Apply These 6 Secret Techniques To Improve Getting Referrals without Paid Advertising
Wouldn’t you like to be Getting Referrals more from friends and acquaintances?
Well here is TIP NUMERO UNO…A referral is EARNED…Okay I will share a resource on this at the end of this Blog that you could find controversial, on getting referrals & how to earn them fast. Okay we’re done here…Ski time 🙂
Wait I just have to share this experience with you.
A while back Paul and I decided that we needed to give our old kitchen a makeover. I’d been nagging him for months. In fact at some point I went online and checked for DIY kitchens and how to do it. So what has this got to do with Getting referrals or Local Customers without paid advertising?
Well keep your hair on coz I am getting to that!
I am a sucker for a good pot roast and I like preparing it in a Lovely kitchen. So I decided to contact a few joiners and kitchen fitters. I literally went online & a local trades bulletin and called over 10 Joiners. I also asked our neighbours who they might recommend; this is getting referrals at its simplest! Out of the 12 Joiners I found on Ask Jeeves, only 5 kept the appointment they made with us.
Our neighbour recommended 3 aka word of mouth. They all showed up for their appointment.
Now as an entrepreneur do you want to know how you can Get more Local Customers without Paid Advertising, and a super-efficient way of getting referrals? Well then…
I’m going to share with you why we chose Mark; because he had a unique story…
Mark said, “In all of the jobs I’ve done, I have found that if I do a great job, you will be happy. And if I do a great job, we’ve built a relationship and not only will you ask me back when you need additional joinery work, but you’re more likely to refer me to others just like Jimmy did.”
Jimmy is a neighbour.
Mark asked us many questions. He educated us on the different types of hinges, surfaces, doors, tiles, but the important thing is we felt that he focused on US, Paul and I as people, not our wallet.
If you’ve ever experienced tradesmen like carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers, and most professionals, you’ll agree with me that they are in the Close the transaction/deal fast business. They show up, estimate the job, do the work, they leave and that’s it. You’ll be lucky if they do it right first time. But let me assure you if someone was referred to you, they will want to keep the reputation of the referee good too! Getting referrals this way is not only great it is easy!
It’s much better to do it Mark’s way, put yourself in your prospect’s shoes. Get in the relationship business. See the Job he did below:

I know. Everyone talks about doing this. In my view talk is cheap; Doing it is the answer. So get Referrals the right way!
#1 How To Make More Getting Referrals By Doing Less:
Get started by sending out a newsletter to your house list/Street. Pack it with personality, just as Tony did, and most importantly, Ask for Referrals.
It’s really that simple. WHAT….You expected more….No magic wands here mate!
If You Own a Personal Brand Then You are In for a Treat! An Internet Marketing Rockstar Tanya Aliza Has just Re-opened the cart on the product that Helped us Build This Brand and Blog. A brand thats changed our Lives in more ways than one. A blog that I am proud to share every blessed week and where Paul and I share value consistently. This Woman is a Branding juggernaut and helped us get a min of 5-10 Leads per Day via our Brand. When she Opens Her carts..I say RUN And GRAB That Product NOW. This Product makes getting referrals a Breeze! . Use Banner Below:
#2 Getting Referrals – Create New Local Customers without Paid Advertising
Lately, I’ve receive lots of emails, where our subscribers ask us to address some of the problems they’re facing. Each Friday I feature one such problem and give a step by step resource or guide to solve that problem. We help them build their business by generating more leads & making more sales.
And here is one of the tips I gave one for getting referrals. By marketing in a local geographic area you will save money and time in travel costs or even online paid advertising.
See you can get new local customers without using paid advertising….Esp. if yo are active int he community and people know what you do because you tell them and ask them to spread the word as you SERVE in that community! The internet can do it in a different way for you..
Almost each web based method I know, can be optimized for local searches. Then you focus your adverts locally and this can bring some custom. You then make sure these people receive a super-efficient service and then you ask them to give you referrals.
See getting referrals also depends on creating a great relationship! But paid advertising costs can quickly run out of control.
Here are two More to reduce paid advertising costs, increase your chances of getting referrals and positioning yourself as the LOCAL EXPERT in your niche!
#3. To start getting Referrals on Tap, Host a workshop, seminar, tele-seminar or educational event.
You could JV with an organisation to be a Keynote speaker at any of their regular events. Network like crazy, build relationships with your network & build up to hosting your own.
I truly picked this up from an event I attended hosted by Ray Higdon in Florida called Teal3. Hosting and attending events is Key to an entrepreneur’s success. In addition to attracting new customers, events can also provide the means to educate current customers to want to do more business with you.
It’s easy getting referrals from event attendees too, resulting in more sales.
Below are some types of events you could host:
- Workshops or seminars that educate about your services.
- Workshops or networking groups for client attraction e.g. Business building seminars.
- Workshops that show the benefits of or how to use your products. We call these Product Parties.
- Regular meeting of clubs, civic or networking groups e.g. meetups.
And don’t forget that every so often give your participants referrals and Ask for referrals. See with time you will become better at asking for and getting referrals. Practice makes perfect!
