SmallBusinessNewz

The Halloween season is approaching (or is already here, depending on how much you actually celebrate it). Did you know that average consumer spending for Halloween has increased every year since 2003? According to Google it has.

With that in mind, a lot of small businesses stand to make some decent money off of the holiday this year with the proper marketing. Google recently shared some tips on how to do so online.

First, Google says to use its Insights for Search tool to keep an eye on search volume. "Start creating Halloween keyword lists and ad creatives that speak to Halloween consumers - remembering that this holiday can involve product category searches including costumes, recipes, make-up, decorations, party supplies and toys," says Caitlin Veverka of the Google Retail Team. "As the average consumer begins their searches mid-October, add general terms like 'costume ideas' and 'funniest costumes' to capture these consumers as they're making early buying decisions."

You can also use the Insights for Search tool to watch the top and rising search terms. Some of the currently top and rising terms Google points out include: Halloween, costumes, Halloween costumes, cheap halloween costumes, couples halloween costumes, couples costumes, costume ideas, women halloween costumes, halloween stores, halloween spirit, halloween costumes 2009, and halloween costume ideas.

"This year we're seeing that halloween costume ideas include typical apparel items as well as those that fuel a creative, 're-wearable' costume - especially during this Do-It-Yourself economy," says Veverka. "Remember to run Search Query Reports throughout the month as traffic increases. Search Query Reports will allow you to see the most 'popular' Halloween costumes and keywords, allowing you to add keywords you may have missed and filter out keywords unrelated to the Halloween products you offer."

Google also suggests that you highlight promotions and shipping cut-offs. This is good advice when dealing with any holiday or special event.