The freelancer’s guide to building a referral network that actually brings work in
A positive word travels fast in freelance circles. In fact, referral networks are so effective that 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know, and referred customers spend 25% more on average on their initial purchase.
If you’re a freelancer and you’ve never heard of the term “referral network” or “referral program” before, you’re in safe hands. This could very well be the difference between struggling to get work and winning consistent clients!
Read on to unlock the how-tos of this highly beneficial freelancer tool.
What is a referral network?
The best way to think of a referral network is like a supportive professional society.
It’s a group of freelancers or businesses who recommend each other’s products, services, and expertise to potential clients. The ultimate goal is to create organic work opportunities through word of mouth.
Old school? Maybe. But very effective. Word of mouth is one of the primary drivers when it comes to purchasing decisions, and it influences 20 to 50% of all purchases.
With this in mind, a referral network should be a priority rather than a nice-to-have when you’re a freelancer.
What are the benefits of a referral network for freelancers?
Finding work as a freelancer can often feel like a never-ending uphill battle, with a few too many unpredictable dips and troughs along the way.
However, not all hope is lost. Building a referral network can change the game in quite a few ways…
Warmer leads that don’t feel awkward or forced: Clients who come through a referral will already trust you more due to the shared connection, so there’s less pressure for a hard sell. Less time pitching, and more time doing what you love.
More reliable, consistent work: If you’re fed up with relying on job boards, vague newsletter opportunities, and cold outreach, referrals can create a steady stream of opportunities, keeping your pipeline refreshed and ready to go.
Dream client galore: People tend to refer those who are a good match for your services and niche. So, when you have a carefully curated referral network, you’re more likely to land the clients you actually enjoy working with.
Less lonely, more community: The freelancing world can be a lonely one… But it doesn’t have to be. Having a referral network opens up a world of opportunities and communities.
How to build a freelancer referral network in 5 steps
If you’ve been wondering how freelancers get referrals, it’s time to let you in on the secret. Here’s how to build your very own sustainable referral network and reap the benefits in no time…
Start with those already in your circles
Who said that starting a referral network means starting from scratch? If you’re a freelancer, it’s likely that you already have a network of sorts — you just might not be utilising it properly.
Think about past clients you loved working for, clients you’re currently working with, or even a few fellow freelancers who inspire you. LinkedIn can be a great place to create a starting list. These are the people who will make up the foundation of your referral network.
Reach out, check in, and show up in their circles to remind people that you exist. That’s the first step.
Give before you receive
Referral relationships are supposed to be mutually beneficial and never one-sided. So, if you want people to recommend you, you’ll need to think about how you can support others, too.
Share the work of your peers and celebrate their wins without prompting. Be proactive, not reactive, and practice generosity within your network at all times to build loyalty. This is what an effective referral network is built on.
Make it easy for others to refer you
If you want referrals, you’ll need to make sure that people in your network know what you do and who you help.
The clearer they are on your mission, the more likely (and confident) they’ll be to refer you to others. To do this, a simple one-liner introduction works wonders, whether you’re connecting with a peer in-person or online.
Show up in the right spaces
As a freelancer, there are so many communities and groups available for networking and new connections. Try a mix of the following and see which works best for you:
LinkedIn
Freelancer Facebook groups
Local, in-person networking events and lunches
Virtual co-working meet-ups
These are all brilliant places to meet potential referral partners. Show up, be helpful, and be open. You’ll be rewarded with organic connections as a result.
And always follow up and say thank you
If somebody sends a client your way, remember to acknowledge it. You don’t have to send a fruit basket or a seven-page essay, but a genuine thank you always goes a long way. They’ll also remember your kindness and be far more likely to refer you again in the future.
Need some extra support as a freelancer?
Building a referral network as a freelancer does take time and effort, but the benefits speak for themselves.
If you’re finding that your day-to-day tasks are eating into the time you should be spending on building connections and completing client work, freelance business support could be what you need.
At Bizzybee Bolly, we help freelancers and small business owners take back control of their time. From social media scheduling to email management, we can handle all of the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on your goals.
Want to learn more? Get in touch today to learn how our VA services can support you.
