Cross Marketing

Cross marketing occurs when two or more businesses with similar clients join to help promote each other. These relationships provide opportunities for free or inexpensive distribution of promotional and advertising messages. The idea is for a salon to team up with partners who have the type of customers it wants - those who are interested in their personal appearance. Since a salon's clients are usually located within a ten-mile radius, the best approach focuses on developing partnerships with businesses within that area. Examples of potential partners include: clothing boutiques, accessories stores, eyeglass frame shops, makeup artists, shoe stores, store cosmetic counters, weight loss centers, health clubs, photography studios, and bridal shops. One idea is to have the partner offer a free imaging consultation with a minimum purchase of its product or service. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate the salon's abilities, and to develop the basis for a long-term customer relationship.