Why ignoring reactive marketing could be a grave mistake

Halloween is just around the corner, and while everyone else is busy stocking up on sweets and planning their costumes, we're here to talk about something far more terrifying: missed marketing opportunities.

We're talking about reactive marketing – the art of jumping on trends faster than a ghost through a wall. It's about being nimble, witty and capitalising on those fleeting moments that capture the public's imagination.

Halloween trends change like the wind. One minute everyone's obsessed with witches, the next they're all about Stranger Things and tomorrow it could be Bettle Juice. It's a chaotic, ever-changing landscape, and if you're not paying attention, you'll be left behind like a forgotten pumpkin on a doorstep.

So, what exactly is reactive marketing?

Well, imagine you're stirring a cauldron of creative ideas. Reactive marketing is like throwing in a handful of eye of newt, a dash of trending topics, and a sprinkle of spooky magic. It's about being quick on your feet, thinking outside the coffin (sorry, couldn't resist!) and creating content that's relevant, engaging and – dare we say it – a little bit spooky.

Remember when that dress broke the internet? Was it blue and black, or white and gold? (We're still not sure.) Brands that jumped on that bizarre trend with witty memes and clever campaigns? That's reactive marketing in action. Or how about that time everyone was obsessed with Baby Yoda? (Don't pretend you weren't.) Brands that incorporated the adorable little green dude into their marketing? Reactive marketing champions!

Why should you care about reactive marketing?

• Boost your brand awareness: Get your name out there like a bat out of hell! (But, you know, in a good way.)
• Show you're "in the know": Prove you're not some dusty old corporation stuck in a crypt.
• Connect with your audience: Show them you understand their spooky sense of humour and love for all things Halloween.
• Have some fun! Let's be honest, marketing doesn't always have to be serious. Embrace the silliness of the season.

How can you use reactive marketing this Halloween?

• Embrace the power of memes: Halloween is meme heaven! Find some spooky (and relevant) memes to share on social media.
• Create a killer Halloween-themed quiz: "Which Halloween candy are you?" or "What's your spooky alter ego?"
• Run a spooky social media contest: Ask people to share their best Halloween costumes or decorations.
• Decorate your website and social media: Give your online presence a spooky makeover with cobwebs, pumpkins, and ghosts.
• Don't forget email marketing: Send out a Halloween-themed email campaign with spooky discounts or promotions.

What's this got to do with employer branding? (More than you might think!)

Just like the ever-changing trends of Halloween, the job market is a beast of its own. Candidates today are looking for employers who are agile, responsive and not afraid to show their personality. (No one wants to work for a company that's more boring than a bowl of plain popcorn.)

By embracing reactive marketing, you can show potential employees that you're not just another corporate zombie. You're a company that's alive, kicking and ready to embrace the weird and wonderful world we live in.

So, this Halloween, ditch the tired old marketing tricks and embrace the power of reactive marketing. It's a surefire way to boost your brand, engage your audience and attract some seriously talented ghouls and goblins to your team.