Customer referrals are the most cost efficient way to improve brand image, increase the number of quality leads, and generate more revenue. For many businesses, the issue is that oftentimes even satisfied customers lack the motivation to join customer referral programs.  This leaves many entrepreneurs wondering how to get more customer referrals for their business. 

Getting more customer referrals requires businesses to provide exceptional experiences, utilize marketing strategies, and use advanced tools to develop an effective referral program. Referral programs should be easy for consumers to join and developed with long term success in mind. 

The following guide was developed to help businesses develop an effective referral program. We examine the importance of a loyal consumer base, explore ways to provide an exceptional customer experience, and reveal the best tools for making your referral program a success. 

Effectiveness of Customer Referrals

Word-of-mouth advertising continues to be one of the most effective and cost efficient forms of marketing. This strategy is effective because consumers trust the words of their family and friends more than any other form of advertisement. 

Consumers are likely to continue referring more friends, family, and acquaintances when they are rewarded for doing so. In return, the individual that was referred, is likely to become a referee as well. This continuous cycle broadens the reach of potential consumers.  

Loyal Customers 

Loyal customers are the biggest spenders and most important factor for running a successful business. Businesses must provide customers with exceptional experiences and offer incentives that make customers want to revisit their establishment. Loyal customers are significantly more likely to refer their friends and family. 

You will first need to provide consumers with a uniquely exceptional experience to gain these loyal customers.

An Exceptional Customer Experience 

Providing customers with an exceptional customer experience (CX) is the key to customer satisfaction. This is the journey a customer experiences from the moment they first interact with a brand to when they become a dedicated loyal customer. 

Elements of an Exceptional Customer Experience Include:

• Customer Service
• Personalized Experience
• Easy to Navigate Applications
• Availability of Desired Goods
• Listen to Feedback

Remember that customers want the products that they are seeking, conveniently and applications that are easy to use. Most importantly, consumers want to feel that they are valued by your organization. 

Benefits of a Referral Program

When customers are satisfied and become loyal consumers, they are significantly more likely to refer their family and friends. An effective customer referral program is beneficial to many aspects of an organization. 

Benefits of a Referral Program Include:

• Increased Brand Awareness
• Generate Quality Leads
• Reach Broader Audiences
• Improved Customer Retain 

Developing a customer referral plan is one way to reward loyal consumers for their spending and entice them to refer their family and friends.

Develop a Referral Program

The next element for gaining more customer referrals is to develop an effective referral program. Many businesses have tried and failed at developing effective referral programs. This is because they do not take the time to develop an effective referral program that is likely to generate results. 

The issue is that many customers are willing to share their positive experience regarding an interaction with a brand. However, the majority of these consumers are never given a reason to do so.

Get Creative

Your team should be creative when developing a referral program. Look to other businesses in your industry for ideas. Collaborating with other members of your organization is a great way to share ideas and develop a unique program. 

Reward Both the Referrer and Referee 

Be sure to reward both the referee for their loyalty and the new customer as a welcome gift. Rewards can include coupons, free merchandise, or other freebies.  

Timing 

Timing is also an important element in successfully gaining customer referrals. Customers are most likely to join your referral program when they are happy with your brand. It is wise to choose times that the customer is especially satisfied, for example, when a customer receives their order in the mail.  

Utilize SMS Tools

Consumers use their phones more than any other platform when engaging with businesses. Implement SMS marketing to reach more consumers at the right time. 

Make Sign-Up Easy

Consumers enjoy speedy processes and convenience, making them unlikely to join referral programs that require them to take any extra steps for small incentives. The smartest way to get more consumers to join your business loyalty plan is to make signing up easy. Create a template for sign-up and share via SMS, email, and/or social media for the best results. 

Automated Referral Programs

Automated referral software makes gaining and tracking referrals easy. These programs provide consumers with an easy and convenient way to send and accept referrals across various platforms.

Automated referral programs provide advanced tools that assist in developing an organized customer referral program. These programs track customers in the program and ensure that they receive promised rewards for referrals. 

Perxi, an advanced referral technology company, even sends out automated electronic checks or gift cards to reward customers seamlessly. 

Perxi Advanced Referral Software Solutions

Perxi provides businesses with the tools and advanced software they need to develop and implement customized referral programs. Their advanced software provides tools that engage and reward consumers for sending referrals to their family and friends. 

Perxi’s advanced referral software has an easy-to-use interface that allows businesses to edit their referral program as needed, customize rewards, and track referral data. After development, Perxi provides a custom URL to share the program with customers. These advanced tools and software make gaining more customer referrals easier and faster than ever before. Contact Perxi today for more information about their referral technology solutions.