Use these templates to request referrals.
While asking for referrals and introductions is best done face to face, you can request referrals with a letter or email.
Here is an example:
Hi <forename>,
I'd like to ask for your help.
As you have some experience of what we deliver, you are in a good position to judge its effectiveness.
We rely heavily on customer referrals and introductions to keep our costs low and maintain the value we deliver.
Now that you know us, would you be willing to make some recommendations about others you know who could benefit in the way you have?
Would some of your suppliers or business partners be interested in what we have achieved together?
Any help that you can offer will be much appreciated.
Could we speak on the subject?
<signature etc.>
Don't soften it. This is a zero-pressure request.
If you have data from a customer that illustrates the value you have helped them create, include it in the message.
For anything more than ten sentences, use an old-fashioned letter.
These days, letters are unusual.
They stand out and are more difficult to ignore.
If your letter isn't immediately consigned to the bin, it will hang around until the addressee does something about it.
Keep a letter to one side of A4.
Use a similar format to the email message above.
Include the feedback you have gathered from the customer and any data they have shared.
Test your letter on friends and allies or me, if you like.
I promise to provide authentic and private feedback.
Schedule an informal conversation with Clive Miller or call +44 1392 851500.
Ten More Request Referrals Templates
Here are some more B2B referral request templates derived from various sources to help you ask for referrals from your clients and customers:
1. The Targeted Email
Subject: Quick Introduction?
Hi [Client's First Name],
I noticed on LinkedIn that you’re connected with:
[Person/Company Name 1]
[Person/Company Name 2]
[Person/Company Name 3]
Could I reach out to them on your behalf to discuss a potential collaboration? By connecting us, you'll be helping to build a stronger network of businesses that can share best practices and grow together.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. The Value-Added Email
Subject: [Client’s First Name] & [Your Company Name]: A Successful Collaboration
Hi [Client's First Name],
I'm reaching out to ask for your help.
Based on what you have said, our work together has made a real difference in tackling [specific pain point]. Are there others among your suppliers who are facing similar challenges?
If so, could you share their details?
Your insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help,
[Your Name]
3. The Incentive Email
Subject: [First Name], help us help others and earn rewards!
Hi [Client's First Name],
Seeing how your company has used our services to improve (what you have helped improve), we thought you might know others who could benefit from your experience.
When you refer someone to [Your Company Name], we will create a donation pot:
Each successful referral deposits ÂŁ300.
You can redeem or allocate the pot at any time, as cash, a discount on our services, a voucher, a donation to a charity of your choice, or a discount for the businesses or people you refer.
Getting started is easy – just use your personal referral link: [Insert Personal Referral Link].
If you have any questions or need more information, we're here to help.
All the best,
[Your Name]
4. The Maximum Satisfaction Email
Subject: Your Feedback Means the World to Us!
Hello [Client's First Name],
It's fantastic to hear about your positive experiences with [Your Company Name]. We're driven by such feedback.
Could you help others benefit too?
If you know businesses that could be experiencing the same needs that you were, please share their contact details with us or send them your personal referral link: [Insert Personal Referral Link].
Thank you for being a valued part of our journey!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
5. Referral Request Following a Customer Satisfaction Survey
Subject: A Favor?
Hi [Name],
You gave us a great score on the customer satisfaction survey you completed a few days ago. I’m so happy to hear we’ve met — and maybe even exceeded — your expectations with [Product/Service name].
We are looking for others who would benefit in the same way you have.
I'd consider it a favour if you would think about the businesses you interact with and refer any that you think would be interested in what you have achieved with [Product/Service name].
I'll call to ask in person.
Thanks in advance,
[Your Name]
6. Customer Referral Program Invitation Email
Subject: Join Our Referral Program and Earn Rewards!
Hi [Name],
I'd like to share your positive experience with our services so that others in your network can benefit as you have.
Who do you suggest I approach?
If you think this is a good idea, I'll create a message you can send to your contacts. Alternatively, you can have me send the message to them directly.
As a thank you, you will receive [perks for the customer] for every successful referral.
This is how our referral programme works:
[Referral Program details]
I'll be pleased to speak or respond if you have any questions.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
7. Exclusive Perks Referral Request
Subject: Join Our B2B Referral Network for Exclusive Perks
Dear [Customer’s Name],
We are excited to invite you to become part of our B2B Referral Network. This program is designed to reward you for introducing our products and services to other businesses while offering them a warm welcome with special benefits.
For each successful referral, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for exclusive rewards, such as service upgrades, additional features, or even cashback. The referred business will also receive a welcome gift when they sign up for our services.
To join our B2B Referral Network, please register here: [Referral Program Registration Link].
Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping us grow our family of satisfied clients.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
8. Earn a Commission Referral Email
Subject: Boost Your Business with Our B2B Referral Partnership
Dear [Customer’s Name],
This message is to announce our new B2B Referral Partnership program, designed to strengthen our collaboration while expanding our reach to other businesses that need our services.
By referring other businesses to us, you’ll receive a commission of 5% on their first year’s total contract value. In addition, the businesses you refer will enjoy a 5% discount on their first order, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
To get started, please click the link below to access your personalised referral dashboard:
[Referral Dashboard Link]
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to fostering even stronger partnerships with your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Source: TextExpander​ (TextExpander)​
9. Referral Request After a High Net Promoter Score
Subject: Thank You for Your Feedback!
Hi [Customer name],
When you recently took our Net Promoter Score survey, you gave us a score of [score] – suggesting you’re among our most enthusiastic customers, and most likely to share your experiences with your others. Thank you so much for your support!
If you have specific people or businesses in mind, would you share their details with us?
Our referral program provides an easy way to do so.
Whenever a friend you refer makes their first purchase, you’ll receive [reward] as a reward.
[Insert link to referral program page]
Thank you again for your feedback,
[Your Name]
10. Timely News Email
Subject: New [Product/Service] Can Transform [Target Industry/Challenge]
Hello, [forename].
We're proud to announce our latest [Product/Service] at [Your Company Name], designed to revolutionise [specific challenges] in [target industry/type of business].
We think you could be an important part of this transformation.
Because of your expertise and experience, we think you will have many people in your network who could benefit from solutions in this area. Would you introduce them to our [Product/Service]?
Your introduction could be the game-changer they need.
Use this personalised referral link and alert them to the opportunity: [Insert Referral Link].
Alternatively, please advise me on who to approach.
Your endorsement is powerful and could help your contacts overcome [specific challenges], leading them to [specific solutions or improvements].
Let's [target industry/type of business] change together.
Looking forward to your support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
These templates are designed for requesting referrals at various stages of customer interaction and in different business contexts. Customise them to fit your specific needs to enhance your referral acquisition strategy.
Request referrals with templates. This is the second of 17 referral prospecting methods shared on this site. See the others here.
If you want help to adapt these request referral templates or to set up referral prospecting systems, we can help. Call +44 (0)1392 851500. Alternatively, use the contact form here or send an email to jimm@salessense.co.uk.
