Customer referral emails are a great way to grow your business. When customers refer their friends and family to your business, you are essentially getting a free endorsement from someone they trust. This can be a very effective way to generate leads and new customers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing customer referral emails. First, make sure the email is personalized to the customer. Address the customer by name and mention something specific about their purchase or experience with your company. Try Hiver’s free AI email writer to create such personalized copies. You can prompt the email writer to create personalized emails based on your customers’ purchase experience.
Second, highlight the benefits that the customer’s friends and family would receive by using your product or service. What problems does your product or service solve? How will it make their lives better?
Third, offer a compelling incentive for the customer to refer their friends and family. This could be a discount, a gift, or even just the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping out a friend.
Finally, make it easy for the customer to refer their friends and family members. Provide a clear call-to-action and include a link or button that they can click to share their referral link.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cash or Gift Card Incentive
- 2. Exclusive Discount or Special Offer
- 3. Free Product or Service Upgrade
- 4. Points or Loyalty Rewards
- 5. Entry into a Sweepstakes or Giveaway
- 6. Charitable Donation on Behalf of Referrer
- 7. Tiered Referral Rewards
- 8. Personalized Swag Pack
- 9. Meeting with a celebrity/industry influencer/expert
- Get started
Here are 9 types of referral email ideas and their templates that you can use to get started. These referral templates cover a variety of different scenarios, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for your business.
1. Cash or Gift Card Incentive
Offering cash rewards or gift cards as incentives provides a tangible benefit for customers who refer others. It appeals to their desire for immediate gratification and monetary gain, making them more motivated to share their positive experiences with the brand.
Subject line: Refer a Friend, Get Rewarded with Cash!
Dear [Customer’s Name],
We hope you’re enjoying your experience with [Your Company], and we have a fantastic opportunity for you to earn some extra cash.
Refer your friends, family, or colleagues to try our products/services, and for every successful referral, we’ll reward you with [Amount] cash or a [Gift Card Type] gift card of your choice!
It’s a win-win situation – your friends get to experience the benefits of [Your Company], and you get to enjoy some extra cash in your pocket!
Start referring now and start earning!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being a valued advocate for [Your Company]!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
2. Exclusive Discount or Special Offer
Providing exclusive discounts or special offers to both the referrer and the referred customer creates a sense of exclusivity and value. It encourages customers to refer others to access these unique benefits, fostering a strong sense of brand loyalty and advocacy.
Subject line: Refer & Redeem: Exclusive Discount Awaits!
Hello [Customer’s Name],
We’re excited to have you as part of our loyal customer base, and we’d love to reward you for your support.
Refer your friends to [Your Company], and when they make their first purchase, you’ll unlock an exclusive [Percentage/Amount] discount on your next order.
Your friends will also receive the same special offer as a welcome gift.
Spread the word and enjoy the benefits of being an advocate for [Your Company]!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being a crucial part of our growth!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
3. Free Product or Service Upgrade
Offering a free product/service upgrade entices customers to refer their friends, knowing they will receive additional value for their loyalty. This incentive promotes customer satisfaction and ensures that they continue to enjoy enhanced benefits from the brand.
Subject line: Share & Upgrade: Free Gift Awaits You!
Hello [Customer’s Name],
Your satisfaction is our top priority at [Your Company], and we have an exciting offer to show our appreciation.
Refer your friends to experience [Your Company]’s exceptional products/services, and when they become customers, we’ll upgrade your current plan to the next level for free!
Let your friends benefit from our offerings while you enjoy the perks of a premium upgrade.
Start referring now and unlock your free gift!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being a valued member of [Your Company]’s family!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
4. Points or Loyalty Rewards
Loyalty point systems incentivize customers to accumulate points by referring others. These points can be redeemed for rewards, encouraging ongoing engagement and repeat referrals, which ultimately boosts retention and builds stronger customer relationships.
Recommended Read: How to Create a Successful Customer Loyalty Program
Subject line: Refer & Earn: Loyalty Points Galore!
Dear [Customer’s Name],
As a loyal customer of [Your Company], you already know the value we place on customer satisfaction. Now, we’d like to reward you for spreading the word.
Refer your friends to [Your Company], and for each successful referral, you’ll earn [Number] loyalty points. Accumulate points to redeem for exciting rewards from our exclusive loyalty program!
Share your love for [Your Company] and enjoy the benefits of being part of our loyal community.
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being an essential part of our success!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
5. Entry into a Sweepstakes or Giveaway
Running a customer referral program as a giveaway or sweepstakes generates excitement and curiosity among customers. It encourages them to participate actively, increasing the likelihood of them sharing their positive reviews with their network to improve their chances of winning the exciting grand prize.
