How to Encourage Clients to Share the Love: A Word-of-Mouth Marketing Strategy
- Sally Slate
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
A Guide to Client Referrals & Social Media Engagement
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow a business. 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising, making client referrals more valuable than any paid ad campaign.
Think about it—when you’re looking for recommendations, who do you ask first? And in today’s digital world, those referrals don’t just happen in person; they happen on social media, in online reviews, and through user-generated content.
So, how do you make it easy (and fun) for your clients to spread the word about your business? Here’s a simple strategy to encourage client referrals, build social proof, and turn happy customers into your best marketing tool.
The 3-Step Word-of-Mouth Marketing Plan
The goal of marketing is to move people from strangers to evangelists—and this framework will help you do just that.
Step 1: Deliver a Share-Worthy Experience
Before clients refer you, they need a reason to. Exceptional service, thoughtful gestures, and a seamless customer experience create moments people naturally want to share.
How to Make Your Business Memorable:
✅ Go the extra mile: Surprise your clients with small but thoughtful gestures—whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note, a post-service follow-up, or an unexpected bonus.
✅ Make it personal: Remember details about your clients and tailor your service to them.
✅ Celebrate milestones: Recognize birthdays, anniversaries, or client achievements to strengthen relationships.
When clients feel valued and appreciated, they’re more likely to talk about you—both online and offline.
Step 2: Provide Clear & Simple Ways to Share
Even happy clients need a little reminder to spread the word. Make it effortless for them to refer you, leave a review, or share their experience on social media.
How to Make Sharing Easy:
💡 Offer shareable content – Provide social media templates, testimonials, or direct review links they can use.
💡 Use QR codes and referral links – Include them on your website, receipts, and emails for instant access.
💡 Ask at the right time – The best time to request a review or referral is right after a great experience, when enthusiasm is high.
Referral Request Template:
A simple email or message like this can go a long way:
"We loved working with you! If you had a great experience, would you mind leaving us a review? Word-of-mouth marketing helps small businesses like ours grow. Here’s a quick link!"
Step 3: Reward & Recognize Engagement
People love being acknowledged—don’t you? When clients take the time to refer you, engage with your brand, or leave a review, make sure they feel appreciated.
🎁 Create a referral program – Offer rewards like discounts, free consultations, or exclusive perks for client referrals.
👏 Give social media shoutouts – Publicly thank clients who share their experiences.
🌟 Offer VIP perks – Give top advocates first access to new services, early booking, or loyalty rewards.
The more appreciated clients feel, the more they’ll continue supporting your business.
How to Build a Social Buzz Around Your Brand
Want more people talking about your business? Encourage social sharing through creative engagement strategies.
Encourage User-Generated Content
When clients create content about your brand, it acts as free, authentic advertising and strengthens word-of-mouth marketing. Encourage them to:
📸 Tag your business in posts, stories, and testimonials.
🏷️ Use a branded hashtag to make it easy to track and share client content.
🔄 Feature their content on your social media to boost credibility and community engagement.
Engage Clients with Contests & Giveaways
Want to increase client engagement and referrals? Host fun contests that encourage participation.
🔥 Example: “Share a photo of your experience with [Your Business] and tag us for a chance to win a free service!”
🔥 Example: “Leave a review this month and enter to win a special prize.”
Make Sharing a Natural Part of the Customer Journey
Help clients help you by seamlessly integrating sharing opportunities into their experience.
📩 Send an automated “thank you” email with a direct share link.
🎨 Provide Instagram-worthy moments at your location (aesthetic backdrops, branded props, or unique experiences).
💬 Encourage video testimonials – Ask satisfied clients to record a short testimonial for social media.
When sharing feels natural and effortless, more clients will do it.
Cultivating a Community of Advocates
Client advocacy isn’t just about one-time shares—it’s about building an engaged, loyal community.
🏡 Create a private Facebook or LinkedIn group where clients can connect, ask questions, and get exclusive content.
📢 Give early access to news, services, or workshops for your most engaged clients.
🔗 Make them feel like part of something bigger—whether it’s supporting a mission, a lifestyle, or a like-minded community.
A strong client community turns happy customers into long-term brand ambassadors.
Show Gratitude & Keep the Love Flowing
People who feel valued will continue to engage. Don’t you feel that way? Show appreciation consistently to keep momentum going.
💌 Publicly thank clients for referrals, shares, and reviews.
🎁 Send small surprise gifts to your most engaged advocates.
📅 Recognize important client milestones to strengthen long-term relationships.
When clients know they’re truly appreciated, they’ll keep coming back—and bringing others with them!
Encouraging clients to “share the love” isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about creating such a great experience that they naturally want to spread the word.
✅ A 3-step word-of-mouth marketing system (deliver a great experience, make it easy to share, and reward engagement).
✅ A social media strategy that gets people talking.
✅ A community-building approach that turns happy clients into long-term advocates.
💬 How do you encourage your clients to share the love? Drop your favorite strategy in the comments!
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