Referral programs incentivize existing customers to recommend products or services to their network, leveraging satisfied customers as advocates. These programs often offer rewards to both the referrer and the new customer, creating mutual incentives for participation.
Customer referral programs complement affiliate marketing by turning satisfied customers into active promoters. They typically generate high-quality leads because recommendations come from trusted sources with direct product experience and genuine satisfaction.
Successful referral programs require easy sharing mechanisms, attractive incentives, clear tracking systems, seamless reward fulfillment, and ongoing communication. In SaaS businesses, referral programs often focus on expanding within existing customer networks and industry connections, leveraging professional relationships.