Subject line: Refer & Win Big: Enter Our Exciting Giveaway!
Hi [Customer’s Name],
We’re thrilled to announce our latest giveaway, and you have a chance to win big!
Refer your friends to [Your Company] during the giveaway period, and each successful referral will earn you an entry into our grand prize draw. The more you refer, the higher your chances of winning [Exciting Grand Prize]!
Not only do you get a shot at the grand prize, but your friends also get to experience the exceptional products/services that you love.
Start referring now and join the giveaway excitement!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being part of our thriving community!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
6. Charitable Donation on Behalf of Referrer
Aligning referrals with charitable donations allows your current customers to feel they are making a positive impact on society. This incentive appeals to customers’ altruistic values and can lead to happy customers with stronger emotional connections with the brand.
Subject line: Make a Difference: Refer & Support a Cause!
Dear [Customer’s Name],
At [Your Company], we believe in giving back to the community, and you can be part of our mission.
Refer your friends to experience [Your Company]’s offerings, and for every new referral, we’ll make a charitable donation on your behalf to a cause close to your heart.
Your referrals can make a positive impact, and you get to choose the charity you’d like to support.
Start referring now and join us in making a difference!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being a compassionate advocate for [Your Company] and the community!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
7. Tiered Referral Rewards
A tiered referral program provides clear milestones for customers to achieve, creating a sense of accomplishment and progression. The increasing rewards at each tier motivate customers to refer more, resulting in higher referral rates and greater customer engagement. This is a great way to discover potential customers.
Subject line: Refer & Climb the Reward Tiers!
Hi [Customer’s Name],
Are you ready for an exciting challenge? Our referral program is now tiered, offering you the chance to earn even bigger rewards!
Refer your friends to [Company Name], and as you reach different referral milestones, you’ll unlock progressively greater rewards. From exclusive discounts and gift cards to premium products and personalized experiences – the higher you climb, the more you gain!
Start referring today and start your journey to the top!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being a valued participant in our tiered referral program!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
8. Personalized Swag Pack
A personalized swag pack as a referral incentive adds a personal touch and makes customers feel appreciated and valued. The unique merchandise strengthens the bond between the customer and the brand, fostering a deeper sense of loyalty.
Subject line: Refer & Get Custom Swag – Just for You!
Hello [Customer’s Name],
We appreciate your dedication to our brand, and we have something special in store for you.
Refer your friends to [Your Company], and when they become customers, we’ll send you a personalized swag pack filled with exclusive merchandise, custom-made just for you!
Let your friends experience the magic of [Your Company] while you enjoy your one-of-a-kind swag pack.
Start referring now and claim your custom goodies!
[Insert Referral Link]
Thank you for being an extraordinary brand ambassador!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
9. Meeting with a celebrity/industry influencer/expert
Using a one-on-one meeting with an industry expert as a customer referral incentive offers high perceived value and motivation for customers to participate actively. The impact of gaining insights from an esteemed expert leads to long-term customer engagement, increased referrals, and improved brand reputation, making it a compelling and memorable incentive.
Subject line: Unlock the Ultimate Referral Reward: One-on-One Session with an Award-Winning Industry Expert!
Dear [Customer’s Name],
As one of our most valued customers, we have an extraordinary opportunity exclusively for you.
Our referral program has been taken to a whole new level, and we’re thrilled to offer you the chance to win a one-on-one session with an award-winning industry expert in exchange for the highest number of successful referrals.
Imagine having an esteemed mentor personally guide you through your business challenges, share invaluable insights, and help you take your professional journey to new heights!
Here’s how it works:
-Refer your friends, colleagues, or anyone who can benefit from our offerings.
-For every referral who becomes a customer, you’ll earn points. The more referrals, the more points you accumulate!
-The customer with the highest number of successful referrals at the end of the referral period wins the grand prize the exclusive one-on-one session with our industry expert!
Start referring now and climb your way to the top!
[Insert Referral Link]
The referral period starts today and ends on [End Date]. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain insights from the best in the industry.
Good luck, and may you reach unprecedented heights with the guidance of our award-winning expert!
Thank you for being an essential part of our referral success!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Get started
Customer referral email templates are powerful tools to leverage the satisfied customer base for organic growth. These email campaigns are designed to establish personal connections, outline referral benefits, provide easy-to-use referral kits, and create a sense of urgency or exclusivity. By encouraging customers to share their positive experiences and rewards with others, businesses can tap into an effective and cost-efficient marketing strategy that fosters trust and credibility.