How to Run an Employee Referral Program (For Hires Or Customers)
Employee referral programs aren’t just for hiring. Learn how the right program can encourage employees to refer top talent or bring in new customers.
May 11, 2026
Employee referral programs aren’t just for hiring. Learn how the right program can encourage employees to refer top talent or bring in new customers.
Inside the Dropbox referral program: what actually drove 3900% growth in 15 months, why most companies can’t copy it, and the strategies you can take away.
Brand ambassador, affiliate, or customer referral? Compare how each works and pick the program that fits your business.
See examples of paid, owned, and earned media, and learn when to use each. Plus how word of mouth fits across all three channels.
A 2% referral rate is the benchmark. Here’s what referral rate measures, how to calculate yours, and what actually moves it.
Free affiliate program agreement template, plus the 14 sections every affiliate contract needs. Download, customize, send to affiliates.
A channel partner agreement protects both sides of a B2B partnership. Here are the 10 sections every contract should include, plus a free template.
Six brand ambassador email templates for outreach. Lead with mission and fit, not rewards, and turn outreach into the start of a real relationship.
Channel partner incentive programs motivate resellers, distributors, and partners to sell more of your product. Types, benefits, and how to run one.
Download a free referral agreement template, plus a clear breakdown of when you need one and the 12 sections to include.
Weighing an employee referral program? Here are the real pros, cons, and alternatives to consider before you build one.
Direct, email, incentive, review, social — the five types of referrals, what each delivers, and what makes any of them work.