In today’s day and age, there are more ways than ever before to drum up new business. From search engine optimization to email marketing, you need to experiment with several strategies.
While there is nothing wrong with spreading your wings and considering multiple options, you don’t want to overlook one of the most traditional methods of generating business: client referrals.
In short, when you treat your clients the right way they will feel compelled to pass your name along to others. Subsequently, you can increase sales and profits without having to do any active marketing. Does it get any better than that?
5 Ways to Get more Client Referrals
If all this sounds good, the next step is simple: you need to devise a plan for increasing client referrals. Here are five tips for doing so:
1. Ask your top customers to pass your name along. Since these people already love what you do for them, they won’t have any problem passing your information along to their network.
Note: don’t be shy about asking clients to refer you to others. Most are more than willing to do so.
2. Offer an incentive. It is one thing to ask somebody to refer you. It is another thing entirely to give them something in return for doing so. For example, you may offer a discount on a future purchase for each referral. This gives people more incentive to pass your name along.
3. Do things the right way the first time around. Let’s face it: nobody is going to refer you to their friends, family, and business contacts unless you truly offer something special. You must make sure you are doing things the right way the first time around, regardless of your industry.
4. Show everybody just how much you care. It is important to say “thank you” and “please.” It is important to show your customers that they are number one in your mind. When you make somebody feel special, you will never have to ask for a referral. They will take care of this on their own.
5. Get the help of your entire staff. For example, you may want to dedicate a particular person to follow up with certain clients from time to time. This type of customer service will increase your chance of receiving referrals on a regular basis.
Referral Marketing is For Real
Believe it or not, some people, those who have never received a referral, feel that this form of marketing is a myth. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
If you need help with this area of your business, contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss your current marketing plan.
