How to Partner with Local Businesses (Without Feeling Salesy or Weird)
Some of the best growth I’ve had in my business didn’t come from Instagram. It didn’t come from a viral Reel or a launch that made me feel like a marketing genius.
It came from walking into a local boutique with a basket of muffins and a handwritten note.
Seriously.
If you’ve ever thought, “I need more clients but I’m tired of chasing social media,” this post is for you. Because the growth you’re looking for might not be online. It might be just down the street.
Let’s talk about building local business partnerships in a way that feels natural, generous, and like... actually fun.
We forget local businesses need us too.
It’s so easy to get stuck in the scroll. Always thinking your next client is somewhere on Instagram. But the truth is, there are florists, real estate agents, interior designers, boutique owners, and fellow creatives in your actual town who are also trying to grow something.
They need help showing up. They need content. They need support. And they’re looking for people like you.
That first step? It doesn’t have to be big. And it definitely doesn’t have to be polished.
Most of my best collaborations started with something super simple:
“Hey, I love what you’re doing. I’d love to support you.”
No pitch. No media kit. Just a real conversation.
Not sure what to say? Here's what I do
It just takes 20 seconds of courage. Here’s how I usually approach it:
I drop off a handwritten card and a small treat (yes, muffins have made multiple appearances).
I’ll DM them if we already follow each other.
Sometimes I just walk in and say hi.
This is about connection, not selling. Think of it like you’re telling a friend, “Hey, I see you working hard and I think it’s awesome.”
From there, I might follow up with a quick email like,
“Really enjoyed stopping by. Would love to grab coffee and hear more about your business if you’re up for it.”
That’s it. I’m not trying to convince them of anything. Just starting a conversation.
So what could a partnership even look like?
Once the door is open, here are a few ways to work together that have felt really natural for me (but be sure to start with asking more about their business and goals for the year):
1. Host or support an event
This could be as simple as photographing a realtor’s client party, teaming up with a boutique for mini sessions, or helping a florist host a floral class. These events build connection and get you in front of new people in a way that feels aligned.
2. Cross-promotion
You could feature each other in your emails, do an IG story swap, or create behind-the-scenes content together. None of this has to be high production. Just share each other’s work in a way that feels fun and easy.
3. Bundle your services
Maybe boutique clients who spend $1000 get a complimentary session with you. Or a realtor includes your photos in their closing gifts. These kinds of value-adds make both of you look good.
Trust takes time, but it's worth it
When I first started partnering with local businesses, I said yes to everything. I helped plan the event, did all the promo, showed up early, stayed late.
Was it a lot? Yes.
Did it pay off? Absolutely.
Those first couple of collaborations built real trust. Over time, the businesses I partnered with started coming to me with ideas. And that’s when it started to feel like true partnership, not just me doing all the work. And in the meantime, I’m connecting with more potential clients who are my exact demographic.
Same with a florist I approached. She didn’t care about Instagram likes. She cared about real relationships with people who would hire her. So we hosted a floral class and invited other women in business. It was small and sweet and completely changed the way I thought about networking.
Try this in your own town
Here’s what I want you to do. Think of one business you genuinely love. A place you already shop. A storefront you drive past every week and think, “That place is so cute.”
Then just show up.
Send a DM. Drop off a note. Bring a welcoming gift. Say something kind. You don’t have to have a plan. You just have to start the conversation and be genuinely interested in supporting their business.