Why brand collabs fail...and 10 ways to fix them

Some brand x brand collaborations seem to make perfect sense. But for every one that takes off, it seems like there's another that falls a little flat. Why is that? Some would say it's just because the brands are mismatched, but we think there might be something more to it. Join us as we take a closer look at some of the reasons why brand x brand collabs fail – and how you can avoid them.

1. Poor planning

One of the primary reasons that brand collaborations fail is lack of planning. When two brands come together to create a new product or service, it is important that they have a clear plan for what they want to achieve. Collaborating with another brand requires a great deal of planning and coordination in order to ensure that both brands are able to 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 a variety of 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 for brand collaborations to fail is lack of communication between the two parties. In order for a collaboration to be successful, it is important that the two brands are able to communicate effectively with each other. In order 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 a variety of 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 important that they maintain a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints. If the two brands have different styles or messaging, it can be confusing for 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 because 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!

These errors are all easily avoidable. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from forging ahead with collaborations. With a little bit of planning and some expert help from Covalent, your brand collab will be a smashing success.

Work with Covalent to guarantee that your next collaboration is a winner. Email us today at scott@covalentco.com