Four essential tips to ask for referrals the right way<\/h2>\r\n
Before moving forward with the referral process<\/a>, your business will need to look over these key steps. It\u2019s important to have them down before you can ask for a referral. Doing so will help you be more successful and effective when bringing in referrals\u00a0to market your business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n First things first, who should you ask for referrals? Sure, you can ask everyone, but you might be less likely to find results when spreading your efforts too thin. Instead, by focusing on a key group, you can make pointed moves toward referral growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Customers who are loyal and happiest with your services are the most likely to refer. These will be:<\/p>\r\n If it\u2019s too much work, customers will be less likely to share your business with others. In order to secure their referrals, it\u2019s best to bring it up when customers are most likely to strike. Some key times are when customers have just checked out, or via a follow-up\u00a0email after a positive customer service experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Also, ask yourself \u2013 when will referral rewards<\/a> be most enticing? These will be your ideal times to ask for a referral. When customers are hyped up about your brand, they can do your best word-of-mouth marketing. Cash in on these opportunities by finding the ideal time to ask.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you send monthly invoices or work on a recurring contract, you can reel in customers by reaching them as they\u2019re paying. Send a quick note that offers them to save money or earn a free month if they refer a friend.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When is a customer excited about their experience? Perhaps just after purchasing. Other times might be when their product arrives or after a service has been complete. Or maybe they\u2019ve just left you a glowing customer review or testimonial. Find the times when your loyal customer is most engaged — this is an ideal time for you to ask for a referral.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This works for every type of business, so you don\u2019t need to worry about being a service-based company or a retail brand. When your customer has a good experience, you can kindly ask for a referral. Approaching them at this time leaves you more ready to get a response.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Asking for a referral\u00a0at this time works because you know the customer appreciates your brand, and therefore, will be more likely to suggest you to those they know.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Remember that overly sleazy sales pitch you\u2019re trying hard to avoid? You can ensure you avoid it by asking customers for referrals\u00a0in a way that feels natural.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For instance, don\u2019t push someone to refer right after they\u2019ve become a new customer. \u00a0Rather, get to know your customers first, then ask for a referral once you\u2019ve established a good relationship with them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Also, remain loyal to your brand in word choice and tone. For instance, a company that sells luxury products is more likely to approach their customer by saying, \u201cWe appreciate fine taste and so do you.\u201d But a company that sells less expensive products is more likely to jump in with, \u201cLike free stuff?!\u201d Know your tone and how you can approach the audience in a way that feels authentic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Then, all that\u2019s left is to approach them in a way that isn\u2019t too direct. Be sure to ask gently, and give customers the option; you should never make them feel like they have<\/em>\u00a0to refer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019s also worth mentioning that referrals won\u2019t magically take place \u2013 the ask is necessary in order to close new business. Find a way to do this without being forceful and find your best match in newly referred customers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When contacting existing customers, there\u2019s an art form to getting in touch. Note that you\u2019ll need a reason to contact them. Emailing or texting just to ask for a referral can seem aggressive and might not be well received. Especially by potential clients \u2013 you’re not a sales rep, after all. However, if you\u2019re offering a sale or updating them about a new service, you have a reason to reach out about your brand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Next,\u00a0make the request feel personal.\u00a0Include their name in an email, thank them for their business and mention your appreciation for their loyalty to your brand before requesting a referral. These are just a few ways to help the customer feel like they are being personally recognized. Personal requests are also more likely to be well received and can spark more successful leads.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In this instance, it\u2019s also important to keep the ask natural \u2013 avoid being too aggressive or salesy. Lean into the ask with a statement like, \u201cWe\u2019d love to offer you a free month,\u201d or by asking a question like, \u201cKnow someone else who would love our service?\u201d These lead-ins still ask for a referral, but avoid being too salesy in the process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another approach to asking for referred customers is by remaining less direct. If you don\u2019t like the idea of asking upfront, you can always reach out to customers later and tell them about your referral rewards system more subtly. These passive asks can be done via email, texts, social media, and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For example, you could briefly ask for referrals in marketing emails, check-in emails, and email newsletters; at the end of phone messages; on your website homepage; in public social media posts; or on business cards. You could even mention the rewards you offer for a referral in your email signature.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This approach can be used by brands who want to remain more hands-off, but still want to ask for referrals\u00a0from their existing customer base.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whether you\u2019re a small business or a large company, when asking for a referral, it\u2019s good to jump straight to the point. Avoid wasting existing clients\u2019 time or losing their attention span \u2013 jump straight to the point. Don\u2019t beat around the bush either. Be clear in what you\u2019re asking so there\u2019s no confusion in what\u2019s requested of the customer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Email referral requests<\/a> are one of the easiest ways to reach your customers. Follow-up emails are common, so customers won\u2019t be alarmed about hearing from you, and they will likely open and read your message. Hit your customers\u2019 inbox by thanking them for a purchase or checking up and seeing how they\u2019re doing with your product or service. In the message, you can easily ask for a referral through an email template<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Or, to make it more direct, send the email specifically to ask for referrals. Here you can highlight rewards and remind them of the benefit of referring customers. Don\u2019t forget to personalize it, either, so you can relate directly to your customers vs. being mistaken for spam. In mailing activities, don\u2019t forget to secure your domain with the DMARC and track its report. In case you face a “no DMARC record found<\/a>” signal, follow the provider’s guide to fixing it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Some examples include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Then sign with your company name\u00a0or offer reviews from current clients\u00a0to seal the deal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Take a look at these referral\u00a0email samples<\/a>\u00a0for inspiration in writing your own message.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Your website is the main hub of your brand \u2013 it shows off who you are and what you have to offer. It\u2019s also a place for customers to sign up for your products or services. Using this platform to ask for referrals is a great way to approach word-of-mouth marketing online.