How to Get More Referrals and Expand Your Business

A referral from a satisfied client can build greater trust and boost sales. Yet, many businesses do not consistently use referrals despite their benefits.

Most customers only refer others when asked, reminded, or given a simple way to do so. Even after having a good experience, they might struggle to recall or organize their thoughts.

If you’re trying to get more referrals, make it easy for customers to share your name and ask at the right moments. Having a structured system in place can make sure your referral marketing efforts run smoothly.

In this article, we’ll share practical strategies and a few extra tips you can use to make your referral process stronger over the next few months. You’ll also find out how SMS business solutions can help you stay consistent.

Different Types of Referrals

Referrals come in various forms, and understanding the differences between them can help you develop a more effective referral strategy. Here are the main types of referrals that can help grow your business.

Customer Referrals

Customer referrals are the most familiar type. These happen when referred customers share their positive experiences with others about your service or product.

Since the recommendation is based on personal experience, it holds a high level of trust. These referrals are often spontaneous, but you can encourage more by maintaining regular contact with existing customers. 

You can also showcase online reviews from happy clients to strengthen trust.

Partner Referrals

Partner referrals come from other businesses that serve a similar audience but are not your direct competitors. These partnerships are built through trust and collaboration.

When a customer needs a service you don’t offer, referring them to a trusted partner creates a better overall experience. Partners will also likely do the same for you in return, as they’re often more strategic and mutually beneficial.

Employee Referrals

While commonly used in hiring, employee referrals can also bring in potential clients. Your team is familiar with your product and your target audience. So, they likely have a personal network as well.

Providing them with an easy way to refer others and offering a reward for doing so keeps them motivated and connected to your growth. You can also create referral contests within the team to make it fun and trackable.

Affiliate Referrals

Affiliate referrals are usually part of a paid program. Someone shares a link, coupon, or code with others and earns a reward for each new signup or sale. These systems work well if you’re selling products or services online.

Automated texting software can be helpful when using SMS to send out referral links, updates, and reminders to your affiliates. This keeps the system moving without needing much back-and-forth communication.

You can also create content, such as step-by-step guides, pre-written messages, or social posts, to help your affiliates refer more easily.

Community or Local Referrals

Community referrals often happen in informal settings, such as local groups, online communities, or social gatherings. They occur through casual conversations, neighborhood events, or local meetups.

Being involved in your community and consistently showing up builds a reputation that attracts new referrals without requiring direct solicitation.

How to Get More Referrals (Without Sounding Pushy)

Referrals happen when you communicate promptly and nurture your relationships even after the sale.

If you’re looking to grow your business through referrals, trying out a few proven strategies can make a big impact. These are the methods that work for companies across industries.

Ask for Referrals at the Right Time

Timing is one of the most common problems that slows down referral results. In many cases, the moment of excitement or appreciation has already passed, and the customer is less likely to respond.

The best time to ask for a referral is right after a successful outcome. It could be after a service is completed, a product performs as expected, or a client gives positive feedback.

At that moment, the experience remains fresh in their mind, and they are more willing to share it with someone else.

To maintain consistency, you should also incorporate referral timing into your follow-up process. A short message sent one or two days after a job is finished often works best.

Using a platform like Textellent allows you to automate this timing. You can schedule a personalized SMS to go out when the service is still top of mind, so the ask feels natural and timely.

Make Referrals Easy to Share

People are busy, and if they have to figure out how to refer someone or what steps to take, most will not follow through. This is one of the most overlooked barriers to consistent potential referrals.

Some customers may wonder who qualifies as a good referral or what will happen after they refer someone. If these questions are not answered upfront, the opportunity to gain a referral is often lost.

A successful referral process should be simple and easy to remember. You need to outline how someone can send a referral, where they should go to do so, and what happens next. If there’s a reward involved, you can explain when and how it will be delivered.

Offer Small Rewards or Recognition

Start by looking at your loyal customers. These are the ones who stick with your business, leave good feedback, and trust your service. They’re also the most likely to refer others when they feel valued.

You can offer a $10 gift card with a discount code or mention it in your social media posts. This shows them that you see their effort. It also helps others see that your values align with building strong relationships.

Sometimes, a simple thank-you works just as well as a gift. You can set up a section on your website to showcase individuals who send referrals or include a “thank you” feature in your emails. 

Focus on Creating a Referral-Worthy Experience

When customers feel cared for, they are more likely to share that experience with others. A referral-worthy experience is how people think from the first interaction to the final delivery.

Start by looking at every point of contact your customer has with your business. From the initial inquiry to the final invoice, the process should be organized.

Customers notice when communication is clear, expectations are met, and service is consistent. These are the types of interactions that build confidence and lead to unsolicited referrals.

A fast reply to a question, a message to confirm an appointment, or a short follow-up after a purchase shows customers that you are paying attention.

When you exceed expectations, people naturally take note and share that experience with others. That is how trust spreads.

