In a world where marketing budgets are shrinking and customer acquisition costs are rising, cross-promotion has emerged as a powerful, cost-effective way to grow your business. Whether you’re a startup or a global brand, leveraging strategic partnerships can help you tap into new audiences, build trust faster, and drive more conversions — all without breaking the bank.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- What cross-promotion really is (and what it’s not)
- The key benefits that make it a must-have in 2025
- Different types of cross-promotion (with real-life examples)
- A step-by-step strategy to run your own campaign
Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or content creator, this guide will equip you with everything you need to master cross-promotion in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Cross-Promotion?
At its simplest, cross-promotion is a marketing strategy where two or more brands collaborate to promote each other’s products, services, or content. Rather than relying solely on ads or solo campaigns, you team up with a complementary business to expand your visibility. This mutual exchange is designed to benefit both sides by tapping into each other’s audiences and credibility.
In digital marketing, cross promotion meaning goes beyond simply tagging a brand on Instagram or including a link in an email. It involves intentional, strategic alignment where each brand amplifies the other through shared resources — like email lists, social media profiles, blog platforms, or even physical shelf space. The right partnership can boost brand awareness and build long-term customer trust.
One of the key reasons cross-promotion works so well is because it feels organic. Audiences today are skeptical of hard-sell tactics. But when they see a trusted brand recommending another, they’re more likely to explore. This is why social media cross promotion and co-branded content are on the rise in 2025 — they offer credibility and connection, not just noise.
Let’s break down why this strategy is worth your attention.
Key Benefits of Cross-Promotion
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to grow your store without spending more on ads, cross-promotion might be your answer. By teaming up with the right partner, you can reach more customers, boost credibility, and get better results from your existing efforts. Below are the key benefits of cross promotion — and why it’s a smart move for sellers looking to grow in 2025.
1. Cost-effective marketing
Advertising is expensive — and getting more competitive every day. Cross-promotion gives you a way to reach potential buyers without relying on high ad spend. You and your partner promote each other’s products or offers using the channels you already own, like email or social media. That means no extra cost, but a much bigger reach. For sellers looking for budget-friendly cross promotion ideas, this is one of the most practical strategies to try right now.
2. Accelerated audience growth
When you run a cross-promotion campaign, you’re putting your brand in front of a new audience that’s already interested in what you sell — because they follow a brand similar to yours. For example, if you sell handmade candles and partner with someone who sells bath products, their audience is already likely to be your ideal customer. This kind of exposure feels natural, not pushy. It’s one of the smartest answers to how to cross promote your store in a way that actually builds long-term customers.
3. Mutual credibility and trust transfer
Trust is everything in ecommerce. Shoppers are more likely to buy from you if someone they already trust recommends you. That’s what makes cross-promotion so powerful. A partner brand’s shoutout or endorsement can give your business instant credibility — even if their audience has never heard of you before. A classic example of cross promotion is when two brands with shared values collaborate, making it easier for both to build deeper trust with customers.
4. Higher engagement and conversions
Cross-promoted campaigns often perform better than solo promotions. That’s because they feel more exciting and less salesy. When your followers see a fun giveaway, a collab product, or a joint live session, they’re more likely to stop scrolling and engage. This is especially true for social media cross promotion, where attention spans are short and creative collaboration stands out. You’re not just selling — you’re creating a reason to interact.
5. Expanded content lifespan
It takes time to create good content, so why only use it once? With cross-promotion, you and your partner can share content across your channels, giving it more views and a longer shelf life. A blog post, Instagram reel, or newsletter doesn’t disappear after one day — it keeps working as your partner shares and reshapes it for their own audience. That’s content marketing done smarter.
6. Easier funnel expansion
Cross-promotion can do more than just get your name out there. It can bring in leads, build your email list, and drive real sales. You can run bundle deals, co-create downloadable resources, or offer discount codes to each other’s customers. These tactics aren’t just about visibility — they help move people from interest to purchase. In fact, many sellers use cross marketing promotion as a full-funnel growth strategy, not just a top-of-funnel boost.
Check our guide on How to Promote Your Business: 29 Free & Paid Strategies.
