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How to ask for referrals without feeling pushy
It feels pushy when it's a pitch. It isn't when it's a plain ask at a good moment. The best moment is when the customer thanks you. They've just told you they're happy, so you're not asking for a favor out of nowhere.
- The right moment. When they thank you, or say the job came out great.
- One sentence. Who you help and that you'd be glad to help their friends.
- Something to pass on. A card, or a text with your number they can forward.
- A thank you. When someone calls, tell the customer who sent them.
The best way to ask for referrals in person
At the door, as you pack up. Be specific about who you help, so they can picture someone.
Glad it's working again. We do a lot of older homes around here, so if your neighbors ever need a plumber, send them our way. Here's a couple of cards.
How to ask clients for referrals after a good job
If you didn't ask in person, a text that evening works too. Keep it to the job and the ask, and make the number easy to forward.
Hi [name], it's [your name] at [shop]. Thanks again for having us out for the [job]. If you know anyone who needs a hand, feel free to pass along this number.
Ask for referrals by email: examples
Email works when you're sending something anyway, like photos of the finished work or the final invoice. Put the ask at the end, short.
Hi [name], thanks again for having us out to [job]. If you know anyone who needs similar work, we'd be glad to help them. Just pass along this number. And if someone does call, we'll make sure to thank you.
A simple referral program for a small business
A program can be one sentence: "Send us a neighbor and we'll take [reward] off your next visit." Keep it the same for everyone, check that your trade or state allows referral rewards, and never let the reward replace the thank you. Most people send a neighbor because you did good work, not for the discount.