Keep Existing Customers Informed

When someone takes the time to refer your business, they are putting their name behind your work. If that effort goes unacknowledged, the person may feel overlooked or unappreciated.

That feeling can prevent future referrals, even from customers who were once enthusiastic about recommending you.

Even if the lead does not convert, it is still important to thank the person who made the introduction. A simple thank-you message shows that you’ve noticed and value their effort.

When a referral turns into a new client, it’s a great opportunity to go the extra mile with your follow-up. You need to keep the referrer updated and inform them of the referral’s outcome.

If applicable, you need to deliver any promised reward promptly. This type of feedback builds confidence and maintains a warm relationship with existing clients.

Establish a System to Track and Reward Referrals

When you don’t know who referred someone or if a lead was converted, it becomes difficult to maintain consistency or grow your referral program.

A basic referral system should allow you to log each referral, maintain a record of the referrer, track the conversion status, and note any rewards that need to be issued.

Many small businesses begin with a spreadsheet, which can be effective if it’s updated regularly. But as your program grows, you’ll benefit from automating parts of that process.

Text message advertising can support this system in more than just updates. SMS can be used to deliver secure, personalized reward links and send surveys via text to gather feedback from referred clients.

Textellent allows you to send unique reward codes through text. Referrers can claim their incentive from their phone without needing to access a web portal or exchange emails.

It also helps your business stay responsive and professional as your referral numbers increase. When clients notice that your referral process is handled from start to finish, they are more likely to participate again.

Benefits of Business Referral-Based Growth

If you’re looking to attract better clients, reduce your marketing costs, and build long-term credibility, referral marketing is one of the most effective methods for doing so.

When referrals become a steady part of your customer flow, the benefits extend far beyond just helping you drive sales. Here is what you can expect when you build your business around referrals.

Gain Trust Immediately

When a prospect hears about your business from someone they already trust, that trust is passed on to you. 

The lead enters your pipeline with fewer doubts and a more substantial interest in what you offer. Instead of starting at zero, the relationship begins on solid ground.

According to Nielsen, 92% of people trust personal recommendations from friends and family more than any form of advertising. That level of trust cannot be bought. It comes from real conversations and honest experiences shared by your past or current customers.

This trust also results in higher conversion rates. Referral leads close faster because they already believe in the quality of your exceptional service.

Customer Acquisition Costs Go Down

Paid ads, SEO campaigns, and email outreach all come with a price tag. Referral-based growth gives you an alternative path.

When a client or partner refers someone, it typically incurs no upfront cost. Even if you offer a thank-you reward, it is often far more affordable than traditional marketing.

Let’s say you give a $20 gift card for each referral that converts. Compare that to a $500 ad campaign that might bring in one new lead. With referrals, you stretch your budget further and get better results.

A strong customer referral program can also be automated. If you are using SMS automation tools like Textellent, you can schedule a follow-up text as soon as a referral is submitted or a deal is closed.

Attract Better Clients

Referral leads are often more aligned with your business values and service style.

Referred clients often align better with your ideal customer profile. The person who made the referral likely knows your strengths and understands who would be a good fit for your business.

You will also find that customers tend to stick around longer and cause fewer problems when they come from trusted referrals.

Speeds Up Sales Process

Referral leads tend to progress through your sales process more quickly than leads from other sources. This is because trust has already been established before you even begin the conversation.

In many cases, referred leads skip the early parts of the funnel entirely. They’re looking for confirmation that you can do the same thing for them that you did for the person who referred them.

This lets you focus on delivering value and moving into the decision-making phase.

Stronger Reputation

Aside from generating referrals, this method helps shape how people talk about your business. Every time someone refers you, they’re passing along your story.

That story spreads from person to person and forms the foundation of your reputation. Over time, a steady flow of referrals builds trust with individual clients and within your entire network.

This is one reason why referral marketing works so well. It builds a strong foundation over time without relying only on paid ads or cold outreach.

Get Repeat Referrals

When a customer refers your business once and has a good experience with the outcome, they are more likely to refer you again in the future. These repeat referrals generate steady, low-cost growth, supporting long-term success.

To receive repeat referrals, the relationship needs to continue beyond the first sale. People need to feel that their effort was appreciated and that their referral made a difference.

Staying in touch also plays a key role. Many businesses forget to check in with past referrers until they need more leads. That gap weakens the connection.

A better approach is to send helpful updates, occasional messages of appreciation, or reminders that referrals are always welcome.

Automated text message service makes it easier to follow up. You can schedule thank-you texts, set reminders to check in after a referral, and notify someone when a referral they made becomes a client.

Sign up for a free trial or book a demo with Textellent today!

Using SMS to Generate More Referrals

There are many advantages to SMS marketing, the biggest being that it is one of the most direct ways to reach clients and maintain simple communication.

