14 Halloween email examples to maximize your sales
(with explanation and tips)

Reading Time: 11 minutes

Many marketers think that Halloween email marketing doesn’t require planning or strategy. 

They assume Halloween has grown into such a fad that any campaign can grab attention and trigger more sales.

But the truth is, that successful Halloween marketing campaigns demand rigorous planning, foolproof strategy, and diligent execution.

You must define your goals, messaging, target audience, and channels well in advance. This is what ensures a cohesive and effective campaign.  

In this article, we’ll unveil 14 “spooktacular” but effective Halloween email examples. We’ll also provide tips to help you cast a spell with your email campaigns and drive conversions.

General Halloween email marketing examples

We’ve rounded up a selection of top examples to inspire your Halloween email campaigns. You’ll find specific examples of Halloween sale emails, suspense-building teasers, and more. 

We’ll also highlight what makes each example effective and keeps your subscribers engaged. 

Remember, Halloween trends may change periodically, and it’s always important to consider your audience’s interests and concerns. 

Read on to explore promotional, engaging Halloween email done right! 

1. Halloween sale or 31% discount email

Halloween and scary-good deals go hand in hand. 

Offering discounts or sales around Halloween is an easy way to tie your brand to the seasonal spirit. 

As October rolls in, people are on the hunt for the best deals on costumes, decorations, and treats. This makes this type of email highly sought after.  

But don’t just send any old sale announcements—get creative!

For example, Lands’ End entices customers with a tantalizing “31% Off Your Order” email.

Using the number 31 relates their promotion directly to the Halloween date. The email design incorporates black and orange holiday colors and imagery. 

When else can you get away with having a black cat and spooky fonts proclaiming “black magic” on your mail? That, while creating a sense of urgency and curiosity, and appealing to the desire to save money on a sweet deal.

This email isn’t just about discounts, it’s about creating an enchanting shopping experience. Ignite your audience’s imagination and boost sales in the process.

2. Teaser (suspense) email

The anticipation leading up to Halloween is half the fun. 

Teaser emails hint at something exciting or mysterious that you are going to reveal soon. But they don’t give away too much information. This lets you build suspense and curiosity before the big reveal. 

For instance, Mallery nails the Halloween teaser with their “Trick or Treat?” email. 

The ghosts, pumpkins, skulls, and witch hats hint that something Halloween-related is brewing. But the copy remains vague, promising either “tricks” or “treats” are on the horizon. 

Shall you stumble upon a 10% off discount? Or will you unveil the 15% or 20% discount? This builds excitement without giving away the surprises in store.

To write a captivating Halloween teaser email, use:

• Catchy subject lines
• Intriguing images
• Enticing copy

The goal is to hint at your Halloween offer, content, or event. Leave your subscribers longing to know what tricks and treats you have in store.

Also, include a clear call to action. This encourages your subscribers to take the next step. Some examples are “Stay tuned,” “Don’t miss out,” or “Save the date.” In our example, Mallery urges subscribers to “Play now.”

3. Sale ends today / Last chance email

The countdown is on! Last chance emails build urgency around expiring Halloween promotions. 

As the holiday nears, customers want to cash in on your seasonal deals before time runs out. 

What makes these emails so effective? 

Their ability to tap into the human tendency to leave things until the eleventh hour.    

Check out our case in point. Maniology strikes fear with its “THE END IS NEAR” email showcasing Halloween decor. 

The color scheme, spooky font, and pumpkins create a sense of fear—that the reader is going to miss out on the sale. The copy reminds subscribers this is their last chance for 15% off Halloween items. 

By emphasizing that the sale ends today and including a countdown timer, this email creates a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out).  This fear drives action. It prompts subscribers to click and make those vital purchases before it’s too late. 

So, ensure you create a clear and compelling call to action. This will motivate your subscribers to click and make a purchase—before it’s too late!

4. Halloween-themed products

Showcase your Halloween spirit by featuring spooky, seasonal versions of your products. 

Doing so offers a bewitching blend of creativity and commerce. It also introduces customers to a unique and seasonal twist on your regular offerings. 

Additionally, themed products captivate customers looking specifically for Halloween-related items. 

For example, Blue Apron entices email subscribers with their “A Deal to Die For” baked products. 

The email highlights Blue Apron’s frightfully delicious “RIP” muffins. The dark muffin papers emphasize the Halloween-specific nature of their treats.   

You can spice up your regular products with some spooky elements and designs. 

For instance, you can add bats, pumpkins, ghosts, or skulls to your products and packaging. You could also use black, orange, purple, and green colors to create a Halloween vibe.

Describe your product with Halloween-inspired names or with details like limited-edition flavors. 

Remember, Halloween-themed products help you stand out from your competitors. Include them in your Halloween sale email to create a sense of exclusivity. 

5. Costume ideas

Stuck on what to be for Halloween? 

Emails that provide costume inspiration can win over subscribers looking for outfit ideas. 

