Is cross marketing the best way to promote businesses online?

In the dog eat dog world of online commerce, businesses that go out on their own can find it hard to compete with the well established giants in their industry.

The good news for retailers that feel as though they’re struggling, however, is that there is no need to go completely solo.

Indeed, one of the most popular marketing strategies in the online space now is to team up with another brand. Each company can promote the other and make their respective audiences aware that their partner exists. This can be done through promotions and giveaways.

What is cross marketing?

There are various types of cross marketing out there for companies to dabble in, with some more prominent than others.

The most popular method of major brands in the internet age has been to promote products or services across multiple platforms. This has been seen with numerous high profile television shows and films, which have also been represented in games on a diverse range of devices.

The other form of cross marketing is for two or more companies to collaborate with one another and make an agreement to promote each other’s brands.

This is usually done with similar businesses that are likely to tap into the same target audience. For example, a health food company and a gym could decide to team up because people who visit the gym are likely to be interested in clean eating, and vice versa.

What are some ideas for cross marketing?

Aside from trying to strike up deals with companies that tap into a similar niche to your own, you could think about some exciting ways to reward people for using your business.

Many business owners try to collaborate with others when it comes to devising their special offers. An example of this could be a holiday planner giving away a free trip with a tour company.

Another cool way to get people to buy your products could be to enter a partnership with a bingo operator. In exchange for giving away bingo tickets to events around the country, you could ask for your company name to be promoted at the venues.

With bingo being so popular across the country now, this is a fantastic way to take advantage of a rapidly growing audience.

The most famous examples of cross promotion

When thinking about your own ideas for cross marketing, it could be a good idea to check out some of the most successful partnerships of all time and examine what made them work so well.

Burger King is one of the most famous companies to have made good use of cross promotional initiatives.

One of the most recent collaborations was between the fast food giant and Unilever. This was to make the Rebel Whopper, which was a plant-based burger designed to appeal to vegans.

The internet has made it possible for thousands of companies to crop up in every industry. This has brought about a serious power struggle when it comes to marketing.

Business owners need to do all they can to reach customers, and using cross promotional tactics could be the best way forward.