7 creative referral programs to step up your game

You most likely know that running a convincing referral program is an essential part of every business. But just in case you’re not on board already, just take a look at these stats:

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of our top 5 referral program ideas that we find particularly creative for your marketing & sales. 

This is a really engaging and cleverly gamified way to refer a friend and create a deeper connection between you and your customers. As a result, you’ll turn them into your biggest brand advocates.

In fact, if we take this just one step further and start giving customers points for completing different actions on your website, you’ll have yourself a great example of a loyalty program. This process is very easily set up in Talon.One’s Campaign Manager. 

So, although not outrageously creative, Airbnb has a very nice example of how to encourage customers to go through various onboarding steps.

Source: Airbnb

Sign up, pay for a stay & buy an ‘Experience’. 

Both the current customer and the referred friend receive their money in the form of a coupon code with credit assigned to it and their terms and conditions reads:

“Coupon codes may not be transferred to another person, exchanged for cash, or combined with other Airbnb referral programs or incentives.” Airbnb Terms & Conditions 

To make sure customers can’t give their coupons to friends a very simple solution is to link each coupon code that’s triggered by the referral to the customer profile IDs. In this way, the coupons can only be used by that specific ID number.  

Uber’s referral program is simple and clear for riders.

Sign up for an Uber account, get your cash credits and enjoy your first ride. Refer a friend to sign up with your code, and both of you can enjoy referral credits.

Uber also offers a referral reward for drivers who used to drive for Lyft, which is one of Uber’s biggest competitors. This is a great trick to onboard good leads for your business (and steal your competitor’s customers). 

Learn more about Uber’s loyalty program, Uber Rewards here.

Tesla’s approach and creativity are outstanding when it comes to referral programs. 

The company has been constantly changing its referral program to mirror its client base which keeps on developing as the years roll by. 

Initially, they offered clients $1000 to refer a friend. 

Then, they adapted their strategy to give their customers, who refer a lot of friends, a chance to win more exclusive prizes. 

Some referral rewards include invitations to a special event and an opportunity to get special edition items that aren’t accessible to the public.

Furthermore, the first to refer twenty people in their region will get a free Model X or Model S. 

And each Tesla owner can give their friends up to ten $1000 discounts. 

When considering referrals, we think the best rewards are the things that money can't buy. Regardless of whether they’re unique items, VIP treatment, or an invitation to a private event, your customers will feel valued and a part of something bigger. 

Harry’s referral program is pretty straightforward and most importantly, it works. 

The more friends you refer, the more benefits you receive.

Simple, but great, right? Why should your customers be limited by a certain amount of referrals really?

Whoever refers the most friends that sign up during the campaign wins $1000 and a bottle of bourbon. Yes! 

Plus, $500 for 2nd and $250 for 3rd place. On top of this incentive, like always every friend who gets referred will receive $10 when they sign up. 

Incentivize your customers to spread the word about your business in a smart way and you’ll save a lot of money on your marketing budget.