Recommend gift ideas to keep the recommendations coming

Originally posted by 4imprint

When it comes to attracting new customers, the value of referrals is unmatched. Across industries, referrals convert three times more than the average lead, making referrals even more valuable.

It makes sense, too—wouldn’t you trust a friend’s recommendation of a product or service more than an advertisement? Businesses can achieve meaningful referrals by offering customers an incentive to spread the word. These five referral gift ideas can help you attract high-value customers.

Share the link and get rewarded

Getting referrals doesn’t have to be complicated. When customers make an online purchase, offer them the option to share a unique link that takes people to a selection of exclusive offers. Customers can choose to share this special link with family or friends and on social media. When a new user clicks on that link, it triggers a reward for the referring customer.

Offer tiered business referral gifts as a thank you. After their first referral, they receive a can cooler, their second referral a bottle opener, and their third referral a rolling cooler. Watch the referrals keep rolling in, bringing you a steady stream of new, high-value customers.

Collaborate to win a prize pack

Partner with like-minded or related businesses for referral promotions. For example, a roofing company could partner with an electrical service company. Or a smoothie shop could partner with a nearby deli. Offer your partnering business a coupon or discount code when a customer makes a purchase in person at your business. That business could do the same for you.

This strategy positions you as a referral agent, leveraging your relationship with your customers and the relationship your partners have with their customers. Additionally, 69% of consumers are more likely to try a brand or business if it offers an incentive.

With this in mind, a smoothie shop might welcome new customers with a free glass, and a deli might give out free stress-relief foods in the form of sandwiches.

Host a social sharing sweepstakes

Encourage customers to spread the word about your business with social media promotions. When you launch a new product or have a promotion, promote it on social media and enter anyone who shares the post into a prize draw. You can run the promotion for one day, or offer a prize draw once a day for longer.

Once the time is up, announce the winners on social media. Tag them and they may share your content again, further increasing your reach. Award top prizes, like hoodies, and additional participation incentives, like plastic water bottles, novelty footballs, or magnets.

Give a Gift — To Charity

Don’t just offer prizes or future discounts in exchange for word-of-mouth advertising, but bring philanthropy into the mix. Partner with a charity whose mission aligns with your business. Every time a customer pitches you a product, donate to the chosen charity. 82% of consumers want to buy from brands whose values ​​align with their own.

There are many ways to run this program. For example, with every purchase, customers receive a coupon to give to a friend. When the friend returns with the coupon, your business makes a donation to an animal rescue organization, food pantry, or after-school program. You can also give away branded promotional products. For example, a bakery could give away a mixer or measuring cup to every new charitable-minded customer. Donating to a charity through referrals is a great way to show how your business values ​​helping others.

Reward mystery prizes

Add a twist to your business referral gift by using an element of surprise. Instead of announcing a grand prize as a referral reward, turn it into a mystery gift basket. Theme it to your business or the season. A summer gift basket could include towels, sunglasses, and a beach ball along with a roomy bag. In the fall, fill the basket with a cozy blanket, warm mittens, and a perfect mug for hot chocolate.

Recommended Gift Ideas That Keep Giving

According to Nielsen^®89% of people trust word-of-mouth recommendations from acquaintances more than other forms of advertising.

That’s why referrals are so powerful. With these referral gift ideas, you can begin your journey to increasing your visibility and growing your customer base. Good luck!

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