A referral from a customer is like striking gold for a business, meaning more positive reviews and more cash flow. A customer being referred to a product or service builds immediate interest in that business, which makes it easier to convert them. While 82% of sales leaders believe referral-generated leads are the best, they are also equally difficult to acquire.
Consumers trust referrals from people they know personally. Saying this, it does not come as a surprise that a good word of mouth influences customers’ decision-making.
If your business is struggling to boost sales and revenue, a referral or a review from your existing customers can help attract potential clients. Keeping this perspective in focus, we have highlighted the best ways to get more referrals and reviews from your respective customers.
Importance of customer referrals
People will always influence people. This is the world of social media offering better connectivity, and we can say with confidence that influencers these days are shaping a customer’s buying behavior, too. So if your favorite influencer, friend, or colleague refers to a particular product or service, the recommendation is always preferred.
It’s cost-effective as compared to other marketing strategies, which is why some say it is like the Holy Grail of advertising. Just broadcast a message to try a product or service from the recommended shop, and the next thing you know, people are swarming in.
Also, referrals convert visitors into loyal customers. The first time, you prove trustworthiness without putting in a lot of effort, thus increasing the overall customer engagement as well.
Ways to get referrals and reviews from customers fast
Now that you know the power of referrals, they are indispensable for the business. It’s time you list down the best foolproof strategies to get the referrals and reviews you need for your business.
1. Automate the follow-up process
To stay at the top of the mind of the customer, reinforce a positive experience by following up post-purchase or post-service. A follow-up is very useful for service-based businesses, such as an auto repair garage. With the help of tools like auto repair CRM software, you can automate follow-ups, send a ‘thank you’ email or message, generate satisfaction surveys, and review requests.
Asking how the service went makes customers feel like their feedback is valued, and they’re more likely to give a positive review and return.
2. Give an early bird offer
A powerful way to reward a loyal customer is to offer early bird discounts, like a VIP experience. Individuals who already trust you as a service provider will acquire the discount.
The sense of exclusivity encourages them to share a positive experience about the service or product. It’s an effective way to get high-quality reviews, and you can post about it on social media stories to draw more attention.
3. Partner with an influencer
Hunting the right influencer that matches your industry and product/service. Not only will you create a source of attraction for your existing customers, but also attract the followers. Whether you choose to go with micro-influencers or thought leaders, relevance is the key.
Offer your product or service to them, and encourage a live review or record it for later use. It improves the credibility in the mind of another potential customer. Existing customers are also encouraged to leave a review and refer your business to their social circle.
4. Add a customer loyalty program
A valued customer is always happier. They refer to your product and services, and in exchange, you can offer them a reward. Therefore, a customer loyalty program encourages customers to be inspired and encourages others by talking to their friends and social circle.
For instance, a person who came to your garage for a tire replacement in a heavy storm will be happy as a baby because in his hour of need, you were available. So in his mind, an appeal of accessibility (despite the bad weather) is going to stick and will refer your garage to his friends and family.
5. Use LinkedIn
Aimlessly asking for a review is not going to help much longer. Putting a concentrated effort on the right channels, which is why LinkedIn is a great source to get reviews and referrals. It’s a public but professional platform where you discover more network connections. You can present the offer and likely get a review in return.
Personally reaching out to the individual or even other businesses for a collaboration shapes their first-time experience with you.
Or you can search from LinkedIn’s Advanced People Search to connect with potential profiles, enabling you to find an ideal referral candidate.
6. Offer gift cards
So your customer’s wedding anniversary is around the corner, and you want to treat them right. Why not offer a gift card for their special moment? Even a month’s free subscription to some services and products will connect you at another level with your customer.
Because it warms their heart to know that the business cares about them, not only will you get great reviews, but it will also incentivize them to refer your business to their family and friends.
7. Repeat referral requests
Keep asking for a referral as part of your sales process. When focusing on building a pipeline to engage more customers, this is one way to boost your sales. Encouraging referrals into daily interaction with customers (and even employees) helps naturally grow your customer base gradually over time.
Your employee’s word of mouth matters too. They can bring in new business connections this way, and partnering up with strong names helps grow the network, too.
Put all ideas into practice
Mastering referrals and reviews is always a continuous process. Depending on the quality of products and services you offer, strategic planning and commitment to our customers also play a crucial role in building strong relationships with your customers.