized businesses across the UK can get in on the action too. Whether you're in retail, hospitality, or even the beauty industry, Halloween presents an opportunity to drive traffic and sales. Here are our tips (and tricks) to entice more customers to your business this Halloween.

 

Create exclusive, limited-time offers

October is packed with promotions, and Halloween-themed discount codes are an easy way to grab attention. Even if your product or service doesn't relate to Halloween, your business can still profit from the holiday.

For example, hair and beauty salons can play with phrases like 'boo-tiful' or 'Hallow-queen' to create. The 'sweet spot' for discounts is said to be around 20% off and is proven to increase footfall. If this discount seems a bit too high, you could create bundle deal. For example, '20% off wash, cut, and blow dry' or '20% off manicure and pedicure'. This encourages more spending, and your customers believe they are getting better value for money.

Although we have focused on hair and beauty salons, many businesses offer seasonal promotions. It's a good idea to look at what similar businesses in your field are doing this time of year. You can then tweak ideas to come up with a promotion that suits your business needs.

 

The power of urgency

Why not add an expiration date to your deals to increase urgency. Limited time offers convert window-shoppers into actual buyers by creating a sense of 'buy now or miss out.' This strategy is especially effective during holiday seasons when customers are already in a spending mindset.

 

Social media for maximum impact

If you’re running a special Halloween promotion, social media should be your best friend. Create Halloween-themed posts, whether it’s through eye-catching décor or fun edits. A quick and cost-effective way to reach a larger audience is by posting Reels on Instagram. Reels are more likely to land on the Explore page, exposing your content to new potential followers.

Want to ramp up engagement? Host a competition. Ask followers to like, share, and tag friends in exchange for a chance to win a prize, whether it’s a free product, a Halloween hamper, or a voucher. The more people engage with your post, the more visibility your business gets, turning social media followers into future customers.

 

Spook up your business

Decorating for Halloween has become the norm for many businesses, whether you go big or add a few scary ornaments around your business. By decorating your business, you attract new customers and boost brand visibility. Adding décor that can be seen from the outside of your business is your best bet for enticing new customers. A lot of this decorating can be done in your window. Cobwebs, Halloween-themed bunting, or stickers are all inexpensive ways to get your customers into the spooky spirit.

 

Halloween themed treats

Restaurants, cafes, and bars can really benefit from this time of year. Introducing seasonal recipes can intrigue both new and existing customers. From pumpkin spiced lattes to spookily decorated bakery treats, the options are endless. If your business serves alcohol, why not add an eerie twist to some classic cocktails?

According to Barclaycard, we are willing to pay up to £28 more to dine in an 'Instagram-worthy' restaurant. Not only will you attract new customers, but you’ll also likely get free promotion from diners who share their spooky dining experiences online.

 

Optimise your payments

Halloween is the third-largest holiday in the UK, with Christmas taking the number one spot. For most businesses, these final months of the year are the busiest. Ensuring you have a seamless payment method in place not only improves customer satisfaction but also helps your business run smoothly. Did you know that card is the most popular payment method in the UK?

At UTP, we provide a range of card payment solutions designed to keep your business running smoothly during the busy season. Whether it’s countertop, mobile, or online payment systems, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we can save you up to 33% on transaction fees, giving your business a Halloween treat of its own!

 

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