They help your subscribers find the perfect outfit for the spooky season. That could be as a classic character, a trendy icon, or something creative and original. 

Check out how Thread Up kills it with their “DIY Halloween Costumes Kids Love” email.

Right from the start, they communicate who their target is. 

The email organizes ideas by categories like a fairy, princess, superhero, and vampire. Each costume has an eye-catching image and shoppable link. This makes grabbing the outfit easy. 

Remember, the key to solid costume idea emails is providing variety. 

Include diverse options suitable for all ages. Use engaging images of each costume so readers can envision themselves wearing it. Categorize ideas to make it simple to find the perfect look. 

Also, include links to your website or landing page where they can learn more or make a purchase. 

You can also add some tips or advice on how to create or customize the costumes, or how to pair them with other items.

6. Party invitations

Halloween just isn’t complete without a killer party.  

The allure of a spine-tingling soiree is undeniable. Who doesn’t want to unlock some ghoulish fun?

Party invitation emails can be for virtual gatherings or in-person events. They’re a fun and engaging way to bring people together during the spookiest time of the year.

Check out how The Pub Club has designed its party invitation email. The link to RSVP, branded “I’ll join the party,” makes the event feel real. The chance to win a prize for having the best costume can get subscribers excited to attend.

You can make your own party invitations much more enticing by sparking FOMO. 

Use catchy subject lines that spark curiosity and excitement. You could say, “You’re invited to a spookylicious celebration.”

Also, add a sense of urgency or scarcity to encourage action. For example, you can use phrases like “Limited spots available” or “Last chance to register.”

Don’t forget to use Halloween imagery like jack-o-lanterns. Maintain a spooky vibe with fonts and colors, and watch your brand become a hub for Halloween revelry. 

7. Decorations and DIY projects

Transforming homes and yards into spooky spectacles is a cherished Halloween tradition. So what could be better than sending out some decorations and DIY project emails? 

They can serve as the ultimate treat for those seeking inspiration and guidance to deck out their haunts. These emails are a treasure trove of ideas, tips, and the occasional discount. They elevate Halloween decorating to an art form.

The HandMade blog nails the Halloween DIY inspiration email. It features several decoration tutorials with step-by-step instructions. There’s also a list of supplies needed, making executing the decorations simple.

Decorations and DIY projects are great for Halloween because they help people:

• Create a festive atmosphere
• Express their personality
• Have fun with family and friends

The key to solid decoration emails is providing accessible DIY inspiration.  

Offer discounts on seasonal decor for added incentive. With creepy-creative guidance, your subscribers will have the best-decorated house on the block!  

8. Food & drinks Halloween emails

The intoxicating aroma of spiced pumpkin. The decadence of dark chocolate. And the thrill of crafting ghoulish cocktails. 

All these delights come to life in Halloween emails that tantalize the taste buds. What’s more? These emails tap into the culinary creativity that defines this hauntingly delicious holiday. 

Check out how Blue Apron once again excels when it comes to Halloween inspiration. They provide a recipe as well as an image with the final product for subscribers to match. 

When sharing Halloween eats and sips, choose recipes that feel festive. Opt for themed names like Vampire Cookie Sandwich or Ghost Cupcakes. 

Use images to showcase finished dishes and cocktails dressed up for the holiday. Additionally, format recipes clearly with easy-to-follow steps. With your guidance, subscribers will whip up the perfect frightful foods.

9. Beauty & well-being Halloween emails

Give your subscribers a frightfully fabulous makeover this Halloween! 

It doesn’t matter if you offer makeup, skincare, spa treatments, or wellness coaching. You can use a Halloween email template to create eye-catching and engaging campaigns. The goal is to appeal to your customers’ needs and desires.

While Birchbox doesn’t go with the holiday colors, it has a compelling offer. A free extra box and the promise of a fun, bonus item in an upcoming box.

Create effective beauty and well-being Halloween emails by offering relevant tips or inspiration. 

For instance, you can share some Halloween makeup tutorials and skincare routines. You could even offer services like spiderweb nail art or hair glitter spraying. 

With your guidance, subscribers can channel ghoulish beauty looks while enjoying seasonal deals. 

Capitalize on the need for self-expression to engage audiences and boost sales. 

10. Spooky stories and entertainment

Halloween is synonymous with spine-tingling tales and thrilling entertainment.

So, what better way to tap into this shared love for the macabre than to send a Halloween newsletter?

It could link to a horror movie, book recommendation, podcast episode, or an online event. Whatever the case, your Halloween sale email should transport readers to a world of frightful fascination.

Check out how Uplers entices with a suspenseful description and matching graphics.

Halloween email marketing captures your audience’s attention and creates a sense of anticipation. 

Why are these emails so effective? Because they tap into the emotions and curiosity of your subscribers. 

Offer subscribers a captivating blend of chills, thrills, and immersive experiences. Become their source for all things spooky, and make their holiday even more memorable.

11. Trick or treat emails

Give your subscribers a trick and a treat with Halloween emails that have surprises. The unexpected will delight readers while building anticipation for your brand. 

