Refer a friend?

[MindyRaeL]

I'd like to implement a referral program for my customers, hopefully to generate some new business and some good word of mouth. I've got a few different ideas, but I'm very curious to see what's working for others.

Do any of you have a referral program and had success with it? Do you offer a discount off your sitting fee? Or maybe free prints, or a discount off prints? Do you place a limit on how many referrals 1 person can get?

[fofazoju]

I just started this as well but it hasn't been implemented long enough for me to see how well it works.

I presume it is going to work well; people LOVE free stuff and incentives. I am not going to put a limit on how many referrals one client can get. Heck, if she gets me 5 new clients, then SWEET!

MY idea is with every referral, they get $25 to use in credit for ANYTHING - prints, money off the session fee - whatever. So they would need 4 referrals to get an 11x14. Still only costs me around $20 and I have 4 new clients ....to which THEY can in turn spread my name, refer me etc. Its a win-win relationship.

What ideas did you have? I'd be curious to hear others idea as well. Great post!!

[lonni]

It might be a good idea to specify the new clients minimum spend to qualify for the rebate, ive seen one person refer all their friends they each got the minimum package, about $100, and ended up getting a free sitting and a massive ammount of prints. It was a lot of work for not much profit, none of the customers came back.

Also think about putting a use by date on the credits and maybe a minimum spend to use the referral points or cash or whatever. That way youare making money as well.

Most systems i have seen give a product for each refferal eg 1 refferal means a free print, 2 means an accordian album, 10 a canvas etc.

hth

[John Hendry]

We are trying this as well, but it is too soon to know anything useful yet.

Glasgow Wedding Photography