In lieu of in-person networking events, trade shows and conferences…and people still hesitant to visit stores and restaurants, how can you drum up new biz?
Two words: marketing partnerships.
By this, I mean joining forces with another business or organization to get YOUR business in front of potential new customers.
5 ways a marketing partnership can benefit your business:
1. Build email list
2. Increase social media followers
3. Drive website traffic
4. Recruit event attendees
5. Generate leads
So, how does it work?
Marketing partnerships can take a variety of formats and timeframes; it can be a one-time promotion or ongoing campaign.
The most important factor to consider when searching for a marketing partner is that you have the same target customer.
And, of course, it’s reciprocal, so you must be willing to promote the partner to your own audience.
5 ways to implement a marketing partnership:
1. Send co-branded email (see example below)
2. Share social media posts
3. Be a podcast guest
4. Produce a video featuring both partners
5. Co-host a virtual or live event
The beauty of this marketing trend is that it can be applied to both B-to-B and B-to-C.
For example, I partnered with a local professional services company that also works with business owners, but focuses on video content, so we are non-competing.
Our marketing partnership was two-fold:
- I was a guest on her LinkedIn Live show, which put me in front of her audience.
- She was a guest speaker at my live workshop, which introduced her to a roomful of new prospects.
Marketing partnerships are not a brand new concept, but it may be an excellent new addition to your marketing program. Or, if you’ve used them in the past, it’s time to find a new partner or try a different way to implement.
I also talk about this trend in this week’s episode of my video series, Marketing Mojo.