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Of course, one of the best times to ask for referrals is right after a customer makes a purchase. Use these referral ask tips on your website to take advantage of this crucial time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Consider creating a dedicated landing page that asks customers for referrals. It\u2019s a page that customers can be directed toward after completing a sale or renewing, in order to piggyback off your positive momentum with them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re using referral software<\/a>, you\u2019ll already have a referral\u00a0presence on your website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In addition, try using these proven tips to help land customer referrals\u00a0from your website.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can also entice customers to land on your referral page on their own. Try making a compelling image or graphic that resides on the home page, or in a footer\/header area that they can see no matter which page they visit. \u00a0This will direct customers towards referring even if they haven\u2019t just made a purchase. After all, what if they\u2019re visiting the site prior to a purchase and looking to save?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Asking for referrals\u00a0on social media\u00a0can be done in two ways. You can address the general public, asking all of your followers for a referral, or you can ask a specific user. This is true no matter what social media\u00a0platform you are using: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For instance, if a customer posts or messages about something positive \u2013 like a great experience they had with your brand \u2013 you can respond by thanking them and asking for a referral. You can do this with a private message while personalizing the message so your customer feels appreciated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Or, reach all of your customers at once with a general post that goes out to the masses. For instance, \u201cLove our brand and know someone else who will too? Refer and earn!\u201d This can drum up excitement about your referral program<\/a> while reaching all of your customers at once. Check out this example from Acorns.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You could also make the best of both worlds and create posts that shout out to customers who brought in successful leads. For example, \u201c4 new referrals today! We are so thankful for our loyal customer base.\u201d This will make referring customers loved, while enticing others to make referrals of their own.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Meanwhile, if you have referral\u00a0software, you can link it to these posts in order to send customers in the right direction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Phone calls are another natural way that you can thank your customers for their business. If a customer is responsive and enthusiastic about your brand, this can be the perfect opportunity to mention your referral program<\/a>. Ask if they\u2019ve heard of it and if they know anyone who would be interested in benefiting from your services.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can take other approaches too, like:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The expert approach:\u00a0<\/strong>Know what you\u2019re talking about inside and out. But rather than telling them like a know-it-all, teach them. Show you’re an expert, but don\u2019t force it. Take an educational approach in order to gain customers\u2019 trust and show them the value of your brand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Solve problems and empathize:<\/strong> Your customers will often just want to be heard. Empathize with them and show them you understand what they\u2019re dealing with. Being heard can go a long way. Being able to skillfully help with their problem can also go a long way. Then, once you have gained their trust, you can ask for a referral from your newly found friend. You can even phrase it, \u201cDo you know of anyone else who\u2019s dealing with similar problems?\u201d as your leeway in.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Give them special attention:<\/strong> No customer wants to be brushed off. Even if you\u2019re dealing with a simple issue or something that was dealt with quickly, express your thanks. Show how grateful you are for their business and take a minute to make it personal. Then, after your appreciation, you can ask for a referral.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You can also send an email after the call \u2013 for any of the scenarios \u2013 thanking the customer for their call. This is an ideal time to ask them if they have any questions and to ask for referrals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Business cards can be a great way to \u2013 quite literally \u2013 hand off information between customers and their friends. In fact, it\u2019s a common practice among friends and can ensure that no information is lost within the cracks. With the actual business card in play, the new customer has access to your address and contact information. Easy peasy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Consider handing out business cards\u00a0that folks can pass along to their friends and family members. It\u2019s a physical way others can hold onto your business info and get in touch. Meanwhile, the referring customer earns for passing along a name. Add a line on the card where the referrer\u00a0can write their name, or keep it simple and ask the friend who sent them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes it\u2019s the simplest mentions, like \u201cSend your friends our way!\u201d that can lead to business growth through referrals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Finding success in your referral program template<\/a>\u00a0is a natural progression of understanding your customers and reaching them when they are most likely to refer their friends. Consider their best experiences, and when you can piggyback on them with a polite ask, and understanding when and how to ask for referrals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This can feel like a tricky process, but really it\u2019s just all about staying true to your brand. By meeting your customer when they\u2019re the happiest, you can spark momentum and create referral\u00a0marketing success.<\/p>\r\n To get referrals, you’ll need to ask for them. Asking for referrals reminds customers to share. Here are some of the best ways to ask. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9904,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[459,358],"tags":[460,450,451],"class_list":["post-10037","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-referral-marketing","category-referral-programs","tag-ask-for-a-referral","tag-referral-program","tag-referral-program-guide"],"modified_by":"Jess Huhn","meta_box":{"headline":"","offer_text":"","sharing_incentive":"","friend_reward":"","program_info":"","terms_link":"","promotion_image":false,"landing_page_image":false,"invite_page_image":false,"social_share_image":false,"email_share_image":false,"twitter_share_image":false,"social_message_image":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10037"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18828,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10037\/revisions\/18828"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}1. Know the right people to ask<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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2. Ask for referrals when it\u2019s most convenient for customers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3. Find times when customers are their happiest<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Make sure the ask feels natural<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to ask for referrals\u00a0directly<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to ask for referrals\u00a0indirectly<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5 mediums you can use to ask for referrals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to ask for referrals\u00a0in an email<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How to ask for referrals\u00a0on your website<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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![\"How](\"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Screen-Shot-2021-02-22-at-9.49.35-PM-1024x619.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow to ask for referrals\u00a0on social media<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Acorns](\"https:\/\/referralrock.com\/rms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/pasted-image-0-2.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow to ask for referrals\u00a0in a phone call\u00a0or video call<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to ask for referrals\u00a0with a business card<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ask for referrals\u00a0and grow your marketing efforts<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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