If you know how to leverage online collaborations, they can be one of an entrepreneur’s most powerful marketing tools. In this blog post, I’ll be going through some of the benefits of collabs. Plus I’ll share how to find and pitch collabs with other entrepreneurs whose work is complimentary to yours. We’ll also talk about diverse ways to structure your collaborations–because there are a ton of creative options– to make the most of your partnership and have fun in the process.
Table of Contents
Why would you want to find and pitch online collabs, anyway?
Building stronger relationships
Through doing my own collaborations in the online space, I’ve discovered that they help in a few ways. One is by strengthening my relationships with other people in business. I stay top of mind with not only their readers and audience but also with them. And I notice that they’re more apt to think of me when work opportunities arise.
Plus, I often become friends with the people whom I partner with. We discover shared values and enjoy supporting each other with advice, ideas, and our own diverse and creative approaches.
Creating community as a WFH-er
Many work-from-home types crave a sense of community. Collaborations can help sate that craving while also creating something valuable for your respective audiences.
Maintaining space for innovation
I’m very grateful for these opportunities to get to know my collaborators on a deeper level. But, It’s not just about the fun of working together, collaborations are also fertile ground for innovative ideas.
You’ve probably heard me harp on and on about one of the main reasons I like content repurposing. And that’s because it allows you to stick with your ideas and keep developing them. I’ve discovered that pitching unique online collaborations with business owners in a similar space also helps me expand, clarify, and develop my own ideas.
Getting more bees a buzzin’ around your bizzzz
Another huge benefit to online collaborations and partnerships is how they make it possible to cross-pollinate your message and audience without paying for advertising. When you make intentional choices about who you partner with, it means their audience has something in common with you and your audience. And it’s only natural that they will be interested in what you have to offer.
You’re not only casting a wider net, but you’re using the correct type of netting so that you catch the most fish. You get what I’m throwing down here?
Collaboration is a hot topic for entrepreneurs
A recent topic at my free monthly meet up was Pitch & Partner (Sign up to join us next month.) Quite a few people showed up ready to collaborate with each other. It was an interesting mix of different types of business owners, and man, were the collab ideas flying!
What I discovered was that many people are interested in the idea of collaborating and are curious about trying new ways of doing it. So, I want to share a few ways to structure your online collaborations, so your ideas start flowing.
7 different ways to structure online collabs
In this section, you’ll see different ways to find and pitch collabs with other entrepreneurs.
Guest Blog Posts
Collaborate with another blogger or content creator in your niche by writing guest posts for each other’s blogs. This cross-promotion can help you tap into each other’s audiences.
Co-Create Resources
Work together to create a free resource, like an eBook, checklist, or template, that is useful to both your target audiences. You can both promote it to your email lists and social media followers.
Social Media Takeovers
Take over each other’s social media accounts for a day or even just a few hours. Share your content, engage with their audience, and introduce yourself to new followers.
Instagram Live Chats
Host joint Instagram Live sessions where you discuss a topic of mutual interest to your audiences. This real-time interaction can be engaging and attract viewers from both sides and also allows your audience to ask their burning questions in real-time.
Collaborative Reels
Collaborate with one or more entrepreneurs to make a short-form video on a specific topic. Collaborative Reels can be a great way to respond to a topical issue in your industry or discuss what sets you apart when you work with clients.
I made this collaborative Reel with designer, Zainab. The topic of this Reel was all the collabs we’ve done together in the past, and how they’ve benefitted us. Super meta I know, hah.
Podcast Episodes
Invite another entrepreneur or creative to be a guest on your podcast or vice versa. Share insights, experiences, and valuable information with the podcast audience.
Share Testimonials
Exchange testimonials with fellow entrepreneurs or creatives you’ve worked with or whose products or services you’ve used.
Those are just a few ideas but there are tons more ideas to pitch unique online collaborations.
And, just because I love you (yes, YOU), I’m sharing this guide I made: Creative collabs 101: Making magic online. Inside you’ll find about a dozen more collaboration ideas, plus a couple email pitch scripts to help you reach out to potential partners.
Creative collabs 101: Making magic online
In this reference, you’ll find around 20 different ways to collaborate online,
plus a couple email pitch scripts that you can customize when you reach out to potential partners. Get this resource and more when you sign up below!
By adding your info here, you’re also saying it’s okay for me to send you emails about content creation and repurposing, my services, and other creativity stuff. Fun.
P.S., I don’t share your info with anyone.
How to make sure your collabs are intentional, well-matched, and worthwhile
Have you ever gotten a cold email that’s totally unconvincing? It normally doesn’t include your name, offers you something you don’t need, and isn’t well-written or persuasive.
I’ve gotten hundreds of these letters and through reading them, I’ve learned what really turns me off. But, it’s also taught me more about what I am looking for when people reach out. First of all, I want to hear from people who have done their research and know why they’re contacting me, people who aren’t just playing a numbers game.
If someone reaches out to ask you to be involved in a partnership or collab, here are some other points to consider:
- Will the effort I put into this be worth the potential reward?
- Will this collab help me with my marketing goals?
- What is the communication with this contact person like? Will it be enjoyable to work with this person?
- Do I want to ask for something in return (a testimonial, a guest blog post, or something else…)?
And if you’re considering pitching a partnership or collaboration, think about the points below.
- What am I hoping to get out of this experience?
- Would their audience find value in my expertise?
- Would they be interested in my products or services?
- Would this be a rewarding use of my time?
Whether you want to find and pitch collabs with other entrepreneurs or you’re getting requests in your inbox, asking yourself these questions before saying yes will help. Chances are, the collaborations you end up agreeing to will be much more intentional and well-matched and could make your experience a lot better in general.
Want to collaborate with me?
Considering pitching me a unique online collaboration? I’d love that. Online collabs are a major part of my marketing. I’m always looking for opportunities to partner with entrepreneurs in complimentary industries.
I accept guest posts on topics that will be most helpful for my audience such as content creation, organization techniques, social media, plus other categories. I also have another blog about creativity and photography, and you’re welcome to pitch me there as well.
I’m down to co-create products, collaborate on Reels or other types of social media posts, etc. Feel free to reach out by email to pitch your collaboration idea. I’d love to hear it!
And remember, you can access the free guide I put together to help you find and pitch collabs with other entrepreneurs. Wishing you tons of luck pitching collaborations that move your business forward!
