Three Easy Ways to Ask for Referrals

Despite all the effort businesses put into advertising and marketing across different mediums, perhaps the single most effective way to generate more business is through a personal referral. People trust their family and friends far more than advertising and marketing messages, no matter how strong our messaging.

But whereas you control your own advertising and marketing efforts, referrals are generated outside of your control. It can be difficult to deliberately take action to generate more referrals—difficult, but not impossible.

Here are a few tips for asking for referrals from customers and clients as part of your routine.

Give referrals

It might seem counter-intuitive, but giving referrals can nudge the people you refer to do the same for you. Sending business someone’s way can encourage that person to keep you top-of-mind when someone they know needs to talk to an insurance agent.

Make it a habit to send referrals to those you’d most like to refer your business to others. Ask your best self-employed customers to provide you with business cards you can hand to others when it’s relevant. Make sure they know you’re referring them—and they’ll feel more inclined to return the favor.

Ask for referrals right after you’ve helped someone

Right after you’ve helped a customer solve a big insurance challenge, chances are their enthusiasm for your business is high. They’ll be ready to talk to friends and family about you—and it’s likely all you need to do is give them a gentle suggestion.

Once time has passed, it might be more difficult for these customers to remember older interactions, and their enthusiasm level may have gone down. It’s generally best to strike while the iron is hot, and ask for referrals right after you’ve solved a major challenge for someone.

Offer incentives

What can you offer people who bring in new business for you? Perhaps a gift certificate at a local store or restaurant, or a simple thank you on social media? It doesn’t have to be a big, expensive gift—but a little appreciation can go a long way.

You could even partner with local businesses, and offer to put all referrers in a lottery for the chance to win a bigger prize.

There are a number of ways to do this. You could simply send gifts to referrers after the fact, or you could advertise certain incentives for new referrals and leads. You could even explain your referral incentive program in the signature of your email, so it automatically appears at the bottom of each email you send.

It might feel awkward to ask for referrals—but it doesn’t have to be. Offer incentives to referrers; refer for others freely; and when you do ask, ask someone you’ve recently helped—so you’re pushing on an open door. If you do, you should be able to generate more referrals easily.

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