03/06/2026
Who's got your back?
When it comes to spreading the word about your business, a referral circle can make a HUGE difference, maybe the biggest difference of all.
A study by Nielsen found that consumers were 77% more likely to buy a product if their friends recommended it, and that word-of-mouth marketing results in 5x more sales than paid media adverts. See why it's so powerful?
It's one thing for people to see your content and read your posts, but when other people shout out about you and sing your praises, people are far more likely to get in touch with you.
If you have even a handful of people who regularly refer you to others, more and more new costumers will come your way without you having to do anything or spend money on trying to attract them. In the last few weeks I have had people contact me who have been referred by people I don't even know! Word of mouth spreads, and it works like magic - as long as you can live up to expectations!
But how do you get to this to happen?
Well, first of all you have to provide an amazing service or product. People won't stick their neck out to refer an 'ok' business. You need to be outstanding.
Secondly, you need to be willing and able to return the favour.
A referral circle only works when you refer others too, it's only fair - and ALL small businesses like yours need the help just as much as you do.
The reason they work so well isn't just the fact that people are more likely to buy from personally recommended businesses. It also gets your business in front of hundreds of new people who you otherwise would never know.
Think about that.
If you want to start a referral circle, see if you can link up with a couple of other businesses who are also active on social media or in networking circles. When someone needs your service they would put you forward, and you will do the same for them. Let me know how you get on!
