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16 Scary Marketing Approaches

From Villainous Vampiric Ads to Scary Shoe Promotions

— October 9, 2014 — Marketing
Being that fall is upon us and Halloween is just around the corner, it's only suitable to take a moment to reflect on some of the most appropriate scary marketing approaches taken by brands around the world. Although a few techniques found here are specifically tailored around the Halloween season, others are simply scary for the sake of being scary; this approach grabs the attention of consumers, creates a lasting impression and -- although a little bit cruel -- embeds brand names into our subconscious via negative association (or positive if you're into spooky stuff).

Many have become complacent to advertising; it's everywhere and many believe easy to tune out. As such, these scary marketing approaches show how brands are going above and beyond to break consumers out of their routine to make a name for themselves.
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
16
Horrifying World Cup Ads
Horrifying World Cup Ads
This Chilean World Cup Ad is Inspired by Famous Horror Movies
<
15
Scary Shoe Promotions
Scary Shoe Promotions
Foot Locker's Pitch Black Experience Kicks Off the Triple Black Collection
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14
Viral Content Mocking Commercials
Viral Content Mocking Commercials
Over the Top Viral Marking is Mocked in This LG Commercial
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13
Event-Promoting Horror Videos
Event-Promoting Horror Videos
Portfolio Night Could be as Scary as the Terrifying Promo Vid
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12
Hybrid Canine Car Ads
Hybrid Canine Car Ads
This Audi Commercial Builds Suspense for Its Upcoming Super Bowl Ad
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11
Terrifying Tea Commercials
Terrifying Tea Commercials
This Herbaria Tea Creative Commercial Uses Dramatic Imagery
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10
Frightening Furniture Ads
Frightening Furniture Ads
IKEA's Paranormal-Inspired Furniture Commercial Has a Freaky Bed
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9
Evil Baby Viral Pranks
Evil Baby Viral Pranks
This Viral Devil Baby Video Will Scare you into Theaters for 'Devil's Due'
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8
Terrifying 3D Trailers
Terrifying 3D Trailers
Saw 3D Movie Not Allowed to Air on TV Until Night Has Fallen
<
7
Villainous Vampiric Ads
Villainous Vampiric Ads
This Tabard Mosquito Repellant Campaign Features Serious Blood Suckers
<
6
Eagle-Eyed Ads
Eagle-Eyed Ads
Washin Optical Campaign Shows How Precise Your Vision Can Be
<
5
Homocidal Gingerbread Ads
Homocidal Gingerbread Ads
The Fangoria Fanzine Kill Off Innocent Gingerbread Men
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4
Severed Limb Stunts
Severed Limb Stunts
A Model of a Severed Leg is the Star of This Mini Cooper Advertising Stunt
<
3
Halloween Mask Publicity Stunts
Halloween Mask Publicity Stunts
The HealthExpress Stoptober Campaign Depicts Scary Smoker Faces
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2
Terrifying Mouth-Replaced Eyes
Terrifying Mouth-Replaced Eyes
The Innocence in Danger Ads Targets Children on the Internet
<
1
Freaky Marionette Fashion Ads
Freaky Marionette Fashion Ads
The Versace for H&M Video is Weird but Fascinating
<