When was the last time you actually asked for a referral? Maybe it was a quick mention after a purchase or an initial call. These aren’t bad times to ask, but there are many more opportunities you should be incorporating.
We know referrals are one of the most powerful tools for growing your business but knowing when to ask is just as important.
In this blog, we’ll outline the best moments to request referrals from your customers to capture their satisfaction and willingness to recommend your services.
There’s one key theme on when to ask for referrals, and that’s to ask when customers are the happiest. That way, they are more likely to receive the request well and more willing to refer friends.
We’ll be focusing on trades and home service industries, including general contractors, HVAC companies, electricians, landscapers, cleaners and more and giving examples along the way.
Ideal for: General contracting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, roofing, moving, cleaning, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, solar, energy.
Asking for referrals once a project or service is complete is an idea for any industry. At this point, clients can see the finished product and are often satisfied with the work. This is the perfect time to capitalize on their positive experience and ask for a referral when they’re happiest.
Examples:
Ideal for: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, roofing, lawn care, solar, energy.
Regular service and maintenance visits offer another prime opportunity for requesting referrals. For many trades professionals that completed a large installation or contract, these routine visits allow you to demonstrate your reliability and expertise, reinforcing client trust and satisfaction.
Examples:
Ideal for: HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, insulation, movies, cleaners, snow removal.
Emergency services often leave a lasting impression due to the urgency and importance of the work. Clients are usually extremely thankful, and you can leverage this by asking for referrals after resolving an emergency issue. Just be mindful if they are in a high-stress situation, you might want to give them a few days before asking.
Examples:
Ideal for: General contracting, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, roofing, moving, cleaning, landscaping, lawn care, solar.
Specialized services where you offer services that most other companies don’t provide excellent opportunities to request referrals. These services often involve significant client interaction and satisfaction. Because they likely had to search hard to find someone to do it, they’ll be more likely to refer their friends.
Examples:
Ideal for: Landscaping, lawn care, snow removal.
For seasonal services that have regular maintenance, the end of the season is an ideal time to ask for referrals. Clients have enjoyed the benefits of your services throughout the season and are likely to recommend you to others.
Examples:
Ideal for: General contractors, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, insulation, movers, cleaners, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, solar, energy.
Seasonal promotions are a great time for any company to ask for referrals, especially in industries that face seasonality. When you’re offering more value, clients will be more inclined to refer a friend.
Examples:
Ideal for: General contractors, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, insulation, movers, cleaners, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, solar, energy.
Following up after installations or services is another key moment to request referrals. If you don’t already send check-ins, they’re a great way to stay in contact and show you care. Plus, capitalize on the client's initial excitement and satisfaction.
Examples:
Ideal for: General contractors, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, insulation, movers, cleaners, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, solar, energy.
When customers express their satisfaction with your work, they’re in a high-mood state and more likely to respond positively to a referral request. Whether they mention how much they liked the work, provide a testimonial or leave a review, these are perfect moments to ask.
Examples:
Ideal for: General contractors, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, insulation, movers, cleaners, landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, solar, energy.
This one may sound weird since they already referred someone. But, when a client refers you to someone else, it’s a sign that they value your work and trust your expertise. This is a prime opportunity to ask for more referrals. Thanking them for the referral and asking if they have any other friends looking will make them think of anyone else.
Examples:
Sound like a great plan? Book a demo to learn how to get the most out of your referrals.