#4. Getting referrals without online paid advertising, Host an Open House:
Create your Open house events with super giveaways, entertain your attendees. Give them social value. Add several unique things that are sure to attract a crowd. For instance….
- Use social networks, community bulletin boards even supermarkets, doctor’s surgeries, etc. to get the word out about your event. Use newsletters and other free off/online resources to spread the word.
- Give something away at the event that people really want such as a GoPro, iPad, Free Vacation etc. (We won a Go-pro for taking massive action prior to an event see image Below)
- Incentivize subscribers and existing customers to refer or bring a friend to the event to increase the buzz beforehand.
- And for the most important bit; have a system in place to collect contact information for later follow up. A Form each attendee must fill out and a flier with, upcoming events!

#5. Create Future Customers by Getting Referrals
4 years ago at a networking event in Los Angeles with Paul, I witnessed what I later realised is one of the best ways of getting referrals for sure.
One of the participants, an Engineering Consultant, mentioned that he needed an introduction to a very good Physiotherapist. In about 30 mins one of the attendees approached him and said “Let’s talk after the meeting.”
Several weeks later, the consultant spoke up during a meeting and thanked the person who made the introduction and reported that he had signed a contract for over £100,000 in equipment. This is getting high quality referrals from your clients.
But here’s the kicker.
The physio has since referred 4 more therapists to him. This one introduction also resulted in over £1.2 million in revenue. If the Consultant hadn’t been looking to increase his circle of acquaintances, he wouldn’t have found this source for the original referral nor the extra 4+.
This is getting referrals and making sales at its best. And these two didn’t even know each other…BUT the rapport & trust was built with the consultant presenting at the event…So never forget that that has to be built too & fast if possible. Also the consultant gave a testimony…social Proof! And ABOVE ALL GRATITUDE…!
Moral is if you don’t ask, you won’t be getting referrals…or anything else for that matter!
Get help getting referrals and increase your circle of influence and business growth; and getting referrals from people you know or meet is one way of doing that!
My Super tip for today is: You should have a well-rehearsed and naturally flowing “personal infomercial” that reminds your circle of friends & acquaintances of what you do, and that you always need new prospects. Here is how. Be Consistent in your words, the value you offer an actions you take!
#6. Secrets to Getting Referrals from Social Media Platforms
I’ve lately been asked and wondered, why do people, who visit your various Social Media platforms stop communicating with you after that first visit? A prevalent problem faced by many network marketers and even social users!
And I believe this could be the answer… drum roll please
YOU ARE NOT ASKING THEM THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Call it A SOCIAL CTA! It’s just not enough to just say “Follow us on Twitter” or Like our Facebook Page”. You have to give them a compelling reason to do so.
How about sharing with us THE BENEFITS of what you have to offer in exchange for giving you a like, a follow, comment & even share your content with our Followers? This is getting referrals online or asking for the referral online…you see!
Here are 2 examples: “If you have got value in this post, video, podcast etc. Follow us on iTunes for daily Marketing Tips podcast.” Or here is one that I learnt from an event myself: “Like us on Facebook, we promise to make you laugh at least once a day.”
Aren’t the above more appealing to you as well?
I think this approach is a lot more social, personable and gets you more followers & referrals than a mere like or follow me…
I know some people who’ve bought fans or followers on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest etc. They think more followers equates to being successful. WRONG. 5000 non-interested followers or “Click Farm Fans” will not make you any Sales.
And if you don’t have engaging content again your followers won’t be interested. You would rather engage with the few you have, have personal conversations with them, engage with their content too and when you share some killer content ask them to share it with their team…leading to you getting referrals see!
Great Content is king in getting engagement online and getting referrals without even asking as people share it so they too look cool or knowledgeable! Recently I shared Brendon Burchard’s quote and It got 7 more shares from my wall within 30mins and God knows how many more! Whether Brendon is getting referrals from his daily quotes is not even a question. Social influencers have learnt the secret to hypnotize others to connect wit them.
I followed up with more pictures and tips as well as my Daily Videos which are getting 250+ views each and with the Facebook algorithm that’s something good!
Guess what?
People are commenting and sharing these videos too.
If you’re a small offline business, find a niche related people pages, Like & follow them and you could Inbox them & say something like:
“Hello Sol Contractors. Jules Joinery is your newest fan. Do drop in and like my page too!”
When an area business likes your page, their post goes on your wall and vise-versa so more exposure for you. If they are a dynamic ones you will be getting referrals from them. Why? Because, one day the Contractor is going to need an extra joiner on a big job. The idea is that when they do, they’ll remember the guy on their wall. SO KEEP VISIBLE. BE SOCIAL!
After you gain business pages on your page, take the time to go to their wall and “like” a post AND “Share” one of their posts on your wall. Do it. Why?
First, you are promoting them and the law of reciprocity says they will also promote you now as one of their friends… Remember: some will some wont so what! Keep looking!
Trust me. Liking and sharing is a participating friendship. Most importantly, it gives you exposure every time they share your stuff on their wall. Also be sure to provide quick access templates for referrals on your Fan pages & emails and Point it out to your Followers.
