How to Ask for Referrals: Templates for Email, LinkedIn, and In-Person Requests

Asking for referrals is one of the most effective ways to grow your business, but it comes with challenges that can make the process seem daunting and maybe stop you from even trying. One of the obvious deterrents is that it’s uncomfortable to directly ask someone for a favor. Additionally, finding the right moment and the right words to use can be tricky, especially because you don’t want to come across as pushy or insincere.

If this anxiety around referrals sounds familiar, you might need to start by adjusting your mindset. Any hesitation can lead to missed opportunities for valuable referrals that could significantly benefit your business. And without a structured approach, the process of asking for referrals can become inconsistent, leading to frustration for both you and your customers.

That being said, asking for referrals doesn’t have to be this difficult. By simplifying the process and making it more approachable, you can turn it into a regular and successful part of your business strategy. One way to do this is by using templates for different platforms, such as email, LinkedIn, and in-person conversations. Templates can provide a clear way to ask for referrals, ensuring that you communicate your request effectively and without that awkward tension. They should also be tailored to fit individual customer relationships, making each request feel personalized and genuine.

Let’s explore how to ask for referrals from your happy customers through a few different channels. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the tools and templates to turn your happy customers into advocates for your business.

• 9 Best Practices
• How to Ask for Referrals by Email
  • Email Templates
• How to Ask for Referrals on LinkedIn
  • LinkedIn Templates
• How to Ask for Referrals In Person
  • In-Person Template
• Streamline Referrals with Templates
• Frequently Asked Questions

9 Best Practices

Before we dive into specific situations, you should always keep in mind these best practices when crafting your referral request message, no matter which channel of communication you’re using.

1. Personalize Your Message

Address the customer by their name. Reference specific positive experiences or results they’ve had with your product or service.

2. Be Sincere and Appreciative

Express genuine gratitude for their business and desire to make their experience the best it can be. Acknowledge their value as a customer and how much you appreciate their support.

JK Moving, a moving and storage company, was recently able to achieve over $100,000 in revenue from new referrals with the help of Snoball. But according to Carissa Helm, Inside Sales Supervisor at JK Moving, getting referrals isn't just about reaching out to the maximum number of people possible; it's about building genuine relationships with them. She explains, "With Snoball's support, we’re not just reaching more people; we’re connecting with them in more meaningful ways." Learn more about JK Moving's success.

Carissa Helm

Inside Sales Supervisor @ JK Moving

 

 

"With Snoball’s support, we’re not just reaching more people; we’re connecting with them in more meaningful ways."

3. Explain the Benefit

Clearly explain why you’re asking for a referral and how it will benefit you. Highlight how the referral could also benefit their friends or colleagues.

4. Make It Easy

Provide clear instructions on how they can refer someone. Include any necessary links, referral codes, or information that will make the process straightforward.

5. Offer an Incentive

Consider offering an incentive to encourage referrals (e.g., discounts, gift cards, or other rewards). Ensure the incentive is meaningful and appropriate for your customer base.

6. Keep It Short and Simple

Keep your outreach concise and to the point. Avoid overwhelming the customer with too much information or lengthy requests.

7. Timing Matters

Send the request at a time when the customer is most likely to be receptive, such as shortly after a positive experience or successful transaction. Avoid sending referral requests too frequently.

8. Follow Up

Send a follow-up thank you email if they refer someone. Keep them informed about any rewards or outcomes resulting from their referral.

9. Respect Their Decision

Make it clear that while you’d appreciate the referral, there’s no obligation and it will not affect your relationship. Be respectful and understanding if they choose not to provide a referral.

How to Ask for Referrals by Email

Email is an excellent channel for asking for referrals from your happy customers. First of all, email allows customers to respond at their convenience, minimizing any pressure they might feel from a direct or real-time request such as a phone call or in-person conversation. Customers can also refer back to the message if they need more time to think about potential referrals. Email also allows you to follow up without being intrusive. You can gently remind customers of your request without putting them on the spot.

This makes email an effective and flexible tool for encouraging happy customers and to refer new clients to your business. Here are some templates you can reference for developing your own referral outreach via email. Don’t forget to personalize each email to the specific industry, person, product, situation, etc.

Email Referral Request Templates

Email Template #1

If you know the customer had a positive experience but you didn’t work with them directly, you might consider something like this:

Email Template #2

If you’ve worked with the customer directly and have a personal relationship with them, you might consider something like this:

Tip: If you’ve developed a strong relationship with the customer and have texted them in the past, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals via text too. It’s a bit more personal than an email and comes with similar advantages. Feel free to condense the email templates to better fit the short messages we’re used to sending over text.

How to Ask for Referrals on LinkedIn

When asking for referrals via LinkedIn, it's important to consider the platform's professional nature and the preferences of your connections. LinkedIn is a great place to reach out and ask for referrals, but first you’ll need to decide which medium on LinkedIn is best for your situation: direct messages or a general post.

LinkedIn Referral Request Templates

Direct Message Template

If you are requesting a referral from a customer who you know well, we recommend reaching out through an email or a text message. However, if you don’t know the customer well, LinkedIn is a professional way to request a referral from them. Sending someone a direct message on LinkedIn allows you to tailor the message to the individual and will likely receive a higher response rate than a generic post on LinkedIn. 

General Post Template

Posting on LinkedIn can be the right course of action if you are looking to remind your entire network about your referral program, not reach out to a single individual. A LinkedIn post will reach a wider audience than a direct message and can elicit broader engagement. Don’t forget to make the post professional and informative, highlight your services, and subtly invite referrals by mentioning your appreciation for word of mouth support.

How to Ask for Referrals In Person

While you might think that asking for referrals over email, text, or LinkedIn is the best way to avoid awkward confrontation, there are many advantages to an in-person conversation. This outreach can be effective through a phone call, but these benefits are best achieved face-to-face.

An in-person request adds a personal touch to the interaction, making it more genuine and heartfelt. This can strengthen the customer's connection to your business and increase their likelihood of making a referral. This type of outreach also allows for immediate engagement. You can gauge the customer's reaction and adjust your approach accordingly. Your enthusiasm for new referrals and appreciation for their help can also be more effectively communicated in person. Enthusiasm is contagious, and a genuine expression of excitement and gratitude can motivate customers to act.

In-Person Referral Request Template

This in-person template is up for even more interpretation and change than the others, because you want the conversation to sound natural, not like a rehearsed script. Rather than a template, think of these as points to hit at some point throughout the conversation.

In-Person Conversation Points

Streamline Referrals with Templates

It's essential to approach referral requests thoughtfully and strategically. Whether you're asking via email, LinkedIn, or in person, following best practices ensures that your happy customers continue to have positive experiences.

Utilizing well-crafted templates across all platforms can streamline the process, ensuring consistency and saving time. These templates provide a solid foundation that can be personalized to fit each unique customer relationship, making your requests feel genuine and respectful.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively leverage the satisfaction of your current customers to attract new ones. Remember, the key to successful referrals lies in building and maintaining strong, positive relationships with your customers and making it easy and rewarding for them to refer others to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions