Marketing Excuses*
OCT
1

Thursday

October 1, 2026POOR

Problem

Election ad spend is inflating every auction.

Excuse

1 / 40

Congratulations, you're bidding against democracy.

The auction does not care that your Q4 depends on this.

Politics

Also in effect on this date

The full docket. Any of these would hold up in a Monday standup.

  • Swing-state CPMs have left the atmosphere.

    Politics · in effect Election Day (35d before)

  • CPMs can smell Q4 approaching.

    Retail Calendar · in effect 10-01 to 10-15

  • A third of the country is inside the cone of uncertainty, emotionally if not geographically.

    Weather · in effect 09-01 to 10-15

  • The spaghetti models are getting better engagement than your entire account.

    Weather · in effect 09-01 to 10-15

  • The holiday season now starts before Halloween.

    Retail Calendar · in effect 10-01 to 10-15

  • Brands started Black Friday six weeks early.

    Retail Calendar · in effect 10-01 to 10-15

  • Every retail brand's Q4 budget unlocked on October 1.

    Retail Calendar · in effect 10-01 to 10-15

  • Everyone is at an orchard.

    Weather · in effect 09-15 to 10-31