How To Skyrocket Your Referrals

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For many service-based professionals, referrals is the main strategy for bringing in new business.? But, there are some key ways to amplify those referrals that can be a gamechanger for your business!

In fact, a Harvard Business Review study of a bank showed that when a customer was obtained through a referral, the customer was 18% more likely to stay with the bank over time.?

So, we know that referrals are one of the best type of leads to acquire and as a result, it’s so important to have a strategy in place to bring in more high quality referrals.

?Here are 4 strategies that you should be using to amplify your referrals:

?#1 Write out a list of your biggest fans

Who would refer you without any hesitation? Who have you done your best work for?? Which clients are over-the-moon thrilled with the results you got for them?

Who has knowledge and experience about how you work and would happily refer to you? Think of others who might share the same ideal market as you and could drive more referrals for your business.

Start here and simply ask them if they are willing to help you brainstorm ways to spread the word about the work you do in order to help more people who need the support that you offer.

Tap into this list on a regular basis and keep adding new referral sources to this list!

?#2 Make it easy and seamless to refer

In order to do this well, you have to have ready-made messaging and templates available.

We have a guide available for our clients and referral partners to best assist them so they know who to refer and what to say, making it easy and seamless for our fans to reach out to others who might need our help.

Have you ever had clients or acquaintances say that they love what you do and would be happy to refer you but they just haven’t gotten around to doing so yet?

Create a guide and be very clear with who you serve, what situations they might be facing, and messaging tracks that they can copy and paste.

Give them scripts and messaging that they can include in their emails, texts, one-to-one discussions, etc.

When you have an organized way to get referrals, you will most likely bring in exactly the type of people or businesses you desire to serve.? And, you receive fewer of the less ideal ones!

#3 Ask for reviews or testimonials

Are you asking for client testimonials on a regular basis?

Over the years, I have collected many testimonials and have ensured that a structure was put in place in my business to support it.

I’m often surprised to learn how many professionals are not doing this (especially in those industries where collecting testimonials is permitted).??

Some feel uncomfortable doing so or feel that clients should offer to give one without having to ask.

The reality is that asking for testimonials should be part of your marketing strategy and without a plan, it simply won’t happen.

The best time to ask for a testimonial is when a client expresses how pleased they are with the outcome or result that you delivered.

One of the foundations of a successful business is to ensure that testimonials are being collected. It can include the formats of video, written or audio.??

Use them in your social media, website, webinars, emails, etc.? As a good practice, you should send testimonials over to a prospect before your initial meeting so that they can get a perspective on how your clients love working with you.

?#4 Have a powerful online presence

When someone recommends a professional to you, what is one of the first things you do?

You look them up online, right?? You research and learn as much about them or their company as you can.

It’s extremely important to curate a solid online presence that demonstrates your expertise, professionalism and thought leadership.

It gives them a chance to see that you are omnipresent and allows them to absorb your perspective and what others are saying about you.

You will want to ensure that you have enough content available online for them to learn more about you and your company.

Think about content on your website, your social media platforms.? Have you delivered webinars or other online talks that they can watch or listen to?

Do you have testimonials or reviews that they can read about?

Have you shared who you best serve and in what situations?? What are the problems that you solve for?

You need to give them the opportunity to connect with you on some level and get to know you before the actual meeting itself.

Your online presence serves as a very POWERFUL way to amplify and convert those referrals.

Use that real estate space wisely! If you're interested in learning how to build that powerful online presence, join our free, 5-day workshop that kicks off on Monday, April 25th. You can find details here.

I’d love to hear from you.? How are you generating referrals?

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