Types of Cross-Promotion (Online & Offline)
Cross-promotion isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can run it entirely online, offline, or combine both — depending on your audience and resources. The key is choosing formats that make sense for your brand and that create real value for both you and your partner. Below, we break down the most common types of cross marketing promotion, organized into offline and online categories.
Offline Cross Promotion
Offline cross-promotion still works incredibly well, especially if your products are physical or your customers shop in real life. It adds a personal, tangible touch that builds connection and trust.
1. Co-branded products
This is when two brands create a new product together and promote it as a special edition. Think of a local coffee shop working with a bakery to release a seasonal “pumpkin spice donut latte pack.” Co-branding makes the offer feel fresh and exclusive. It’s one of the most memorable cross promotion examples because it blends two customer favorites into one.
2. Product bundles
You can bundle your product with another business’s product and sell them together — either in-store or through your online checkout. This works great for products that naturally go together, like yoga mats and protein powders, or planners and pens. Customers love getting more value in one purchase.
3. Sponsored giveaways
Giveaways are an easy way to cross-promote offline. You can co-sponsor a raffle at a local event, a school fundraiser, or even in your own retail space. When both brands contribute products or prizes, you double the exposure while making the giveaway more attractive.
4. Joint webinars or podcasts
Although these are technically digital, the collaboration itself often starts offline. You and your partner can host a webinar or podcast together, then promote it across each other’s channels. These events let both brands share their expertise and audience in a meaningful way.
5. Ebooks and resource sharing
Create a free printable, guide, or physical resource (like a recipe book or planner insert) and include your partner’s branding and links. Whether it’s digital or printed, this content adds value and lives beyond a single post or campaign.
6. Discount exchange campaigns
Leave your partner’s flyer or business card in your shipping box — and they do the same for you. Add a special discount or QR code to track performance. This works especially well for local businesses or niche product categories with aligned audiences.
7. Embedded in-app promotion
If you sell through a POS system, loyalty app, or marketplace, you may be able to promote your partner brand inside the user interface. For example, a custom product popup or sidebar offer. This approach creates a native, seamless customer experience.
Online Cross Promotion
For online sellers, this is where most cross-promotion happens. It’s quick, scalable, and measurable. Whether you’re on Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, or running your own DTC store, these tactics help you cross promote in ways that build traction fast.
1. Social media
Social media cross promotion is one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit. You can run joint giveaways, shoutouts, collab Reels or TikToks, or even go Live together. Each post brings attention to both brands and can lead to more followers, traffic, and sales.
2. Email newsletters
Promote your partner’s offer in your next email — and have them do the same. You can feature a product, share a discount, or spotlight each other’s story. Emails feel personal and tend to get high engagement, especially when the recommendation is honest and relevant.
3. SMS campaigns
If both brands have SMS lists, a short, direct promo can work wonders. It’s perfect for limited-time deals or early-access offers. Just be sure to keep it simple, value-focused, and timed right for both audiences.
4. Blogs & guest posts
You can write guest posts for each other’s blogs to build authority and generate organic traffic. Share tips, tell a story, or give behind-the-scenes insight into your collaboration. This kind of cross promotion content is great for SEO and evergreen discovery.
5. Website pop-ups and exit-intent
Set up a pop-up or exit-intent offer on your website that promotes your partner’s product — and vice versa. These messages show at just the right time and can help drive conversions for both businesses.
6. Physical events & collaborations
While the event itself is offline, the entire promotion can happen online. Think launch parties, pop-ups, or panels where both brands invite their online communities. Promoting through email, social, and your website helps you build buzz and strengthen the collaboration.
Check our guide on Multichannel Marketing: Insights & Comprehensive Guide.
How to Plan a Cross-Promotion Strategy From Scratch
Cross-promotion works — but only when it’s done with the right goals, the right partner, and the right message. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, following a structured plan can make the difference between a one-time shoutout and a long-term growth opportunity. Below is a complete step-by-step process for how to cross promote your brand successfully in 2025.
