438: The Secret Sauce to Cider's Growth is #XPromoteCider

The Recipe for #xpromotecider

Collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it's the recipe for growth. In this episode of Cider Chat, we explore how the #xpromotecider campaign over the course of 2024.

What is #xpromotecider?

The #xpromotecider campaign started as a way to encourage cider brands and enthusiasts to cross share episodes of Cider Chat so that Cider Chat could in turn share news about their brand. The end goal was to help educate cider fans about the resources and how-tos of cider making

Brands and fans were invited to repost Cider Chat episodes and/or download the informative Cider Chat.pdf and then tack it to a bulletin board in a tasting room.

Why Cross-Promotion is the Secret Ingredient

Cross-promotion isn't just about visibility—it's about creating a shared identity for the cider industry. Here's why it matters:

1. Building Regional Destinations
   Regions like the Finger Lakes, Michigan, and Normandy have become cider tourism hotspots because of collaborative efforts among cideries. By promoting each other, these regions attract visitors and grow collectively.
2. Reaching New Audiences
   Sharing others' stories helps introduce cider to new audiences who might not otherwise explore it. Cross-promotion creates opportunities to educate and inspire potential fans.
3. Strengthening Community Bonds
   When cider makers work together, it fosters a sense of unity that resonates with consumers. People want to support an industry that feels connected and supportive.

The Risks of Staying Isolated or not cross promoting

Isolation may seem like the safer route for some, but it comes with risks:

• Missed Opportunities: Without collaboration, regions miss out on tourism and media exposure.
• Industry Stagnation: Staying focused only on individual brands limits the industry's potential to grow and attract new customers.
• Disconnection: Consumers are less likely to engage with a fragmented industry that doesn't show unity.

By embracing cross-promotion, cider makers can avoid these pitfalls and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Spotlight on Cider Champions

Throughout the year, many individuals and brands have stepped up to embrace #xpromotecider. Here are just a few examples:

• @ciderexplorer consistently reshared weekly episodes, helping to spread the word.
• Cider makers downloaded and posted the Cider Chat PDF to engage their audiences and connect with their local communities.

To see the full list of contributors, check out the YouTube version of this episode, where we showcase screenshots of posts from the past year. And stay tuned to our social media for more highlights!

How to Join the Cross Promote Campaign

Ready to get involved? Here are a few ways to join #xpromotecider:

• Share this blog post or the podcast episode with your audience.
• Use the hashtag #xpromotecider in your posts and tag your favorite cider brands.
• Download the Cider Chat PDF and display it in your tasting room to encourage guests to learn more about cider.

Together, we can grow the cider community into 2025 and continue to build a stronger, more connected industry. Join the fun and start cross-promoting cider today