Let’s Team Up! Creator Collaborations
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about creator collaborations. That’s way number four on Lynnaider’s list!
It’s one of the fastest FREE ways to meet new people. Two creators or businesses make something together, and share it with BOTH of their followers. Like a playdate for businesses!
Way 4: teaming up (free!)
You and another creator make something together. Then you both get to meet each other’s people. Nobody pays for ads. The magic comes from sharing!
But you should like the same kinds of things. You don’t have to be twins! But what you stand for shouldn’t clash. Like a brand that loves the planet teaming up with a brand that makes lots of plastic gadgets. That would confuse everybody!
Kinds of teamwork
- A video together: you both appear in it, or both help make it.
- A podcast visit: one of you is a guest on the other’s show.
- A newsletter swap: you each recommend the other in your emails.
- A live chat together: like an Instagram Live, shown to both groups at once.
- An event together: like a workshop, a challenge or a giveaway.
How to ask
Come with a real idea! “Want to collaborate?” is easy to ignore. But “I’d love to make a video where we each review the other’s product. Here’s how it could look!” is way easier to say yes to.
It’s usually easier once you have some followers, because that’s what you bring to the team. But don’t wait too long! A bigger business might just love what you make.
Your first message: Keep it short. Say who you are, why you like their work, your idea, and what both groups of followers would get. Offer to do most of the preparing. And respect their answer, whatever it is!
What content you need
Something you make together, that both groups would like. Both of you should be in it, or clearly help make it. Each group of followers needs to understand who the other person or brand is, and why they should care.
There are no strict rules about the format. One post, or a whole series!
Beginner’s tip
Keep your first teamwork simple! The goal is a real friendship with the other creator, and something both groups find valuable. Bigger ideas can come later.
Examples
- A handmade candle seller and a handmade soap seller make a “cozy evening” video together.
- A money-saving blogger and a planner template seller swap newsletter recommendations.
- A travel photographer and a print-on-demand shop make a special series of prints together.
Their followers are similar enough to care, but don’t already know both brands. That’s the sweet spot!
No face needed
Both brands need to be seen, but not both faces! Product swaps, newsletter features, guest articles and designs together can all be faceless.
And it’s free! It costs just your time, and maybe a product sample. You can learn it yourself.
What’s next?
Teamwork helps lots of the ten ways to earn, especially sponsorships and content. The next article is about way number five, the first paid one: social media ads. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help plan your teamwork? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is a creator collaboration?
Making something together, so you both meet each other’s followers for free.
Do we need to be in the same niche?
Not exactly! You just shouldn’t clash.
What kinds are there?
Videos, podcasts, newsletter swaps, live chats and events together.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
When should I start asking?
It’s easier with some followers, but don’t wait too long!
How should I ask?
With a real idea, not a vague question.
Can I team up without showing my face?
Yes! Brands need to be seen, not faces.
How can I start for free or almost free?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.