There are many tools and strategies you can use to make sure your business growth is flowing steadily. And one of the best things you can sue is clients referral. It is important to use from the beginning of your business. A referral for a client who had positive experiences will do wonder to your small business. Keep in mind that building a brand and raising awareness is not easy especially in the beginning. And client referral can be your powerful tool to move forward.
How to ask for referrals from your clients?
One of the biggest hurdles of collecting client referral is how to ask the clients yourself. It sounds easy but not all clients are always open to give their referrals. Some of them may consider your attempt as pushy or awkward. Meanwhile, it needs to be as organic as possible so they give the most honest referrals that other future clients can rely on. And here are some tips for you:
Systematizing how you handle referral requests
It is easier for you to have client referrals if you do it systematically. For example, you may consider conducting a quarterly audit with clients to ask for their feedback on where you can improve and review what is working. Make sure to highlight all important points such as the improvement of that have been made regarding to your services and offerings. This kind of personalized audit shows how much you care for your clients, making them feel appreciated and heard.
Acknowledge clients who had bad experiences
It is possible that not all your clients have positive experience. However, it doesn’t mean you should only focus on the positive feedback and ignore the negative ones. In fact, you need to embrace both strategically. The point of client referral is not only to build reputation but also to improve your business. Hence, reach out clients who had bad experiences to better understand how your business can be improved. Address and acknowledge their concerns and tell your clients you will look into it.
Boost your client’s confidence
It will do wonder to your relationships with your clients when you can express your complimentary to them naturally. Compliment their efforts while referring to your product or service as part of your client’s journey. When their effort and success are being noticed and acknowledged, it will boost their confidence, making them feel accomplished. It is strongly recommended to compliment your client’s success and effort as naturally as possible. Personalize your compliment to show your sincerity.
Invest in a reward program
Every client wants to get the best bargain and that’s why they love a reward program. Make sure to give your clients updates from your business so consider persuading your clients to subscribe from your email list. It brings in more opportunity for your offerings to be monitored by your clients. This will eventually attract them to give referrals because what they do will be rewarded with something worth their time.