“Advertisers around the world are able to reach consumers across an increasingly diverse range of media platforms. Even so, the recommendation of someone else remains the most trusted source of information when consumers decide which products and services to buy.”

What’s the number one secret you need to know to help grow your business in the shortest amount of time? You guessed it, referral marketing! According to a survey conducted by eMarketers.com, “More than half (53 percent) of Internet users had visited websites referred by friends or family members.”

Current customers are a key component in generating new business. Your existing clients need to be an integral part of your sales team. If you’re doing all of the things you promised in your contract, getting business from current customers is easy. The statistics don’t lie: 90 percent of consumers trust peers based on a Nielsen poll, and less than 10 percent trust an unknown source.

Selling is about trust. Cold calling is perceived a lot like phone spam. The key is to nurture current client campaigns and social media marketing. Referral selling works. No other lead generation or business development method can compare. Compared to cold calling, referral sales are pre-sold, your competition is eliminated, the sales process is shortened, and your conversion rate from prospect to client is more than 50 percent.

It’s important to also reward the individuals, businesses and clients who provided you with these referrals. At Pristine PR we offer clients a referral incentive program, discounting their monthly service charges, giving gift cards, or certificates to their favorite restaurants, just to name a few!

If you have any questions on this topic or would like to hear how the latest media, marketing and technology strategies can help grow your business, contact Kristine Bruner direct at (561) 866-7923.

Sources:
The Power of Referral Marketing by Vincent Newton
Build Your Business through Referrals by Joanne Black