As Halloween approaches, there’s always a surge of last-minute shoppers who scramble to find costumes, decorations, and party supplies.
For affiliate marketers, this presents a great opportunity to tap into that frenzy. People are in need of fast solutions, and the key to capturing their attention is creating a sense of urgency. These shoppers aren’t looking to browse—they’re looking to solve a problem immediately.
Here’s how affiliate marketers can take advantage of this mindset and drive traffic as Halloween looms closer.
Capitalising on urgency
When Halloween is just days away, procrastination turns into panic. Creating a sense of urgency is the best way to push last-minute shoppers into action.
Affiliates can do this by using messaging that highlights scarcity or time-sensitive deals. “Only a few left in stock” or “Last day for next-day delivery” are phrases that push consumers to act quickly.
Highlighting how little time is left until Halloween, coupled with reminders of fast shipping options, will give shoppers the nudge they need to hit the checkout button. This approach works particularly well with Halloween costumes, where popular choices might be running out.
A “last call” campaign, pushing the remaining stock of trending costumes or decorations, can make a significant impact.
Shipping speed is everything
For last-minute buyers, fast shipping is top priority. If an item can’t be delivered in time, it’s a dealbreaker. Affiliates can focus their marketing efforts on retailers offering next-day shipping, same-day delivery, or even in-store pick-up. Shoppers in a hurry want assurance that their purchase will arrive before Halloween, so affiliates should emphasise these fast-delivery options in their content.
Retailers with reliable shipping times or click-and-collect services are perfect partners for affiliate marketers during the final stretch before Halloween. Promotions that highlight phrases like “Guaranteed delivery by Halloween” will encourage those on the fence to make their purchase.
Shoppers are less likely to abandon their cart if they feel confident that their order will arrive in time.
Urgency-driven content
Timing is everything when it comes to content marketing for Halloween. Affiliate marketers can target last-minute shoppers by producing content that meets their immediate needs. Think “last-minute Halloween costume ideas” or “quick Halloween decorations you can still get.”
This content solves a problem for the reader while linking them directly to the products they need to buy.
The goal is to cut through the noise and give shoppers clear, easy-to-implement ideas. Content that focuses on products available for next-day shipping, or that highlights digital products like printable decorations or party games, is incredibly valuable to these last-minute buyers.
Affiliates who create content designed specifically for this crowd will see higher conversion rates.
Social media urgency
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive on real-time content. For affiliate marketers, social media is an ideal place to amplify time-sensitive deals. Stories and posts with countdown timers or live stock updates can build urgency and drive impulse purchases.
Affiliates can partner with influencers to share quick costume tips or last-minute party hacks, linking directly to products that can be shipped out in time for Halloween.
Influencers, especially those known for creativity around holidays, can act as trusted voices for these shoppers. Seeing a TikTok creator pull together a last-minute costume or show how they decorated their house in under an hour resonates with consumers looking for fast, actionable ideas.
By including affiliate links, the path from inspiration to purchase becomes seamless.
Bundles and discounts
Another way to entice those late shoppers is through discounts or bundles. Highlighting time-limited discounts creates urgency, especially when paired with a clear deadline like “last day to save 20%.” Affiliates can also promote bundled deals—costume sets, party packs, or decoration bundles—that simplify the buying process for shoppers who are short on time.
Bundles are attractive because they offer convenience. A shopper can grab a ready-made Halloween package with everything they need for a party or costume, rather than searching for individual items. Offering these bundles with the added benefit of a discount can push those hesitant shoppers over the line.
Leveraging local pick-up
Many consumers don’t want to risk shipping delays. Affiliates who work with retailers offering local pick-up can appeal to shoppers looking for immediate access to their items. By highlighting retailers with click-and-collect options, affiliates can meet the needs of shoppers who want to grab their Halloween gear the same day they place their order.
These types of partnerships are especially effective for last-minute buyers who need items like decorations or party supplies but don’t have time to wait for shipping. Promoting nearby stores with in-stock items and easy pick-up options gives shoppers the instant gratification they’re looking for, helping affiliates drive conversions when it matters most.
Tapping into the last-minute mindset
Last-minute Halloween shoppers are in a hurry. They don’t have time to browse endless options—they need solutions, and they need them fast. Affiliate marketers who can tap into this mindset, offering urgency-driven campaigns with fast shipping, clear-cut deals, and ready-made solutions, will see success.
By creating content tailored to these buyers and focusing on retailers that can deliver quickly, affiliates can turn the Halloween rush into a traffic-driving, sales-boosting opportunity.
