How to Get Your Best Clients to Refer You

As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to keep growing. You hire the right talent, have a great website, and do the best work for your customers, which contributes to your growth and success, but you can also rely on your best customers to help spread the word and bring more business to your door. So, how do you get those best customers to talk about your business?

Even in a digitally marketed world, plenty of referrals happen without you ever knowing because they come up in organic conversation. When someone compliments your work, it’s OK to say, “Thank you! I would love it if you could share that feedback with your friends.” Here, you’ve planted the seed. The next time your satisfied customer is chatting with a friend who says, “Boy, I am just not happy with my [insert profession here],” they’ll remember the fine work you did and pass along your info.

While some referrals happen on a private basis, there are plenty of opportunities to make some of those referrals public and tailor to people who value a good online review. This is also a great option for satisfied customers who want to sing your praises but don’t have anyone to refer to you at that moment. Give your customers the tools to write an online review for you. It can be a testimonial for your website, a Google review, a note on your Facebook page, etc. When you finish your business with that customer, send a thank-you email and make it easy for them to write a review. If you know your business is most often generated from a particular online source, include a link to that source in your thank-you email.

Most importantly, you shouldn’t be shy about it! Asking for a review or a referral is part of running a good business. Once you’ve gotten the referral, it’s important to acknowledge the customer who passed it along. Consider establishing a rewards program for your business that highlights customers who have spread the word about you. At a minimum, take the time to reach out with a thank-you note to that individual, so they know you appreciate the referral.

Finally, remember that what goes around, comes around. When you’re happy with service you’ve received from another business or a partner, pass along that positive feedback! You’ll be building better business relationships, supporting your community, and establishing your reputation as someone who appreciates the work of others. All of these things go a long way in helping your customers feel good about referring you to their friends.