Text messages are viewed and opened within minutes, which makes them a powerful tool for driving more referrals. When used correctly, SMS keeps you memorable, communicates referral chances, and allows follow-up without being pushy.

SMS also works well if you’re managing a small team or multiple clients simultaneously. Instead of calling every customer or writing individual emails, you can send a concise message that reaches them. You stay visible without adding more work to your schedule.

It also maintains your brand prominently in the minds of potential customers, who may not yet be prepared to convert but will recall the direct communication.

When you use SMS as part of your referral process, it supports consistency without needing an extensive system.

How Textellent Boosts Your Referral Rates With SMS

Textellent helps you handle referral outreach and follow-ups with organized, automated text messaging. Here are the features that make Textellent an ideal tool for managing and growing your referral system.

Schedule Referral Requests

Referral success often depends on timing. Textellent lets you schedule your referral messages to go out at the moments that matter most. This includes immediately after a service has been completed, upon receiving positive feedback or following a repeat purchase.

Making a request when the client is already satisfied and engaged boosts the chances they will follow through with a referral.

Thoughtful SMS scheduling promotes consistency and builds trust, especially among your most loyal customers, who appreciate proactive service.

Provide Easy-to-Use Referral Links

Customers are more likely to refer someone when the process is simple. Textellent allows you to include a ready-to-share referral link within your message. This is also an excellent way to offer limited-time bonuses or early access for those who take action.

Send Prompt Thank-You Messages

Acknowledging a referral shows that you value the customer’s effort. With Textellent, you can automate these thank-you texts to be sent immediately after a referral is submitted or a service is completed.

Textellent also allows you to combine appreciation with a strategic SMS review request approach. After thanking the customer, include a direct link to your review portal to simplify their feedback process.

The message can also include a visual five-star image to help set expectations and prompt strong reviews. This technique has been shown to increase review volume by 300 to 400 percent, which helps your business improve credibility and attract new customers.

Deliver Referral Rewards

If your referral program includes a reward, speed and clarity are essential. Textellent lets you send rewards, such as digital discount codes or confirmation messages, via SMS.

This way, clients don’t have to worry about checking email or logging in. Delivering rewards promptly builds trust and boosts referrals.

Personalize Referral Messages

Even though Textellent allows you to automate your messaging, it still allows you to personalize each message with the client’s name, service history, or referral details. SMS segmentation makes your message feel more thoughtful and personal, even when sent to a large audience.

Clients appreciate this level of care, and it helps maintain the tone of a one-on-one interaction rather than a generic broadcast.

See How Easy Referral Growth Can Be With Textellent!

Getting more referrals starts with making it easy for customers to take action.

With Textellent, you can reach your customers at the right time with a message that’s personal and concise. You can ask for referrals, follow up, and express gratitude without having to track every step manually.

Textellent supports your consistency. Instead of waiting and hoping for referrals, you can trigger automated messages after finishing a project or receiving positive feedback from a client.

You can include a direct link, a brief message they can pass along, or a reward for sharing your name. It ensures your customer feels appreciated without taking extra time from your schedule.

If you want to turn satisfied customers into steady referral sources, Textellent provides you with the tools to do so. You stay connected, build trust, and create a better experience for your clients.

Try Textellent and see how easy it is to grow your referral system with simple text messaging. Sign up for a free trial or book a demo today!

FAQs About How to Get More Referrals

How to increase the number of referrals?

You can start by focusing on your customer experience. When customers are satisfied with your service and feel supported, they are more likely to recommend it to others.

After that, establish a referral system that clearly explains how individuals can refer someone, the benefits of doing so, and the next steps. Keep the process simple and easy to follow.

You can also use SMS follow-ups to stay connected and remind them, such as after a job is completed or a positive review is received. For some clients, a quick in-person check-in can also leave a stronger impression and naturally open the door to a referral.

How can I encourage referrals?

Referrals are encouraged when customers feel appreciated and stay connected to your business beyond the first sale. Sharing client wins, sending helpful updates, and showing genuine gratitude keep you top of mind.

People are more likely to refer others when they feel a relationship is ongoing rather than just transactional. Instead of pushing, offer helpful reminders and thank-you messages that demonstrate your appreciation for their support.

How to get a referral as soon as possible?

You can reach out to a customer who has recently had a good experience with your service. Let them know you are available for new work and that you would appreciate an introduction if they know someone who may be a good fit.

This type of outreach is a form of word-of-mouth marketing, and it is most effective when the timing is right and the connection feels personal.

How can I get quick referrals?

Quick referrals often come from your best customers, who trust you and believe in the service you provide. Therefore, you should reach out soon after delivering strong results while the experience is still fresh in their minds.

When the process is simple and the timing is right, it becomes easier for your customer to refer you. Using texting tools like Textellent helps you manage this by sending messages at the right time and keeping your company top of mind. For many small businesses, creating a repeatable referral process is a true game-changer.