Building Relationships With Other Creators

The best swaps come from real relationships. Here is how to build them.

September 3, 2026 · 3 min read · Updated September 7, 2026

Quick answer

Build relationships with other creators by being generous first: support their work and help before you ask for anything, which earns goodwill. Genuine relationships make swaps warmer and more effective than cold, transactional ones. Stay in touch beyond individual swaps and think long term, since real relationships compound into repeat partners.

Swaps are better between friends

A cross promotion between creators who genuinely know and respect each other is warmer, more authentic, and more effective than a cold, transactional one. Relationships make swaps better. Related: Why Cross Promotion Works

Keep reading: Why Cross Promotion Works, Finding Fair Swap Partners, Audience Fit Over Audience Size. See how CrossPromoly helps you cross-promotion swap matcher for podcasts and newsletters.

Be generous first

Relationships grow when you give before you ask. Supporting other creators, sharing their work, and being genuinely helpful builds goodwill that makes them glad to swap with you when the time comes. Related: What should a newsletter writer do when a swap partner never delivers their side?

Stay in touch

A relationship kept warm is one you can draw on. Staying genuinely connected with creators in your space, beyond individual swaps, means you have a network of willing partners rather than a list of cold contacts.

Think long term

The creators you build real relationships with today become your repeat swap partners, collaborators, and champions for years. Investing in relationships, not just transactions, is what makes cross promotion compound over time. Related: Finding Fair Swap Partners

Key takeaways

Swaps between friends work better
Be generous and supportive before asking
Keep relationships warm beyond single swaps
Invest in relationships for long term returns

Written by

Julien Jimenez

Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.

Frequently asked questions

Why give before you ask when building creator relationships?

Supporting others and sharing their work first builds goodwill, so they are glad to swap with you when the time comes. Leading with a request rarely earns the same warmth.

How does investing in relationships pay off over time?

The creators you build real relationships with become repeat swap partners, collaborators, and champions for years. That is what makes cross promotion compound rather than stay one time.