Some brand x brand collaborations make perfect sense. But for everyone that takes off, it seems like there’s another that falls flat. Why is that? Some would say it’s because the brands are mismatched, but we think there might be something more to it. Join us as we take a closer look at why brand collaborations fail – and how you can avoid them.
1. Poor planning
One of the primary reasons that brand collaborations fail is a lack of planning. When two brands come together to create a new product or service, it is essential that they have a clear plan for what they want to achieve. Collaborating with another brand requires a great deal of planning and coordination to ensure that both brands can achieve their objectives. Without a clear plan in place, it is very easy for things to go wrong. Without a plan, it is easy for the collaboration to get off track and ultimately fail.
2. Incompatible brands
Brand collaborations can fail simply because the two brands are incompatible. This can be due to various factors, such as different target markets, different brand values, or different product offerings. If the two brands are not compatible, it is unlikely that the collaboration will be successful.
3. Lack of communication
Another common reason brand collaborations fail is a lack of communication between the two parties. For a collaboration to be successful, it is essential that the two brands can communicate effectively with each other. To be successful, both brands need to be on the same page regarding the objectives of the collaboration, the target audience, and the overall strategy. Without good communication, it is very difficult to make sure that both brands are working towards the same goal. If there is a lack of communication, it is likely that the collaboration will not meet its objectives.
4. Poor execution
Even if a brand collaboration has been well planned and executed, it can still fail if the execution is poor. This can be due to various factors, such as poor quality control, inadequate marketing, or poor customer service. If the execution of the collaboration is poor, it is likely that it will not be successful. When two brands come together, it is vital that they maintain a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints. If the two brands have different styles or messaging, it can confuse consumers and ultimately lead to a decline in sales. Inconsistent branding is another common issue that can lead to brand collaboration failure.
5. Unrealistic expectations
Brand collaborations can fail because the expectations for the collaboration are unrealistic. This can happen when one or both of the brands involved have unrealistic expectations for what the collaboration will achieve. It is important to set realistic goals for a collaboration and have a clear understanding of what each brand is hoping to achieve. If the expectations are too high or are mismatched, it is likely that the collaboration will not meet them and will ultimately fail.
6. Lack of Chemistry
Brand collaborations fail due to a lack of chemistry between the two brands. In order for a collaboration to be successful, it is important that the two brands have a good working relationship. If there is no chemistry between the two brands, it can be difficult to make decisions and coordinate effectively.
7. Different target audiences
Brand collaborations can fail because the two brands have different target audiences. For example, if Brand A is targeting young adults and Brand B is targeting seniors, it is unlikely that their collaboration will be successful. This is because their target audiences are likely to have different needs and wants, which makes it difficult for the collaboration to meet the needs of both groups.
8. Lack of synergy
Another reason that brand collaborations can fail is because there is lack of synergy between the two brands. Synergy occurs when two brands come together and their strengths complement each other to create a greater whole. For example, if Brand A has a strong social media presence and Brand B has a great product, their collaboration could be very successful. However, if there is no synergy between the two brands, their collaboration is likely to fail.
9. Poor execution
Another common reason for brand collaborations to fail is poor execution. This can happen when the two brands do not have a clear plan or when they do not work well together. It can also happen when one or both of the brands do not put forth the effort necessary to make the collaboration a success.
10. Incompatible goals
Finally, another reason that brand collaborations can fail is that the two brands have incompatible goals. This means that either one or both of the brands are not looking to achieve the same thing from the collaboration. For example, if Brand A wants to increase sales while Brand B wants to increase awareness, it is unlikely that their collaboration will be successful.
But…Don’t let this stop you!
Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from forging ahead with collaborations. With some planning and expert help, your brand collab will be a smashing success. Work with Colaboratory to guarantee that your next collaboration is a hit.
You can learn more about Brand Collaboration by visiting the Colaboratory here.
