How to get referrals

Finding your first client is hard, but the second and third is even harder if you don't know how.

If you learn how to get referrals flowing in your business, the clients come naturally.

Today's topic: How to create a referral "flow" for your business

Estimated read time: ~4 minutes (Skim time: 90 seconds)

What is a referral and why do we need them?

Have you ever landed in a new city that one of your friends has been to? If yes, you probably asked them for recommendations for that city.

Why? Because you know them. We trust the judgement of people we know more than strangers. Choosing a restaurant or a service recommendation from someone we know makes us feel more at ease.

So that's a referral. If a client works with you and they enjoyed your service, naturally they will tell their friends who are looking for that same service.

As service providers, the easiest way to get clients is through referrals because realistically we don't need to do any outreach for these clients.

And to get referrals, we just need to do our job well and add a few seamless ways for the client to tell their friends about us.

The easiest way to get referrals

Simply... do good work.

The easiest way to get a referral is by going above and beyond for your clients; through the final work you produce, communication throughout the project and of course your professionalism through systems and process.

Then naturally, you'll come up in casual conversation with the client's friends, family... maybe even a mention at their book club.

The client: "I just worked with [Boring Studios] and they were fantastic!"

Book club member: "Wow I'm looking for [branding], give me [Boring Studios] details."

Literally, that easy. Do the work that makes people want to refer you.

How to get referrals without begging?

Asking directly for a referral can sometimes feel a bit weak, like we are begging for our supper right? It can also put your client on the spot and make them uncomfortable. But this shouldn't stop creatives from asking for them. We just need to do so more naturally.

So before we get into the actionable steps of a client referral "flow", here's two simple and quick ways to ask for a referral from your existing clients. Adjust your tone accordingly or use as it.

Recent client (within the month):

I really loved working on this. If you know anyone who needs a [brand identity or website], I'd love to help them too.

Older client (6-12 months):

Hi [client name],
Hope you're doing well! I was actually thinking about the project we did together recently and how much I enjoyed working on it.

I just wanted to reach out and see how everything is going with it, has it been landing well?

I've got some availability coming up over the next few weeks and would love to work with more people like you. If you know anyone who might need [X], I'd really appreciate the intro.

Hope to chat soon,
[Your name]

It's easier if you have stayed in touch with your clients. Check ins every couple of months shows you care and also keep you top of mind when a service like yours comes up.

This week you will

Step one: Be professional in your process

I know you've heard it before but having a client process will set you apart from everyone else selling the same service as you. Proposal, Contract, Invoice, Client Portal, Onboarding and Offboarding are all documents you need to have ready to go.

Step two: Keep everything up to date

Your referral might come months after you've completed the work. Keep your booking system, website, portfolio and socials with relevant, up-to-date links and work.

Step three: Add a seamless referral system to your Offboarding

At the end of working with your client on a project, you should have an offboarding document that explains what the next steps are, how to implement the deliverables and... a referral program.

Refer a friend and get 20% off for both of you
Refer a friend and get a free brand audit / strategy call
Refer 3 clients and get a free mini project (social media templates, one extra page, etc.)

OR

Include a pre-written message they can copy and send to someone ("Hey, I just worked with [your name] and she was amazing — here's her link")
Create a simple "share my details" button or card they can forward digitally

Bonus: Stay connected

Invite clients to follow your socials or newsletter so they stay in the loop
Add them to a "past client" email list where you share tips relevant to their business
Send them a "6 month check in" reminder in your calendar so you follow up automatically

Word of mouth referrals are an underrated way to get clients. Stay on top of it and watch your client "flow" naturally pour in.

Chat next week,
Penelope
Co-Founder of Boring Studios, Referral-expert