Grow Your Business With Referral Marketing

Examples of referral request messages

It's not always easy to ask a customer to reach out on your behalf. The best referral messages are authentic and match your usual approach to communication. For example, you might prefer a personal email to a client rather than a blanket email to your list.

For more general referrals, one example:

"Hi [existing customer name]-

I wanted to let you know that I have time in my schedule in the coming months to take on new clients. If you know of anyone looking for [the service you provide], please consider recommending me.

In addition to the work we've done together, I've recently worked with another client doing [detail client work]. Feel free to pass along my website [website link] or LinkedIn [account link] to anyone interested.

Every client makes it possible for me to keep doing what I love. Thanks for your consideration!

Best, [your name]"

You can also use messages to offer returning customers a bonus for referring people from their network.

"Hi [existing customer name]-

As someone who's bought one of my online courses before, I wanted you to be the first to know I'm getting ready to launch a new one.

To thank you for your support, I'd like to offer you a 10% discount when you sign up. Just use the following code: [code]. Feel free to pass along the code to a friend who also might be interested.

I hope to see you when we launch!

Best, [your name]"

If you provide services that require long-term planning, like wedding photography or DJ services, you might want to send a more general email that gently creates urgency.

"Hi [customer name]-

Wedding season is going to be here before we know it!

My schedule is already starting to fill up for next spring and summer-but I still have select weekends available. If you know of anyone getting married who needs photography, please have them keep me in mind.

I offer multiple photography packages to fit different budgets. They can email me here [your email address] and set up a free consultation.

Thank you for your support!

Best,
[your name]"

Examples of referral messages on social media

You can also use social media to lay the foundation for more personal referral messages. For example, you can post on LinkedIn that you have the capacity to take on more clients. This text can be a little more conversational and casual. As an example:

"Great news! I have some time in my schedule in the next quarter to work with new clients. If you know of anyone looking for [the service you provide], I am open for business. In recent months, I've done things like [detail a few examples of client work]. Reach out via DM here or email [email link] and we can chat."

On a photo-heavy channel like Instagram, you can post a similar message and include a call to action, like asking followers to tag a friend in the comments who might like your work.

How to measure the success of your referral program

A referral program is ultimately built on trust. If you're not getting the results you want, adjust the parameters of your program to see if you start getting successful referrals. There are some telltale signs of success to watch for.

• Your prospective customers become loyal clients. The first and most obvious sign of success is an uptick in new customers. If you convert potential clients into engaged ones, it's a sign that your program is going well.

• Your new customers start referring their contacts. Another sign of success is when your new customers start recommending you to their network.

• You start getting referrals without sending messages. Organic business growth is the ideal outcome of a referral program. Instead of having to proactively seek out referrals, the work comes to you automatically.

• Your customers leave positive testimonials. When someone is moved to praise your work, it's a good sign that you're on the right track.

• Your online following grows. Not every referral leads to work immediately. Some people prefer to follow your work and reach out when they have a need. Posting your accomplishments via newsletter or social channels is a good way to leave the door open for future work.

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