Unknown Strategies for Getting Referrals

By:  Jan Emo

You may not think getting referrals from past clients could be used as a marketing plan; but trust me, it is. When your previous customers are happy with the work you did for them and are thankful that you did the job in a professional and timely manner; chances are good that through word of mouth you will get new clients.

Communication with a past client is also a key to getting referrals; if your client was satisfied with your work, the odds that they will refer you to business associates is pretty good. Of course it wouldn't be wrong to occassionaly send a reminder to all past clients informing them of what you are doing now and ask them to refer you to their associates. Word of mouth is like the Energizer Bunny; it just keeps going and going.

Another important factor in getting referrals is to reward your past clients with special discounts, a nice luncheon or a gift card. Let them know you appreciate doing business with them by thanking them. At Christmas you could send them cards with a friendly reminder of your business needs.

Becoming a referral yourself is also an excellent method to getting referrals. For example, you just finished writing ad copy for a newly opened restaurant. By referring that restaurant to your business and family members you in return gave the restaurant more business. Be sure and remind the people you sent to the restaurant to let the owner know who referred you. In appreciation, the restaurant owner, who has various clientele, will refer you to his customers.

Ask for referrals! After you have finished a job, and are assured that the customer is thoroughly satisfied with the work completed, is when you come right out and ask "Do you know anybody else that would be interested in needing an ad copywriter." You never know, maybe his brother just opened a shoe store down the road. 
 

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