Boost Your Biz: 5 Ways to Collaborate with Complementary Businesses
You're working hard to make the most of a meager ad budget, employing countless hours weekly: following, liking, commenting, sharing... but you can't seem to break into a new audience without breaking your advertising budget?
You're not alone. In fact, small businesses are finding that marketing tactics that worked for them just two years ago aren't moving the needle or are more costly than ever. Still, curating an online community that's engaged with your brand, shares your passion, and, (even better) spends money in your marketplace is essential. Facebook ads are proving to be expensive - and there's a seemingly endless stream of content and creators to compete with- so- what now?
Collaboration. Say it with me! Working together with complementary brands in your immediate community and far beyond your zip code can strengthen your marketing messaging and in most cases, it's incredibly affordable. Here are five ways you can boost your marketing efforts by working with other businesses.
1) Contests + Giveaways
Who doesn't love free stuff? Collaborating with complementary brands to create enticing giveaways is dually beneficial. Pairing up with a brand your costumers will love adds value to your giveaway, gives you twice the opportunity to receive organic impressions, and showcases your goods to an entirely new audience!
example: You're marketing a new line of suitcases for travel. Display the features of your new offerings by seeking a complementary business or service like a two-night stay at a bed and breakfast + free set of luggage! Need something a bit more simple? Fill one of the suitcases with t-shirts or swag from a local travel agency. Find brands that aren't competing with your market share but create extra buzz around your business!
2) You Scratch My Back - Social Mentions
Social media should be social! Make friends online and consider sliding into their DMs to chat about how you can boost their business. Mentioning friends of your business in a conversational and editorial way can be informative for your following. People follow businesses that add value to their feed - so if you're able to share new ideas, products, and real information with your worth the "like." No one wants to be continually sold to, and if that's all your feed is offering up - you're likely to be ignored. Mentioning your favorite brands on social (without the exchange of money, but because you genuinely enjoy their products and services) sends out a virtual high-five. If you do it right, you're likely to get a mention back.
3) Blogging
Share a story about a special collaboration. Did your firm or business spend a day enhancing your community in some way? Did you treat your team to an enticing meal after executing a big project? Develop content that's worth reading and find a way to weave your latest collaboration into the tale. Engage with your readers and ask them to share about a brand that's inspiring them!
4) Brick + Mortar Exchanges + Online Marketspace
Even if all you have to offer is a bright + shiny shelf space in your office to showcase a specially made good, this relationship is worth a share. Do you know a company that's making phenomenal hand cream? Do your clients hate cold weather? Consider offering up space to show off something special in your office, storefront, or online shop. This simple relationship could open doors to new opportunities for both brands.
5) Special Events
Everyone loves a good party... especially if there's cake. Co-host an event and make the collaboration a night to remember. Benefits of co-hosting: split the cost, split the work, and double the invite list! Both parties can benefit from the right party. Bring your most exclusive clients together for a brunch or create an Instagrammable evening out featuring the best of your products and services.
Collaboration is key for marketing brands of all sizes but undoubtedly packs an extra punch for those with a smaller advertising budget. Affordable marketing ideas can be creative, impactful, and genuine when you find a complementary business to collaborate with.