And below is the Controversial Resource on Getting referrals that I Promised you:
I truly hope I’ve shed some light for you on “Getting Referrals without paid advertising.” Esp. if you are just starting out. This is 3rd party endorsement at its best so get referrals. AND if you do have a Question Why not ASK JULIE. You could Feature in our next blog post, Podcast or Vlog
Because you do deserve more…
P.S. If you need step-by-step instructions on how to implement this and other ideas we give on Getting Customers and more sales Please go to www.workwithjulekal.com
Live. Learn. Love
Julie Syl
Skype: Julie.Kalungi1
Email: julie@Juleskalpauli.com
Considering Coaching? Check out our Work with Me tab and Survey where we Help People Everyday.
PS: IF YOUR UPLINE DOES NOT HAVE A STEP-BY-STEP BLUEPRINT FOR ONLINE MARKETING SUCCESS, CHECK THIS OUT (UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE TOO MANY LEADS) – CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT ACCESS
If you enjoyed this post on getting referrals and make more sales today do consider re-tweeting, share with your team and comment below!
Thank You Julie for the awesome tips on getting referrals. They are awesome tips and that is why I am not getting any referrals.
Aww Liz honey, dont declare that, erase that statement form your mind and start to affirm what you desire. We all started at the bottom!
Our thoughts, actions and persistence wins out sooner rather than later. I am sure you will breakthrough soonest.
Have you Tried MLSP? Its amazing for getting you leads and referrals!
Pauli
I love this post! lots of practical tips!
Glad you found value Don.
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie
awesome techniques you shared here. thanks julie
My Pleasure Sheena!
Julie
great tips for getting referrals 🙂 super blog post!!!!
Awesome. Thanks Terri!
Word of mouth really at it’s best huh Julie! I love to get referrals from trusted friends for local services too and I love giving referrals too. It’s the same online, We choose to do business with people we know, like and trust – I love it!
Lovely kitchen too btw x
Thanks Emily, I really love that kitchen. I whip up some sweet desserts in it.
And my son picked up cooking as soon as It was done…
triple whammy Love it! And yes I picked the trades that was recommended by our trusted neighbour!
WoM is absolutely great for businesses even when they have no direct link to us.
We recommend a good restaurant, Hair Dresser, heck even a Shoe shine lol
We are always referring and recommending trades, products and services to others.
Why not get paid to do so …I dig this mucho 🙂
Jules
Great post Julie and as usual so full of great ideas… Word of mouth has been the one that works best for me as people you know wont want to promote someone who is shoddy to you as they are your friend. Some great ideas for outside free advertising, thanks
Hi Diane,
WOM is a great way to get referrals. See people you know will definitely want to look deeper at your offer,
If they are to share it with others. and guess what…they pick up interest too even if they initially didnt see the vision!
Reverse selling in its own way!
Glad you found some great free advertising Ideas too!
Jules
Great ideas Julie. Of course word of mouth is a popular means of referral and usually works well. I often call a friend if I am looking for someone to do some work and interview their referral first.
The open house with give aways is great idea. I used to do open houses through real estate, and we always had a give away which people liked and were attracted to.
In general, I much prefer referrals — just because!
WOM has been effective since time immemorial.
Today’s generation is simply becoming less communicative due to Technology and
Yet means of communication have never been more accessible.
I love Open House I too used to use that for real estate purposes Carol. We do have a lot in common 🙂
and why not Just because…Thanks for your contribution!
Jules
These awesome tips Julie when it comes to getting more referrals for your business! Thanks!!!
Glad you found them useful Danny.
Thanks for stopping by
Don’t we all love referrals? it’s one of the best ways to receive business – thanks for the great tips Jules!
We all love Referrals Cathy…
Do we EARN OR DESERVE them, is the question and the point I made at the start of this post and The video I shared implies the same.
Many people have a sense of entitlement, and fail to realise that anything worth having is earned! Apart from Our God given right to breath and live!
Awesome post Julie thanks so much for sharing. Without a doubt Referrals are one of the most important parts of your business. When I worked in the travel industry my position was Referral Marketing Director and its so important. Your post was so full of value and I thank you for sharing
Hi LuAnn,
Glad you found it awesome 🙂
When you say Travel, my heart sings,
So I will definitely be coming to you for some referrals as I am definitely still in the TRAVEL industry!
Thanks for your comment!
This is a great article on getting referrals. With my business, I actually “network” with local organizations to get those referrals. It is all about V+C=P.
Visibility plus Credibility = Profitability
Check out your local networking opportunities. One that I am SURE is in your community (it is currently in 48 countries worldwide) is BNI. Check it out http://www.bni.com
I also network with Women in Networking NWA http://winnwa.org. Now I know that this is a local organization (and I do their web marketing) there will be organizations in your area. Will tweet for you.
It sure is an awesome way to build a business and relationships Stephanie.
Thank you for your contribution and resources. Am onto them right away. Am not one to sleep on a networking opp 🙂
I like you very simple and effective formula V+C=P love it!
Thanks for you
Julie