As a landscaping professional, one of the most powerful ways to grow your business is through referrals. Referrals are a form of word-of-mouth marketing, which is often more trusted than traditional advertising. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising . Here are five effective strategies to encourage your satisfied customers to refer your landscaping services to others.
1. Provide Exceptional Service
The foundation of any successful referral program is providing exceptional service. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your services to their friends and family. Focus on exceeding customer expectations by delivering high-quality work, being punctual, and maintaining clear communication. According to a survey by American Express, customers are willing to spend 17% more on businesses that provide excellent service .
Action Steps:
- Ensure your team is trained to deliver top-notch service.
- Regularly seek feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement.
- Go the extra mile by adding personal touches, such as follow-up calls or thank-you notes.
2. Create a Referral Program
A structured referral program can incentivize your customers to spread the word about your business. Offer rewards such as discounts, free services, or gift cards for each successful referral. According to a study by Texas Tech, 83% of customers are willing to refer a business after a positive experience, yet only 29% actually do so .
Action Steps:
- Design a referral program with clear rewards and guidelines.
- Promote your referral program through your website, email newsletters, and social media.
- Track referrals to ensure customers receive their rewards promptly.
3. Ask for Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews and testimonials can significantly influence potential customers. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020, with 79% trusting them as much as personal recommendations .
Action Steps:
- Send follow-up emails or text messages after completing a job, requesting reviews and providing direct links to your review pages.
- Highlight positive testimonials on your website and social media.
- Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you value customer feedback.
4. Utilize Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your customers and encouraging referrals. Share photos and videos of your completed projects, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content to showcase your expertise and build trust. According to Statista, 54% of social browsers use social media to research products .
Action Steps:
- Create engaging and visually appealing content to share on your social media platforms.
- Encourage satisfied customers to tag your business and share their own photos of your work.
- Run social media contests and giveaways that incentivize followers to refer friends and family.
5. Network and Build Relationships
Building strong relationships with your customers can lead to natural referrals. Attend local events, participate in community activities, and join industry associations to expand your network. According to a survey by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association, offline word-of-mouth drives at least five times more sales than a paid media impression .
Action Steps:
- Engage with your local community by sponsoring events or offering free workshops.
- Join local business groups and participate in networking events.
- Keep in touch with past customers through regular follow-ups and holiday greetings.
Conclusion
Referrals are a valuable asset for any landscaping business, providing a steady stream of new customers at a low cost. By delivering exceptional service, creating a referral program, leveraging reviews and social media, and building strong relationships, you can encourage your existing customers to become your biggest advocates. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your business grow through the power of referrals.
Sources:
1. Nielsen. (2015). Global Trust in Advertising Report. https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2015/global-trust-in-advertising-2015/
2. American Express. (2017). Customer Service Barometer. https://about.americanexpress.com/press-release/research/american-express-survey-finds-us-consumers-will-spend-17-more-with-companies-that-provide-excellent-customer-service/
3. Texas Tech University. (2016). The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/news/releases/2016/07/word-of-mouth.php
4. BrightLocal. (2020). Local Consumer Review Survey. https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
5. Statista. (2021). Social Media Usage Statistics. https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/
6. Word of Mouth Marketing Association. (2014). The Impact of Word of Mouth on Consumer Behavior. https://womma.org/research/
5 Effective Ways to Get Referrals from Your Existing Landscaping Customers