Step 1: Set a specific, measurable goal
Before you reach out to anyone, get clear on why you’re doing cross-promotion. Are you trying to gain new email subscribers? Drive traffic to a product page? Increase sales? Build your brand’s presence on a specific platform? Your goal should be measurable — like “get 1,000 new visits from this collab” or “gain 500 followers from this post.” A clear target helps shape the campaign and makes it easier to track success later.
Step 2: Know your ideal audience
Don’t waste time partnering with brands that talk to the wrong crowd. Take time to define who your audience is: What do they buy? Where do they hang out online? What problems are they trying to solve? Once you know your customer profile, you can find partners who speak to the same kind of people — not just more people.
Step 3: Shortlist compatible brand partners
Look for brands that offer complementary, not competing, products or services. A great partner sells something your customers would naturally be interested in. For example, a skincare brand and a beauty accessory store are a perfect match. When choosing your partner, look at:
- Their tone of voice and brand values
- How engaged their audience is
- Whether they’ve done collaborations before
Step 4: Select the right channel
Not every campaign needs to be on every platform. Think about where both of your audiences are most active. For example:
- Instagram Reels or TikToks are great for visual products
- Email is better for in-depth stories or promotions
- Blogs work well for SEO and long-form collaborations
Pick 1–2 channels where your partner is already strong — this will help you reach more people in a natural way.
Step 5: Choose content formats that fit
Once you know where your campaign will run, decide what kind of content to create. Will it be a product bundle? A joint giveaway? A guest blog post? A co-branded video? The format should match your audience’s behavior and your brand’s capacity. If you’re short on time, a shared social post might be better than a long-form project. If you’re launching a new product, an example of cross promotion could be a teaser video made together.
Step 6: Set clear deliverables and expectations
Even if you’re close friends with your partner brand, don’t skip this part. Clearly outline what each side is responsible for — who’s writing the post, who’s designing graphics, who’s scheduling emails, etc. Also, decide when things are going live and how you’ll share performance updates. The more upfront you are, the smoother the process will be.
Step 7: Plan timelines and approval processes
Build a small timeline that includes:
- Content creation and review deadlines
- Launch dates
- Buffer days for changes
Make sure both teams agree on the approval flow — who signs off and when. This avoids confusion or last-minute pressure right before launch.
Step 8: Launch and track KPIs
Once you go live, pay close attention to your key metrics. Depending on your goal, track things like:
- Clicks or traffic from your partner’s platform
- Follower growth
- Email sign-ups
- Promo code usage
Use tracking links, UTM parameters, or dedicated landing pages to measure performance. When done right, cross marketing promotion gives you clear data to evaluate results — and learn what to improve for the next time.
5 Inspiring Cross-Promotion Examples
If you’re still unsure how to apply cross-promotion to your store or brand, one of the best ways to get started is by learning from those already doing it right. Below are real-world examples that show how cross marketing promotion can boost visibility, build engagement, and even create products people get excited about.
1. Duolingo × HBO Max – branded language lessons
Duolingo partnered with HBO Max to promote the release of the hit series House of the Dragon. The language-learning app offered High Valyrian as a course — the fictional language spoken in the series — and HBO promoted it across their channels. This fun, unexpected example of cross promotion combined entertainment with learning and attracted both fans and new users.
✅ Why it works: It offered unique value while being entertaining and hyper-relevant to both audiences. Neither brand had to change what they do — they just got more creative together.
2. Canva × HubSpot – e-book collaboration
Design platform Canva and marketing giant HubSpot teamed up to create an e-book full of branding and design templates for marketers. The e-book was free and promoted through both platforms’ newsletters, websites, and social media accounts. Each company used its strength (design and marketing) to deliver value to the other’s audience.
✅ Why it works: It’s a practical resource for their overlapping audience — small business owners and marketers — and it led to lead generation on both sides. A textbook cross promotion strategy for digital product-based businesses.
3. Sephora × Spotify – beauty & playlist bundle
Sephora created a Spotify playlist tailored to beauty lovers — think relaxing tunes for a skincare night or energetic beats for a morning routine. This was shared across social media and included in Sephora’s email newsletters. It helped Sephora connect with users on an emotional level, while Spotify enjoyed additional exposure.
✅ Why it works: It’s simple, free to create, and adds lifestyle value beyond just selling products. A great form of social media cross promotion that also adds personality to the brand.
