Did you know there is an untapped potential for word-of-mouth marketing? The art and science of designing an effective referral system will develop exponential growth for your law firm. Read 8 Figure Firm’s blog to discover the secrets of harnessing the power of referrals and creating a powerful network of brand advocates.
What is a Referral?
A referral is an effective way to make your law firm more visible to potential clients. It can be generated organically, through word of mouth, or through intentional marketing.
Referrals can bring in more clients at a lower cost and help you grow your customer base. They are also proof that your business is delivering excellent customer service.
A long-term strategy for any law firm should incorporate referrals as a key component of its customer engagement plan. Referrals are a powerful tool to win business and build relationships.
What is a Referral System?
A referral system is a word-of-mouth marketing technique that incentivizes clients to become ambassadors for your brand. Referral systems are a great addition to leaving online reviews or filling out customer feedback surveys, as it allows customers to easily share their brand experience with their partners, colleagues, and friends.
What is the Goal of a Referral System?
The goal is to make your customers speak positively of your business. This will result in more people being exposed to your firm and they, in turn, may join your customer base. Ultimately, it should help you expand your client or customer base.
Designing an Effective Referral System
Establishing a referral system from the ground up can be an arduous task for businesses, but the benefits can be well worth it. Take the following factors into account to make the process easier.
Set Goals
Establishing your goals and objectives is the first step, make sure that you define them clearly. You can ask yourself these questions to help you determine the specific goal of your referral system.
- What do I hope to get out of this referral system?
- Are these goals tied more to growth and revenue?
- Do I want to add retention to that mix?
- Am I in an industry that requires an exceptional amount of trust-building?
Give Rewards
A referral program is incomplete without rewards, as they create a strong incentive for people to take part. Additionally, it can be considered an effective way to build customer loyalty.
Selecting a reward that is in line with your business objectives is crucial for the success of your referral campaign. You should reward customers’ referrals with something that links them back to our business rather than providing them with a gift card for another business, as it may benefit other companies.
Here are some examples of rewards that you can use:
- Free service
- Company merchandising
- Exclusive content
Create a Promotion
Email is an effective tool to promote a referral system and make customers aware of its benefits. The email must contain all the necessary details about the referral system, such as info, rewards, and an easy-to-follow process for earning rewards.
Implementing a website pop-up will allow you to spread the word about your referral system swiftly and cost-effectively to both existing and potential customers. Taking advantage of this opportunity presents itself as an effective marketing strategy, as it has the potential to turn a potential customer into a brand ambassador.
Where to Get Referrals From?
Clients
Generating client referrals begins with providing excellent customer service. Going beyond customer expectations allows clients to communicate their positive experiences to others which can lead to more business. However, requesting a referral from the start and throughout a case can also be beneficial for your firm.
Make sure to equip your customers with the most effective tools possible to help them promote you: newsletters, videos, and blogs are excellent tactics that make content easier to share. Lastly, don’t forget to inform your clients that they can get a reward when they refer people to your firm.
Other Lawyers
Most law firms specialize in a particular practice area but still need to be equipped to refer cases that fall outside their expertise. When this happens, they will usually refer the individual to another lawyer who can properly assist them. Your law firm’s reputation and visibility will be key to obtaining these organic lawyer-to-lawyer referrals.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with other lawyers is key for successful lawyer-to-lawyer referrals. Business connections are commonly developed through engaging in events or business development activities, appearances in court, and attending educational events.
Non-Attorney Professionals
To generate more referrals from people outside your legal network, you should increase your presence in the community to increase visibility. You can do this by participating in professional and community organizations. These groups often give members ample chances to get exposed.
You might get invited to impart knowledge on specific topics in your field, keep them updated regarding policy changes, or teach them best practices. For example, your firm can provide valuable information regarding the latest law amendments and their interpretations.
By implementing a well-designed referral system, you can tap into the influential force of word-of-mouth marketing, fueling organic growth, and fostering a loyal community of brand advocates who propel your business to new heights.
Speak to the Experts
If you want to learn more about creating and implementing an effective referral system to generate growth, 8 Figure Firm has the right tools for you. Our ONE.Coach program is designed to equip you with the tools you need to effectively design your referral system and take your team to the top.
If you’re ready to take your law firm to the next level, register for ONE.Coach today. We’ll help you turn your law firm into a law business.
