This episode focuses on an aspect of brand partnerships that is widely underreported. Mirjam talks to our guest Shanin Polce, a marketing strategist who runs the marketing for PPG/Speakman, about the different ways designers can partner with brands and the benefits of collaborating with smaller companies.

● Different kinds of brand partnerships

○ Paid influencer partnerships (often with bloggers)

○ Licensing partnerships (with high-profile designers)

○ “Grassroots partnerships” where brands and interests alig

● Why “smaller” brands are interested in partnering with designers

○ Brand positioning

○ Exposure

○ True long-term partnerships, brand advocates

○ Content, especially images!

● Benefits for designers to seek out partnerships with brands

○ Product discounts

○ Access to new products

○ Social/PR exposure and other marketing

○ Cost sharing of photography, or other financial incentives

● How to initiate a relationship

○ Find PR/marketing contact and reach out to introduce yourself

○ Tag brand on social media when you use their products

● Caveat

○ Arrangement must be fair for both sides!

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-42-How-designers-can-make-brand-partnerships-work-for-them