How can shops earn referrals?

One of the simplest ways to generate leads is through referrals from current, repeat, happy customers. According to the Wharton School of Business, the lifetime value of a referred customer is 25% higher than that of other customers. Give these five tactics a try to encourage as many referrals as possible.

Build a process of asking

Simply start asking for referrals after each delivered order. With your thank-you email, include a link to a simple form where they can plug in referral contact info. You can also ask for written or video testimonials at the same time. Sometimes people don’t want to refer, but they’re happy to offer a few words about their experience.

Give thanks & rewards

More than 50 percent of people are more inclined to submit referrals if they’re offered an incentive. This can come in the form of discounts, swag, gift cards, a donation in their name, social recognition, or access to an exclusive loyalty program. At a minimum, reach out and thank anyone who includes referral information.

Partner with other businesses

Think about decoration services you don’t currently offer. If you do embroidery, think about partnering with a screen printer to refer clients to one another. Make sure you’re confident enough in the other decorator’s work to send your customers to them.

Simplify the process

Add a link to your website for people to send referrals. Include the same link at the bottom of e-newsletters and emails and embed it within social media.

Survey, survey, survey

Take your current customers’ pulse by surveying them about their customer satisfaction levels via an online survey tool. Regularly doing so can identify where changes need to be made.

   —Hirsch Solutions Inc.