Referrals
Referral Request Cold Email Example
How to ask for referrals via email. Example shows timing, specificity, and making it easy for happy customers to refer.
The Scenario
A SaaS company reaches out to a successful customer who recently achieved significant results with their product. They're asking for referrals to similar companies.
The Email
SUBJECT LINE
Quick favor? (2 minutes)
Hi Jennifer, First - congrats on hitting $1M ARR last month. I remember when you signed up and mentioned that goal seemed "ambitious." Look at you now. Since you've had such great results with our platform (42% reduction in support tickets is still our best case study), I wanted to ask a small favor. Do you know 2-3 other SaaS founders or CS leaders who might benefit from what we do? Specifically thinking about companies: - Series A to B stage - Growing support volume - Looking to automate without losing quality Happy to send you a quick blurb you can forward, or if you just share their names and emails, I can reach out directly and mention you suggested we connect. As a thank you, we'll give you a $500 credit for each referral that becomes a customer. Either way, no pressure - just wanted to ask since you know firsthand what the product can do. Best, Mark CEO, SupportAI
Why It Works
- 1Timing - after they achieved a milestone
- 2References their specific success (42% reduction)
- 3Very specific about who they're looking for
- 4Makes it easy - multiple ways to refer
- 5Clear incentive ($500 credit)
- 6No pressure close - respects the relationship
Key Elements Breakdown
OPENING
Celebration of their success - relationship first
VALUE PROPOSITION
Their results speak to what the product can do
SOCIAL PROOF
The customer themselves is the proof point
CALL TO ACTION
Multiple easy options to make the referral
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Asking too early in the relationship
- Being vague about who you're looking for
- Making them do too much work
- Not offering any incentive
- Asking when they haven't had success yet
Variations to Try
- Ask after they give positive feedback or NPS score
- Reference a specific conversation where they mentioned others
- Tie to a product update they're excited about
More Examples
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