A Winning Referral Program

This is a simple tip that will apply to every market - regardless of the product or service. It should prove to be a great motivator to try something new.

Successful marketers develop the ability to turn their customers into advocates. Often, they don't even have to directly ask customers to refer them to others. Their willingness to offer that little bit extra wins customer loyalty and support. It only follows that satisfied customers will refer their friends and family to the place that will take good care of them.

Providing quality service is the first step toward referrals, but you can readily take it the extra step. Marketing studies have shown that every satisfied customer will tell three other people about you.

What do you think would happen with a little incentive added to the picture?  Certainly much more.  If you give customers who refer friends a thank you - and it can be a special discount, a unique gift item, or even a heartfelt thank you card - just watch the referrals start to come in!

You can get even better results by impleimenting customer surveys. Have them answer a few brief questions about what they do or don't like about your product, then follow up with a request for the names and addresses of friends and family who would benefit from the product. In no time you will be set to go with the contact information of more prospective customers!