Collaboration ROCKS! People get so much further together that it just makes complete sense to have collaboration as part of your marketing strategy.
Today, we’re going to look at how collaboration can take the pressure off your wallet and open up new opportunities for visibility, connection, and growth.
Marketing budget? What marketing budget?
If your marketing budget is a bit… hypothetical right now, you might be feeling like your marketing options are limited. But they don’t have to be. With a little creative thinking, you’ll find there are a bunch of ways you can get your message out there.
The summer slowdown can be particularly tough for small creative businesses with slow sales and stagnant cashflow. Plus, every marketing platform seems to be shouting about paid ads, funnels, and shiny tools you can’t justify investing in.
So what can you do when paid options are off the table, but doing nothing isn’t an option either? You collaborate, of course.
Collaboration: the underused marketing strategy
When we talk about marketing, people often think first about solo tactics. What content are you posting? What emails are you sending? But if you’re working in a vacuum, you’re missing one of the most powerful assets in your marketing toolkit: the people around you.
Collaboration isn’t just for influencers or joint ventures. It’s a practical, low-cost, high-impact way to build your audience, strengthen your brand, and share the load. It can be as small as a shared shoutout or as structured as a co-hosted event or product.
The point is, it doesn’t have to cost anything apart from your time, creativity, and goodwill.
Why collaboration works
When money’s tight, the usual marketing noise can start to feel overwhelming. Collaboration cuts through that. Working with the right people helps you:
You’re essentially borrowing each other’s platforms, brains, and trust. The real beauty of collaboration is that, when done well, everyone benefits.
Low-cost collaboration ideas to get you started
Not sure what collaboration might look like for you? Try one of these to dip your toe in:
Give someone else a boost on your social media, newsletter, or blog. Recommend a service, highlight their offer, or share a tip they posted. You’ll often find they return the favour without even being asked.
2. Co-create content
Partner with someone in a complementary field to make a piece of content together. It could be a blog post, Instagram Live, downloadable checklist, or carousel series. You’ll both gain visibility without doubling your effort.
3. Guest spots and swaps
Offer to be a guest on someone’s podcast, newsletter, or blog. Invite them into yours, too. It’s a great way to reach new people with similar interests and build relationships at the same time.
4. Run a joint event
This could be a webinar, workshop, or online Q&A. You bring your audience, they bring theirs. Everyone walks away with fresh connections and value.
5. Test a micro-collaboration
Not ready for a big splash? Try a collaborative Instagram post, create a mini giveaway, or host a week of co-branded content around a shared theme. See what clicks.
Collaboration isn’t just about growth. It’s about sustainability.
Marketing on a budget can feel like hard graft. Doing it all alone often leads to burnout, especially when the returns are slow. Collaboration brings energy, creativity, and a fresh sense of possibility. It reminds you that business doesn’t have to be lonely, and that impact doesn’t always need a price tag.
You don’t need a big budget to grow your business. You need a plan that works with what you do have. Collaboration is a brilliant way to start.
If you’re stuck for where to begin or who to approach, that’s something I help clients explore all the time. Together we create simple, honest, and strategic marketing plans that fit your energy, values, and budget.
Let’s figure out where your best opportunities are hiding and who you might want to bring along for the ride.
A marketing plan that plays to your strengths and your budget
If your current strategy feels like shouting into the void or you’re too tired to even start, it might be time to bring in a second pair of eyes.
Together we can map out some canny, collaborative ways to get your business in front of the right people without spending a fortune.
Book a free 30-minute call and let’s see what’s possible.
