by Clarence Wilkins
No matter what your line of business is, referrals are a powerful way to grow your business. A Pew Research survey revealed that 72% of adults rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and news. Every time someone raves about your business to their family, friends, or colleagues, you have an opportunity to win a new customer. Following the tips from Keller Professional Services below will help you get people talking.
Ask for Referrals
It may sound too easy, but often, getting more referrals is as easy as asking. After you successfully close a sale, hand your customers extra flyers or business cards for them to pass along. Tell them how important referrals are to your business and express a desire to help their friends and family with the same service that you provided them. This can also be a cost-effective way to advertise. Adding a referral form to your website can also help encourage your existing customers to give you warm leads. To personalize it, work with video editing services to craft a video of yourself talking about your business and what your customers mean to you.
Join or Create a Business Referral Group
Business referral groups can be a game-changer for word-of-mouth marketing. These groups bring together business owners and professionals from the same area for regular meetings. Typically, you get to know one another’s businesses through presentations and friendly conversation. You pledge to deliver your fellow group members referrals on a regular basis, and they do the same for you. As you get to know other business owners, you may spot opportunities for you to cross-promote through special events and programs.
Use Social Media
Social Media offers a great way to engage with customers, and it’s a prime place where they can provide reviews. To ramp up your engagement, and to garner additional attention, look for creative ways to post news and updates about your business. Carefully crafted posts don’t have to take hours either. Try using online design tools that come with professional-grade features that are easy to use. For example, Adobe Spark provides a simple remove background tool to help a photo stand out on a different background, all with a few clicks. You can also try their Instagram post generator to help you carefully craft a detailed notice about an upcoming store event.
Get Involved With the Community
Customers and other business owners aren’t the only potential sources for referrals. Your business’ neighbors can also sing your praises to others. Get involved with your local community by joining organizations and sponsoring and attending events. Every time someone asks you what you do, you have an opportunity to tell them about your business, opening the door to referrals.
Start a Customer Referral Incentive Program
Entice customers to refer family and friends through a rewards program. Offer a discount on a future purchase or a rebate on a previous one for every referral that leads to a sale. Mention the program at the end of the sales process, and remind customers of it through email, text marketing, and social media posts. Say thanks for referrals that lead to large sales with gifts like gift cards to preferred retailers or coffee and pastry deliveries.
Make It Easy to Leave Online Reviews
A Nielsen poll found that 69% of adults trusted online reviews. Many of your customers would be happy to review your product or service but they might not take the initiative on their own. Encourage them to submit reviews by sending an email with links to review sites that you want to target. Distribute cards with QR codes that lead to the sites. While you might be tempted to provide some incentive for those who leave a review, don’t. Some platforms will delete reviews written by people who received a gift or compensation, and marketplace sites like Amazon might even ban you from selling.
Referrals Are a Vital Part of Your Marketing Strategy
If encouraging referrals isn’t already part of your marketing plan, it’s time to revise it. By asking for and incentivizing referrals, becoming involved with your local community, and networking with other business owners, you can begin enjoying a steady stream of word-of-mouth leads that you can translate into sales.
Your employees are the cornerstone of your business, and to facilitate service excellence, it’s essential to invest in them. By offering training and talent development, you send the message that your staff matters. Get started today, and connect with consulting firm Keller Professional Services to level up your company culture.
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