How often do you ask your clients for a referral? Referrals are great for any business. Not only are referred clients easier to convert, but they’re also often a better standard of client too. They know what to expect, how you can help them and the type of result they can achieve.
But many business owners still shy away from asking for referrals! Often, this is because they simply don’t know how to elegantly ask for one. So if that sounds like you, don’t worry – here’s a complete breakdown of what you need to remember.
Stay in touch with your clients
Stay connected with your clients and build those relationships. You don’t always have the insight into who will give you a referral or spread the word about how great you are. So treat all clients as equal. Build relationships and stay in regular contact with them all. This will help with referrals, but you will never know when they may need your services again.
Ask clients for a referral at the right time
If you’re wondering when the best time is to ask for a referral, know that it’s just after a win. There are plenty of opportunities for this. When they’re celebrating an achievement, before the end of your program and just at the end of their time with you. If in doubt, ask them whenever they’ve said something great about you, your program or the results they’ve gained.
Get specific with your request
Get straight to the point. Be direct and specific with your request. Let them know why you’re asking them and how they can help. For example – you’ve done so well during your time on this program. Can you think of anyone else who could benefit from this program and achieving those kind of results?
Don’t ask your clients for a referral and then run away!
When you ask for a referral, remind yourself that there’s nothing to be scared of. The worst that can happen is they say no. And if that happens – take it as a ‘not at this right moment’ response. Don’t be afraid to ask again at another opportunity.
Make it personal
Regardless of whether you’re emailing a request or asking in person, make it personal. Show that you know them and the win/results they’ve achieved. Let them know that you’ve noticed how much progress they’ve made or how far along they’ve come. Praise their accomplishments before making your request.
Automate referral requests into your business
Set up systems to help you ask clients for referrals. Consistency is the key to business success, and that especially applies to feedback and referral requests! Automatically add feedback forms, referral requests and surveys into your business funnels.
Make it easy for clients to write a referral
Often, clients find it easier to recommend you in conversations and on social media recommendation requests. So if you’re looking for referrals you can use as general testimonials, share a template they can fill out.
Thank them for any and all feedback – not just referrals
Set the precedence that you’re open to all feedback. And remember that gratitude is such an important element of business – so always be thankful for any and all feedback you receive, whether it’s a testimonial or a survey response.
Be the example and give referrals yourself
If you want more referrals and testimonials, make sure you’re giving plenty yourself. Be the example of how you’d love clients to be in your business. Give referrals freely and share recommendations whenever possible. Businesses will be happy to receive them, and their potential clients will be grateful for the insight.
RHVA has a small team of dedicated, dependable, and effective Virtual Assistants and Virtual Personal Assistants, ready to provide you with the administrative support you need. We can offer a wide range of services to help streamline your workload and take care of your admin tasks – including setting up the automations you need to request client referrals. So if you’d like to explore the administrative solutions available to you, why not get in touch? You’ll find our contact information and calendar link here.