Need to get more referrals? Want to turn happy customers into a steady stream of referrals? Your follow-up process is the key. Here's a proven 7-day system that doubles referral rates and strengthens customer relationships.

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First Contact: Day 1

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Timing is everything in follow-up. Make your first contact within 24 hours of completing service. A quick thank you message shows you value their business and care about their satisfaction. Keep it personal and genuine - reference specific details about their service experience.

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The first follow-up isn't about asking for anything. Focus only on ensuring their satisfaction and addressing any minor concerns before they become issues. If they're thrilled with the service, make a note to ask for a review or referral in your next contact.

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Review Request: Days 2-3

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If the initial follow-up confirmed their satisfaction, now's the time to ask for a review. Make it easy by sending direct links to your preferred review platforms. Explain how their feedback helps other customers make informed decisions. Remember to thank them in advance for taking the time to share their experience.

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Choose your review platform strategically. Having 50 reviews on one site (Google) looks a lot better than having 5 reviews on 10 different sites (Trustpilot, Angi, BBB, etc). Where do your best prospects look for service providers like you? Focus your review requests on these platforms for maximum impact. Guide happy customers to the platforms where their reviews will have the most influence.

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Additional Value: Days 4-5

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Share relevant tips and information based on the service provided. This might be maintenance advice, seasonal recommendations, or money-saving suggestions. The goal is to show ongoing value beyond the initial service.

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This is also the perfect time to introduce your referral program. Frame it as an opportunity to help their friends and family receive the same great service. Explain any rewards or incentives clearly, but keep the focus on the value their referrals will receive.

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Analysis and Tracking: Days 6-7

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Check response rates to your follow-up efforts. Which messages get the best engagement? What times of day see higher response rates? Use this information to refine your approach.

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Track both immediate and long-term results. Some customers might not refer immediately but become great referral sources months later. Note which follow-up approaches lead to the most valuable long-term relationships.

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Beyond the First Week

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Create a long-term nurture system for satisfied customers. Regular check-ins, seasonal maintenance reminders, and special offers keep you top of mind. The more value you provide, the more likely they are to remember you when referral opportunities arise.

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Consider creating a VIP program for your best referral sources. Special perks and priority service show appreciation, as well as encouraging continued referrals.

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To go deeper on these referral systems ideas, check out "The Referral Engine."

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Balance Automatic But Personal

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Make your follow-up system automatic but personal. Yes, you want to use technology to ensure consistent timing. But you also want to customize messages based on the specific service and customer interaction. Small personal touches make a big difference in response rates.

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Train your team to gather the right information during service that makes follow-up more effective. Notes about customers' specific concerns or future projects help personalize later communications.

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Measure The Impact

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Track key metrics like referral rates, review completion rates, and customer retention. Compare results. Identify what works best with your customer base.

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Calculate the lifetime value of referred customers versus other acquisition sources. Often, referred customers become your most valuable long-term relationships and best future referral sources.

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Remember that a good follow-up system is about building relationships, not just asking for referrals. When you consistently provide value and show genuine care, referrals happen naturally. This system helps you maximize those opportunities while strengthening customer loyalty.