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Writer's pictureKellyann D

Marketing Mixtape, Vol. 17: The Power of Partners



Welcome to the latest round-up from Zoek Marketing! Today, we're zeroing in on a buzzword that's been making the rounds: partnerships. You've heard the saying, "Two heads are better than one," right? Well, businesses are taking that to heart. Whether it's HubSpot linking arms with TikTok or Bud Light stepping into the UFC ring, partnerships are becoming the go-to strategy for growth and innovation.


In today's recap, we're diving into why partnerships and community engagement aren't just buzzwords—they're essential strategies for sustainable growth. We're laying out how this trend is shaping the business world, offering valuable insights that can help you form your own winning alliances.



TikTok and HubSpot Create Groundbreaking Lead Gen Solution


HubSpot and TikTok are shaking things up in the B2B world by teaming up for easier customer acquisition. They're launching a first-of-its-kind integration that lets you gather leads from TikTok straight into HubSpot's Smart CRM. This is huge, especially when getting new customers is getting pricier for a lot of small businesses.


The two giants aim to tackle the rising costs of customer acquisition that many small businesses are grappling with. HubSpot found that over half of small businesses in the U.S. have seen the costs of pulling in new customers go up. And guess what? TikTok users are more than willing to check out new brands they find on the app. So, it's basically a win-win. HubSpot's Smart CRM sorts these new leads, and their robust tools let you reach out to them in a way that feels personal.


This is a sign of things changing in how businesses reach new customers. It's not just about casting a wide net anymore. It's about finding the right people who are already tuned into what you have to offer.



Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3Qx5suQ Read Get Noticed on TikTok: Advertising Best Practices for SMB: https://bit.ly/3QJdwsF




Bud Light and UFC Team Up to Tap Into a New Era of Sports Sponsorships


Bud Light is back in the ring with UFC, taking over as the official beer partner from Modelo. This comes at a critical time for Bud Light, which is looking to bounce back after losing its top spot in the U.S. beer market.


The move is a strategic play for both Bud Light and UFC. For Bud Light, it's a chance to regain some ground and get back in the spotlight. UFC events give the brand a huge stage, right in the Octagon and during U.S. pay-per-view events. On the flip side, UFC gets to add the firepower of a household name to its already huge fanbase. This is not small potatoes; we're talking about visibility in front of 700 million fans in 170 countries.


What this means is a shift in how brands and sports entities are working together. It's not just slapping a logo on something; it's about meaningful partnerships that bring value to both sides. Bud Light gets to reach die-hard sports fans, and UFC gets the backing of a big-name brand.



Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3QywTo1

Read Co-branding: The Next Big Growth and Networking Trend You Can’t Miss here: https://bit.ly/46NaxEO




Women-Owned Small Businesses Get a Boost as SBA Loans Top $5 Billion


If you're a woman running a small business, there's some good news for you: The Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that it's lending more than ever to women-owned firms. They hit the $5 billion mark this fiscal year, which is a step up, considering the hurdles women had to cross even to be eligible for a business loan a few decades ago. That said, the playing field is far from level. Women-founded companies are still lagging, receiving less than 3% of total venture-backed capital in the U.S.


For all small business owners, it's not just about gender. The current economic climate is putting the squeeze on everyone. Interest rates are going up, and that's putting loans out of reach for many. A recent survey by Goldman Sachs paints the picture clearly; nearly 80% of small business owners are worried about getting the funds they need to grow or even just keep the lights on.


Here's the takeaway: The uptick in SBA loans to women is promising, but it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Whether you're a man or a woman running a small business, the financial landscape is tough. Interest rates are a hurdle, and access to capital is a constant concern. While government policies like "Bidenomics" try to balance the scales, every business owner needs to stay informed and be prepared to navigate these financial challenges.


Read the original article herehttps://bit.ly/3QhlyHG Read Drive Startup Growth with Smart Marketing Budget Allocation here: https://bit.ly/3FwkhHM




Google AdSense Makes it Easier for Businesses to Target Customers


Google AdSense is shaking things up with a new feature for Auto ads: related search. This feature shows search terms that are closely tied to the content users are already looking at on your website. It's not just neat tech; it has a business upside too. If users click on these related search terms, they get directed to a search results page that features both AdSense for Search ads and content from your site.


This is great news for business owners looking to utilize Google Ads more. With related search, you're not just throwing ads out there and hoping someone clicks. The ads are now more relevant to the user's current interests, which means you're more likely to connect with customers who are genuinely interested in what you're offering. Plus, the user experience gets a boost because they're seeing stuff that actually matters to them.


To get started, it's pretty straightforward. Just go to your Auto ads settings page and turn on the related search feature. And since it's not technically an ad, it won't count against the ad load on your page, keeping things clean and uncluttered.


Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3tXpGF1 Read Paid Ads vs Organic Results; Which Is Best for Your Business?: https://bit.ly/3QgZlcA


Venus Williams Joins Dove and Nike to Boost Body Positivity in Sports


Dove is teaming up with Nike and tennis legend Venus Williams to boost body confidence in young athletes. They're rolling out an online program called "Body Confident Sport." It's not just any coaching program; it's built to boost body confidence and self-esteem in young girls and gender-diverse people. The program blends top-notch coaching methods with the latest in online learning to give a full-package approach aimed at helping kids love themselves just as they are.


Coaches are at the heart of this. They're more than just trainers; they're role models who can make sports a positive, empowering space. In fact, 83% of girls say coaches help them feel more confident. The program wasn't whipped up overnight either. It took two years of planning and included insights from big names in research, like the Centre for Appearance Research and the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.


For business owners in the sports or coaching industry, this is more than a trend; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and empowering sports culture. Getting on board could mean helping your athletes perform better and feel better about themselves, which is good for everyone.


Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/46Mu8oR Read Utilizing Your Local Community to Grow Your Small Business Network here: https://bit.ly/49axP9g



Key Takeaways


The biggest takeaway is the power of partnerships and how they can create real value. It's not just about joining forces for the sake of it; it's about making things better for your customers and your business. Whether that's HubSpot and TikTok making lead generation easier or Dove, Nike, and Venus Williams boosting self-esteem in young athletes, the end goal is to offer something meaningful.


So, as you think about your own marketing efforts, consider how partnerships could elevate what you're offering. It could be a game changer in connecting with your customers and standing out in a crowded market. Keep an eye out for alliances that align with your values and can help you deliver better solutions to your clients.

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