Are you tired of relying solely on traditional marketing tactics to acquire customers? If so, it’s time to consider a referral marketing strategy. Referral marketing, also known as word-of-mouth marketing, is when customers refer their friends, family, and colleagues to your business. According to research, referral marketing leads convert 30% better than leads generated through other marketing tactics.

However, executing a successful referral marketing strategy requires careful planning and execution. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts to maximize your referral marketing strategy.

Dos 🤝

Do Offer Incentives 🎁

Offering incentives to customers who refer new business to you can be a great way to encourage them to spread the word about your brand. Incentives can come in the form of discounts, free products, or exclusive access to certain services. However, make sure the incentives are valuable enough for customers to want to refer others to your business.

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Do Make it Easy to Refer 📨

Make it easy for customers to refer their friends and family to your business. Include a referral link in your emails or on your website, and provide clear instructions on how to share it with others. Consider creating a pre-written message or social media post that customers can easily share with their network.

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Do Follow Up and Thank Referrers 🙏

Thank customers who refer new business to you, even if they don’t receive an incentive. Show your appreciation by sending them a personalized thank-you email or even a handwritten note. This can help build a stronger relationship with your customers and encourage them to continue referring others to your business.

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Don’ts 🚫

Don’t be Too Salesy 🤦‍♀️

Avoid being too overtly salesy in your referral marketing strategy. Customers are more likely to refer their friends and family to your business if they genuinely believe in your product or service. Focus on building a strong brand reputation and providing great customer service, and let the referrals come naturally.

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Don’t Ignore Negative Feedback 😔

If you receive negative feedback from a customer who was referred to your business, don’t ignore it. Address the issue and work to resolve it as quickly as possible. Ignoring negative feedback can lead to unhappy customers and a damaged brand reputation.

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Don’t Forget to Track Your Results 🔍

It’s important to track the success of your referral marketing strategy to determine what’s working and what’s not. Use tracking links or codes to see which referral sources are driving the most business, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Constantly reviewing and optimizing your referral marketing strategy can lead to long-term success.

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Conclusion 🎉

Referral marketing can be a powerful tool to acquire new customers and grow your business. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful referral marketing strategy that will help your business flourish. Remember to offer incentives, make it easy to refer, follow up with and thank referrers, avoid being too salesy, address negative feedback, and track your results. Good luck!

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