Involve Everyone Around You: Collaboration Over Competition
There’s something special about the way rural communities show up for one another. Whether it’s a neighbor helping bale hay before a storm or local businesses coming together for a fundraiser, collaboration is part of the small-town heartbeat.
And when it comes to marketing your business, that same spirit of teamwork can go a long way.
Why Collaboration Matters
In rural areas, we don’t always have a crowd to draw from, but we do have each other. Working with other businesses and individuals allows you to share audiences, tell new stories, and strengthen your community ties.
Instead of competing for attention, think about how you can combine efforts. Collaboration shows that you’re invested not just in your own success, but in the success of your entire town.
Ways to Collaborate Locally
There are countless ways to partner with others, you just have to start the conversation. Here are a few simple ideas:
🪴 Feature another local business on your social media or blog. Maybe it’s the coffee shop where you meet clients, or the local farmer who grows your ingredients.
📸 Host a small event together. Think workshops, photo sessions, or community pop-ups where everyone brings their audience along.
💌 Cross-promote through newsletters or shoutouts. A simple “Go check out…” can go a long way.
🎙️ Team up on local media. A joint radio spot, newspaper article, or shared interview can make both of you more visible.
Do you need a partner to handle the strategy + posting side of Facebook and Instagram, enabling you to focus on your business and serving your customers?
The Ripple Effect
When rural businesses lift each other up, everyone wins. Collaboration builds stronger communities, encourages tourism, and helps locals see the value in supporting what’s right here at home.
You’ll also find that sharing your stage doesn’t take away from your spotlight, it actually brightens it.
Your Challenge
This month, reach out to one other local business, organization, or individual you admire. Brainstorm a simple way to support one another, whether it’s a shared post, a referral, or a small event.
When rural businesses come together, they create something far greater than the sum of their parts. That’s how small towns grow stronger. 🌻
— Hannah
