When people like you, your product or service, chances are you already have free marketing going around for you. The probability of people marketing for you would have increased tremendously if they have used your products or services and are completely satisfied with it.

However in reality, it is not that simple and does not always happen. As much as you wish for this form of free marketing to keep going, people will not necessarily go around singing your praises unless someone asked about you, your products or services. Here are 7 tips you need to know to increase your chances of getting referrals:

Tip #1 - Prepare a referral form

Prepare a referral form that you can hand out to your customers, events or even for mailing out to people. It is important to say something like: "If you like our products or services, please recommend your friends below in the blank spaces provided in the form". Do not forget to mention the incentive they will receive for filling out the form.

Tip #2 - Ask for testimonials

Ask your existing clients who are satisfied with your products and services for testimonials that you can use on your website, brochure and sales letters. This creates credibility and makes it easier to sell and refer to other people.

Tip #3 - Refer businesses

Tell people about businesses you would recommend and allow them to use your name as their referral if they have decided to use the company you recommended. If the old saying of scratching one another's back story remains true, you may get some businesses referred back as well. Pass on any details you have and hopefully, the companies you referred to your clients will refer businesses back to you.

Tip #4 - Ask around

Ask your existing clients if they have anyone in mind who can use your product or service. Ask for the contacts and check if it is okay for you to use their names as referee. This not only brings in potential businesses, it also encourages your existing clients to refer you.

Tip #5 - Offer incentives

Offer a gift or token of appreciation for the people who recommended your products and services. The incentives serve as the motivational factor that encourages your existing clients to refer.

Tip #6 - Listen for potential referrals

Keep your ears peeled for referrals. Listen for remarks from your customers that mentioned about problems that can be solved by your products and services. All you have to do is to ask them for the contacts.

Tip #7 - Thank people for helping you out

When new clients contact you, do remember to ask them how they came to know about your products and services. This allows you to evaluate your advertising and marketing efforts, as well as to find out if they were referred by your existing client.

If the new clients were referred by your existing client, do send a thank you card to thank the person for referring business to you even if you are already giving that person an incentive. The purpose is to build up a strong relationship with your client so that they will continue to refer your business for you.