5 Proven Ways of Acquiring More Referrals for Your Small Business
Referrals are an incredibly effective way of boosting business. Statistics say that when referred by a friend, people are four times more likely to buy from you. Further, referred customers have a 37 percent higher retention rate and net you 16 percent more in profits. Clearly, acquiring more referrals makes great business sense.
Here are five proven methods that will help you nab more referrals for your small business in a natural, unforced manner.
Go the extra mile with your customer service
When your brand treats customers right, word spreads. Your reputation is bolstered and more people want to do business with you. Exceptional customer service is arguably the number one way of getting more referrals organically, without you having to ask. There are several businesses out there you can draw inspiration from.
For example, as HelpScout can verify, Trader Joe’s has managed to garner a cult following because it always goes all out with customer care. It once broke its own rules and home-delivered groceries to an 89-year-old senior who was snowed in at home. This was for free, too, in 30 minutes flat, while catering to his low-sodium diet. His daughter called around several stores asking for help, worried he would starve. Only Trader Joe’s stepped up to the plate and delivered. It’s a story that sticks in people’s minds for all the right reasons.
If you have a field team, utilize software that allows you to manage field personnel effectively. Many apps provide you with up-to-date information and statuses from workers, which you can use to communicate any issues with your customers or clients. This added communication will let people know that you’re up front about any delays or problems.
Brush up your online presence
Your online presence contributes massively to your overall reputation, as most people now look up businesses online. Put up a good showing to come across as professional and trustworthy. As such, you should take control of your online presence. Get a good website, set up social media accounts, and create business page listings. Put up photos, fill in critical business information, and accept feedback. Finally, make sure you constructively respond to negative reviews.
Launch a reward program
Everyone likes rewards and freebies. Setting up a reward program--a classic, time-tested strategy—will entice clients into sending people your way. The nature of the reward program should match your business. SaaS companies, for example, often offer existing subscribers a free month or two of service for referring people to them. Some other rewards you can offer include free products, gift cards, vouchers, and even lunch.
Take care of your employees
Many businesses overlook their employees when considering sources of referrals, which is a major mistake. Employees have their own connections, which they can direct toward you. At the very least, they can provide positive press for your business through honest testimonials. Southwest Airlines sets the gold standard on how to treat its employees – like customers. It regularly puts employees over profits and actively appreciates employees. It’s rewarded with employee loyalty and an outstanding reputation, which nets it a steady stream of clients.
A good strategy to get employees on your side is to compensate them fairly. Using billing software with features for tracking time in a remote environment, for instance, you’ll always be transparent with your dealings and score brownie points with your employees. Having trustworthy billing practices – for internal and external customers – will draw in more referrals.
Team up with other businesses
You can scratch another business’ back to have them scratch yours. Running a cross-promotion campaign with one or more businesses could snag you referrals by the truckloads. Ideally, you should look to cross-promote with a complementary business. You want to tie up with a business that’s related to your product or service but is not a direct competitor. For example, travel companies routinely pair up with hotels and resorts.
When the referrals start pouring in, don’t forget to send thank you notes to the referrers. Consider doing one better and adding a discount or a reward of some sort to make the referrers’ day. If the referrer feels appreciated, they will continue sending referrals your way.
Do you need research or writing for your business? Could your website use content? Get in touch with Inspired Copywriting and learn about our different services.
Here are five proven methods that will help you nab more referrals for your small business in a natural, unforced manner.
Go the extra mile with your customer service
When your brand treats customers right, word spreads. Your reputation is bolstered and more people want to do business with you. Exceptional customer service is arguably the number one way of getting more referrals organically, without you having to ask. There are several businesses out there you can draw inspiration from.
For example, as HelpScout can verify, Trader Joe’s has managed to garner a cult following because it always goes all out with customer care. It once broke its own rules and home-delivered groceries to an 89-year-old senior who was snowed in at home. This was for free, too, in 30 minutes flat, while catering to his low-sodium diet. His daughter called around several stores asking for help, worried he would starve. Only Trader Joe’s stepped up to the plate and delivered. It’s a story that sticks in people’s minds for all the right reasons.
If you have a field team, utilize software that allows you to manage field personnel effectively. Many apps provide you with up-to-date information and statuses from workers, which you can use to communicate any issues with your customers or clients. This added communication will let people know that you’re up front about any delays or problems.
Brush up your online presence
Your online presence contributes massively to your overall reputation, as most people now look up businesses online. Put up a good showing to come across as professional and trustworthy. As such, you should take control of your online presence. Get a good website, set up social media accounts, and create business page listings. Put up photos, fill in critical business information, and accept feedback. Finally, make sure you constructively respond to negative reviews.
Launch a reward program
Everyone likes rewards and freebies. Setting up a reward program--a classic, time-tested strategy—will entice clients into sending people your way. The nature of the reward program should match your business. SaaS companies, for example, often offer existing subscribers a free month or two of service for referring people to them. Some other rewards you can offer include free products, gift cards, vouchers, and even lunch.
Take care of your employees
Many businesses overlook their employees when considering sources of referrals, which is a major mistake. Employees have their own connections, which they can direct toward you. At the very least, they can provide positive press for your business through honest testimonials. Southwest Airlines sets the gold standard on how to treat its employees – like customers. It regularly puts employees over profits and actively appreciates employees. It’s rewarded with employee loyalty and an outstanding reputation, which nets it a steady stream of clients.
A good strategy to get employees on your side is to compensate them fairly. Using billing software with features for tracking time in a remote environment, for instance, you’ll always be transparent with your dealings and score brownie points with your employees. Having trustworthy billing practices – for internal and external customers – will draw in more referrals.
Team up with other businesses
You can scratch another business’ back to have them scratch yours. Running a cross-promotion campaign with one or more businesses could snag you referrals by the truckloads. Ideally, you should look to cross-promote with a complementary business. You want to tie up with a business that’s related to your product or service but is not a direct competitor. For example, travel companies routinely pair up with hotels and resorts.
When the referrals start pouring in, don’t forget to send thank you notes to the referrers. Consider doing one better and adding a discount or a reward of some sort to make the referrers’ day. If the referrer feels appreciated, they will continue sending referrals your way.
Do you need research or writing for your business? Could your website use content? Get in touch with Inspired Copywriting and learn about our different services.
About the author:
Cecelia believes good deeds power the world and she loves bringing attention to those deeds on her website, Recognition Works recognitionworks.org. recognizing great work.
Cecelia believes good deeds power the world and she loves bringing attention to those deeds on her website, Recognition Works recognitionworks.org. recognizing great work.