Halloween Copywriting Tips from Jack the Ripper
Who's unfamiliar with Jack the Ripper? Who was he really? And how does he relate to copywriting? Up this day, nobody's really sure who he was. Oh, there's dozens of theories, from the plausable to the outlandish. And everyone from famous authors to your corner dry cleaner has claimed to have solved the mystery. But, nearly 130 years on, the mystery of Jack the Ripper remains a fascinating thing, like the sinking of the Titanic, the Loch Ness Monster, or other unsolved mysteries. However, solving who really was Jack the Ripper isn't on today's agenda...(Never mind the fact that only I know who he really was - just kidding. I don't).
So, in time for Halloween, here are a few bloody Halloween copywriting tips from Jack the Ripper.
Visually make your content stand out with macabre elements - spiders, grim reapers, skulls, tombstones, etc.
For longer-form content, such as a blog or article, one-pager or emai, give it a dark, atmospheric, "who goes there-esq" background.
Use red, white, or orange font over black for short ad text.
Use unexpected twists: "From Hell" are two words that opened one of the purported genuine letters of The Ripper (on the other hand, you can turn it on its head and say, "from hell...o." Depending on context, of course. Why so serious? Is another (Why so serious...ly? It's Halloween!)
What's the value you're offering? Not a half of a human kidney, that's for sure...but something your user can relate to.
"Some mysteries can't be solved" can be a great lead-in headline (like, how come families keep fighting on Thanksgiving - that would generate a 5,000% engagement increase, no?). In general, mystery can be a great keyword, as in: Take the mystery out of .....whatever.
Use phrases like 'killer.' Always an eye-catcher (in this case, almost literally).
The original Jack the Ripper supposedly wrote 'catch me when you can.' You can paraphrase this as 'catch this deal/opportunity/chance' while you can - only for the next 24 hours!'
How's this for a Jack the Ripper themed promotion? Trivia - always good for social media. Bet you don't know (without Google) what do Michael Caine, Peter Ustinov and Jack the Ripper have in common? Or, What does Jack the Ripper and the movie The Hangover have in common? Think about that one for a second...)
Of course, a great (and "cheap" way to get clicks is to claim - Jack the Ripper identity revealed - click here to read more!" And after the eager user clicks, the text will begin such: "Jack the Ripper's identity, according to XYZ, is supposedly..." Of course the reader will be disgusted, but while he's there, he'll already scan the large banner offering 40% off on whatever.
Begin email to customers with 'Dear Boss.' If they get it,
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