4. H&M × Stranger Things – limited-edition merch
The global fashion brand H&M launched an exclusive clothing line inspired by Stranger Things in collaboration with Netflix. The line was promoted both online and in-store, with behind-the-scenes photoshoots, influencer campaigns, and store displays that featured themes from the series.
✅ Why it works: Limited-edition items always create urgency. This co-branded product merged pop culture and fashion, grabbing attention and boosting sales during the show’s release window.
5. Airbnb × Flipboard – experience curation
Airbnb joined forces with Flipboard to create curated travel storyboards. These featured Airbnb Experiences and homes, presented in Flipboard’s signature visual feed format. Readers could save and share the collections, while Airbnb got additional bookings and exposure through a new channel.
✅ Why it works: It created a unique and visually engaging way to discover travel options. A brilliant use of cross marketing promotion to improve discoverability through editorial content.
These examples prove that cross-promotion doesn’t have to be complex. Whether you’re teaming up for a co-branded product, a joint giveaway, or just sharing each other’s newsletters, the right collaboration can bring in more traffic, better leads, and stronger brand credibility.
Want to try something like this for your own store? Start with small, low-risk partnerships — then scale up as you go.
Cross Promotion: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Before you launch your first cross-promotion campaign, you might have a few questions. Below are some of the most common things online sellers want to know — with simple, no-fluff answers to help you move forward confidently.
What’s the difference between affiliate marketing and cross-promotion?
Affiliate marketing involves paying someone a commission for driving traffic or sales to your store — usually through tracked links. It’s a one-way promotion where you’re paying for results.
Cross-promotion, on the other hand, is a mutual effort between two brands or creators to promote each other. No money has to change hands. It’s based on shared value, not payouts. If you’re looking for budget-friendly cross promotion ideas, this is often the better starting point.
Can small businesses benefit from cross-promotion?
Absolutely. In fact, cross-promotion is often more impactful for small or niche businesses. You get to reach a highly relevant audience that you might not be able to afford to target through ads. Plus, partnering with another small brand helps both of you grow at the same time. Whether it’s a simple email mention or a full social media cross promotion, you don’t need a big team or budget to make it work.
How long should a cross-promotion campaign last?
It depends on the format. A joint giveaway might run for 5–10 days. A co-branded product campaign could last a few weeks or longer. Email swaps or blog exchanges can be one-off or recurring monthly. The key is to match the campaign length with your goal. For brand awareness, shorter bursts are fine. For deeper collaborations, give it more time to build momentum.
How do I track cross-promotion success?
Tracking depends on your goal. If you’re focused on traffic, use UTM links and custom landing pages to measure clicks. If you’re collecting leads, monitor signups or downloads. If you’re driving sales, use discount codes, referral links, or dedicated checkout funnels. Always compare results to your original goal so you know what worked — and what to tweak next time.
Many sellers who’ve mastered how to cross promote keep a simple dashboard with clicks, reach, engagement, and conversion metrics to evaluate each campaign.
Are there legal issues in co-branded partnerships?
In most cases, no — especially if you’re just doing shoutouts or running social posts. But for bigger collaborations like product bundles, content licensing, or shared revenue deals, it’s smart to have a simple written agreement. This ensures both sides are clear on who owns what, how content will be used, and how any revenue (if applicable) is split. Keep it professional, even if the relationship is friendly.
Cross Promotion: Final Words
Cross-promotion isn’t just a marketing trick — it’s a proven way to grow smarter, not harder. Whether you’re just starting your store or already making consistent sales, teaming up with the right partner can help you reach more people, build trust faster, and make your campaigns more engaging.
The best part? You don’t need a big team or budget. Just a clear goal, a good fit, and a plan that delivers value on both sides.
From co-branded products and email swaps to social media cross promotion and bundle deals, the options are endless. And as you’ve seen in the real-life examples, even big brands use these simple, smart tactics — because they work.
So if you’ve been wondering how to cross promote your products the right way… now you know.
✅ Start small.
✅ Find your first partner.
✅ Launch something together.
You’ll be surprised how fast things can grow — when you don’t grow alone.
