Referral Request Email

Referral Request Email Template — Turn Clients Into Advocates

Get referrals from satisfied clients. Our templates make it easy and comfortable to ask for introductions.

Email Template

Subject Line:

Quick Favor: Know Anyone Who Could Use [Your Service]?

Email Body:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out with a quick favor.

Working with you and [Company Name] has been fantastic, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together—[brief mention of results: e.g., "especially seeing your website traffic increase by 45%."]

As a small business, referrals are incredibly valuable. If you know anyone who could benefit from [your service], I'd be grateful for an introduction.

**Who Would Be a Good Fit:**
- [Ideal client profile 1: e.g., "Small to medium businesses looking to improve their online presence"]
- [Ideal client profile 2: e.g., "Companies struggling with [specific problem you solve]"]
- [Ideal client profile 3: e.g., "Businesses ready to invest in [your service area]"]

**What I Do:**
[Brief reminder: e.g., "I help businesses [solve problem] by [your approach]. Recent clients have seen [results]."]

**How You Can Help:**
- **Option 1**: Forward this email to anyone you think might benefit
- **Option 2**: Make a warm introduction via email (I'm happy to draft something for you to send)
- **Option 3**: Mention me in relevant conversations or networking events

**I'll Make It Easy:**
If you're open to making an introduction, I can draft a brief email for you to send. Just let me know who you're thinking of, and I'll handle the rest.

**Thank You:**
Whether you can help or not, I truly appreciate our partnership and the work we've done together. Referrals are never expected, but always appreciated.

If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, I'm here!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
[Phone]

How to use: Copy the template above and replace the placeholders (like [Client Name], [Project Name], etc.) with your actual information.

When to Use This Template

Referrals are the highest-converting lead source for agencies, with referred clients closing at 3-5x the rate of cold leads and typically having higher lifetime values. Yet most agencies never formally ask for referrals — they just hope satisfied clients will think of them. Use this template when a client has expressed satisfaction with your work, given positive feedback, or achieved a notable result through your services. The emotional high following a success is the optimal moment to ask. Do not wait for a formal review period — strike when gratitude is naturally high. A well-structured referral request removes the friction that prevents even enthusiastic clients from referring. Most clients want to help but do not know what to say or who you are looking for. By being specific about your ideal client profile and making the introduction easy, you dramatically increase the likelihood of getting quality referrals.

Best Practices

Be Specific About Who You Are Looking For

Instead of "Know anyone who needs marketing help?" try "We work best with B2B SaaS companies with 50-200 employees who are looking to scale their content marketing." Specific criteria help clients identify the right people in their network rather than drawing a blank on a vague request.

Make the Introduction Easy

Offer to draft a brief introduction email that the client can forward. "I have written a short intro email you can send — just change a few words and forward it along" reduces the effort required from the client to essentially one click. The easier you make it, the more referrals you will receive.

Offer Reciprocal Value

Consider a referral program — a discount on next month, an extra service, or even a gift card. But even without a formal program, express genuine willingness to reciprocate: "If there is ever anyone I can introduce you to, please do not hesitate to ask." Reciprocity strengthens the relationship beyond the transactional.

Follow Up on Referral Outcomes

When a referral leads to a conversation (whether or not it converts), update the referring client. "We had a great call with Sarah at TechCorp — thank you so much for the introduction" closes the loop and encourages future referrals. Silence after a referral discourages repeat behavior.

Pro Tips

Ask for referrals when clients are happiest—right after great results
Make it easy—offer to draft introduction emails for them
Be specific about who would be a good fit to reduce awkwardness
Frame it as a favor, not an expectation
Show appreciation regardless of outcome
Follow up once if no response, but don't be pushy

What Makes This Template Effective

Timing Strategy

Sent when client satisfaction is highest and relationship is strong.

Value Reminder

Reminds clients of results achieved together.

Easy Process

Makes it simple for clients to make introductions.

Ideal Client Profile

Describes who would be a good fit to reduce awkwardness.

Low Pressure

Frames as a favor, not a demand.

Appreciation

Shows gratitude regardless of outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to ask for referrals?

Ask when client satisfaction is highest: right after project completion, after achieving great results, or when they express appreciation. Don't ask during difficult periods or when they're unhappy. Timing matters.

How do I make it easy for clients to refer me?

Offer to draft introduction emails they can send. Provide a clear description of your ideal client. Make it low-friction: "If you know anyone, just forward this email or let me know and I'll draft an intro." Remove barriers to action.

Should I offer incentives for referrals?

Some businesses offer referral bonuses (discount on future work, cash, gift cards). This can work but isn't necessary. Many clients refer because they genuinely want to help. Test both approaches and see what works for your clients.

What if they don't respond or can't help?

That's okay. Follow up once after 1-2 weeks with a gentle reminder, but don't push. Not everyone can or will refer, and that's fine. Maintain the relationship regardless—they may refer later or become repeat clients.

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