J. Crew Factory nails it by including suspense (mystery sale surprise) and reward (up to 50% off all items).

The trick or treat tradition is a fun way to ask for candy or play a prank on someone. But did you know that you can also use it in your Halloween email for work? 

A trick-or-treat email offers your subscribers a choice between two options. The first is a trick (a challenge, a quiz, a surprise, etc.) while the second is a treat (a discount, a freebie, a bonus, etc.). 

This type of email is great for creating curiosity, engagement, and excitement among your audience.

12. Halloween email with safety tips

Along with Halloween fun come potential hazards. 

Amidst this holiday’s excitement, safety should never take a back seat. It’s here that Halloween emails providing safety tips can help. 

They offer practical advice that helps your subscribers enjoy a worry-free spooky season.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shines with its Halloween safety tips email. It covers top concerns like costume and road safety in a well-organized bulleted list. The friendly yet authoritative tone establishes AAP as a trusted source.

When it comes to safety, sound advice is key. Research hazards associated with costumes, candy consumption, decorations, fire hazards, and trick-or-treating. Present tips clearly in list form for easy digestion. 

Maintain a concerned yet optimistic tone. You want to address risks while still promoting Halloween enjoyment. 

With your guidance, subscribers can protect their families and focus on festive fun. Provide genuine value while simultaneously showcasing your expertise and dedication to customer well-being. 

13. Charity and community events

Halloween isn’t just about scares and sweets. It’s also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and make a positive impact. 

Charity and community events are a great way to showcase your brand’s values and social responsibility. They also engage your audience and increase your reach. 

Annya Miller Photography scores with their Halloween-themed charity event email. They outline how participants can support the local food bank and get a free print for helping out.  

Emails promoting charity or community events should highlight the benefits of participating. These include:

• Supporting a good cause
• Meeting new people
• Learning new skills

They should also include clear details on where and how to join, donate, or volunteer.

14. Post-Halloween clearance sales

The thrills don’t have to end on October 31st.

Post-Halloween clearance emails give subscribers a tantalizing extension of the Halloween shopping season. They provide an excellent opportunity to engage clients while clearing out remaining inventory.

Kohl’s entices bargain hunters with their “spooky-good surprise” email. Carved and smiling pumpkins scream savings.

A strong post-Halloween sale email highlights deep discounts on remaining seasonal inventory. Use exhilarating language and spooky fonts to maintain that Halloween vibe. 

Offer unbeatable value, and shoppers on the lookout for bargains will flock to you. 

You get to free up some space for new products and avoid wasting unsold items. Your customers get to save money and stock up for next year or find ways to use your products for other occasions. 

Tips on how to create engaging Halloween email

Creating captivating Halloween emails can enchant your audience and boost your sales. Here are some quick tips to craft compelling Halloween emails:

• Eye-catching subject line: Craft creative and intriguing Halloween email subject lines. These can be humorous or incite curiosity and urgency to entice email opening.
• Personalization: Elevate engagement by implementing email personalization strategies. Include recipient names or preferences to make messages feel tailored to the individual.
• Clear call to action (CTA): Use clear and actionable email CTAs to drive specific actions. Guide recipients on precisely what to do, whether it’s shopping or contest participation.
• Compelling content: Write concise, engaging content that conveys the Halloween spirit. Use email marketing best practices to highlight your promotional offers and product value.
• Interactive elements: Engage readers by incorporating interactive buttons, quizzes, polls, and limited-time offers. Delight and surprise subscribers with unexpected treats, discounts, or freebies for participating.
• Themed design and layout: Match your newsletter template design to the Halloween theme. Use relevant and spooky visuals, fonts, and colors to set the tone and generate excitement.
• Mobile optimization: Ensure Halloween emails are fully mobile-responsive. Most people view emails on smartphones, so you should facilitate a seamless experience for them.
• Segmentation: Send targeted content by segmenting customers based on preferences and engagement. This allows you to send more personalized content to different audience segments.
• Social media integration: Encourage social sharing of Halloween content for more exposure. Have email recipients share Halloween-themed posts to be featured on your platforms.
• Clear unsubscribe option: Make email unsubscribing easy while complying with email marketing regulations. Respect the recipient’s choice to opt-out if they wish.
• Feedback and optimization: Seek feedback and continuously test and optimize Halloween email performance. Analyze email performance and make data-driven improvements for future campaigns.
• Post-Halloween follow-up: Maintain engagement after Halloween with surveys, thank-you notes, or promotions. Keep the connection with your audience alive.

Wrap up

Halloween email campaigns present a prime opportunity to engage subscribers.

But how do you craft compelling and effective Halloween emails? By incorporating creativity, personalization, urgency, and fun.

Craft compelling subject lines and interactive content when producing Halloween emails. Use targeted segmentation and themed design elements to delight subscribers and maximize sales.

Don’t waste the chance to combine email + SMS campaigns. Like two potent charms, they’ll work together to enchant with frighteningly good campaigns.