Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Starting A Referral Program 101

Posted by Cabellsn08 on 4/11/2013 at 4:04 PM ET 250 Points
I work for a project-focused training provider that serves both the B2B and B2C markets. We are looking to implement a referral program and we really don't know where to begin. We've spoken to numerous companies like Extole all of which have told us we are too early in our program development for them to be of any help to us. What we really need is an education in referral programs. We would really appreciate any guidance or advice you could provide or even suggestions of resources that could help us.

Thanks!
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  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 4/11/2013 at 5:39 PM Accepted
    These might help

    https://www.buzzforces.com/blog/how-to-create-a-referral-program-in-four-st...

    https://www.melissadata.com/enews/marketingadvisor/articles/0707b/1.htm

    https://www.morebusiness.com/running_your_business/marketing/referral-progr...

    https://www.ehow.com/how_5829986_build-referral-program.html
  • Posted by Moriarty on 4/12/2013 at 3:24 AM Accepted
    Why are you looking to set up a referral program? Is this the correct direction to take (I'm asking, not criticizing). There are other - and perhaps better ways for you to get clients. Using referral programs gives others the power, and in our world this kind of power is something you need in house so that you know precisely where your business is going.

    I want to know the kind of customer you will serve best - and the question that they will ask to which your business is the perfect answer. Using that you can get leads online and off - and at far less cost than any referral program and with the reigns in your hands and not somebody else's.

    If you have a basic marketing plan (or concept) of any sort, you can use Google PPC and their display network to clarify various issues you face. The point isn't just to get leads at this stage, but answers. A small local campaign - or national campaign that is strictly limited in scope to keep it cost effective - will yield answers to pressing questions you have about the direction you should take.

    Because many of these are questions that only your customers can answer - so **don't make assumptions**. Get real honest data.

    What you need is a steady stream of **interested customers** who need what you offer. That is very different from a referral program - which may (or may not) form part of your ongoing strategy.

    The point of using Google (or Bing) is that it is fast and flexible and gives you answers to tricky questions.
  • Posted by Cabellsn08 on 4/16/2013 at 8:39 AM Author
    Thanks for your responses I appreciate it.
  • Posted by brent.wilker on 4/19/2013 at 5:17 PM Member
    Hi Cabellsn08,

    Referral programs make sense but keep in mind the pre-requisite is having customers to make the referrals. A company like Extole or RewardStream (my company) can provide a great solution but the cost will be prohibitive without a reasonable client base to produce a tangible ROI. I suggest you start with an in-house program that is manually executed and scale when it is appropriate.

    Feel free to check out https://www.rewardstream.com for referral marketing information.

    Hope this helps.

    -Brent
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