We have all seen it:  McDonalds includes toys in their Happy Meals based on a new kids movie, a cereal box includes some sort of trinket based on a video game, etc.  Big companies build brand awareness and grow their customer base by using a marketing strategy called “Cross Promotion.”  However, can cross promotion marketing work for your business?

The answer is… yes, if done right.  Try to build a relationship with a small mom & pop store, service, etc.  Maybe the local ice cream shop in your neighborhood?  Maybe the lawn care company?  Maybe the diner down the road?  Think of places that would be open to offering your customers a freebie.  Explain to the business owner, you will give your customer a freebie coupon after you complete your cleaning service.  It is a nice thank you on your part, and that “Free Cone” offer will bring in new customers to the local ice cream shop.  You can even offer the local business freebie coupons to your cleaning business.  After a customer purchases a sundae at the local ice cream shop, they get a coupon for 10% Off cleaning services from your company.   Both companies work together to help promote and build a new customer base.

Working together in non-competing businesses can help synergistically grow both businesses.