Growing your client base is challenging — but at the same time, engaging in marketing campaigns requires a significant investment of your time and money. According to Forbes, more than 80% of consumers rely on the opinions of friends and family when making their purchasing decisions, it should be clear that word of mouth referrals can play an important role in your overall marketing strategy. Here are some tips on how to ask for business referrals.
- Ask your biggest promoters. Determine which of your clients are the most satisfied with your products and service. Look at people you have helped with challenging claims or have been able to provide comprehensive coverage for. Then simply ask them something like, "Since you're happy with our service, would you mind recommending us to some of your family, friends or associates?"
- Offer an incentive for referrals. HubSpot advises offering a reward, such as a discount, gift card or donation to a charity, for every successful referral that results in new business.
- Leverage social media. Ask clients to like your Facebook page, as Entrepreneur recommends. In addition, you can use LinkedIn to connect with potential clients through your current network. Simply ask your existing contacts to introduce you to people who might benefit from your products — and then reach out with a personalized message.
Asking for referrals might seem uncomfortable at first. However, when you're able to offer your clients not only excellent service but also reciprocal referrals or some kind of incentive, it will soon get easier. And in the long run, word-of-mouth referrals can generate a large number of high-value customers that can help you consistently grow your business.
