Even the most time-pressed business owner can draw more customers with less effort through the right cross-promotions. Why? Because when you join forces with other reliable people who also reach your target market you can reach your customers more efficiently, credibly and memorably with the right offers and services.

Cross promotion is a form of advertising that involves two or more businesses that promote their products or services together. To find businesses that has the same target audience, but not a direct competition with your business. Doing cross promotions with other businesses increases your profits, sales, and beat your competition.

You can find businesses to cross promote all over the Internet. Participate in e-mail group discussion, online forums and newsgroups that deal with your marked audience. Subscribe to e-zines that deal with your targeted audience. Make a note on your website or e-zine that you are interested in cross promoting your products and services. Search in your favorite web directories and search engines to find targeted businesses.

Cross-promotions include bundled offerings, joint media appearances and events, and unconventional cause-related marketing. It might also include collaboratively produced on how-to’s and other resource booklets and videos, co-branding, coop advertising, and shared space.

Cross promoting has many benefits. Save money by sharing the advertising and marketing costs. Save time when both businesses share the workload. It has a great potential for a big marketing payoff because partners can successfully expand through each other’s customer base. They can gain an inexpensive and credible introduction to more of their kind of customer more effectively than with the traditional “solo” methods of networking, advertising, or public relations. You can offer your customers new products and services. Get referrals from the other business’ clients. Receive valuable information from the business.

Once you find a business you would like to cross promote simply e-mail them your proposal. Tell the business owner the benefits of the cross promotion. Explain to him or her why it would be a win - win situation for both of your businesses. Give them a lot of compliments about their business, website, products and services. Using all three methods above will greater your chances for a profitable cross promotion.

Business Quote for the Day:

“Men who do things without being told draw the most wages.” — Edwin H. Stuart

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