Referral Request Email Examples for Sales Success

Learn how to effectively ask for referrals with these practical sales email examples.
By Taylor

Asking for Referrals in Sales Emails

Asking for referrals can be a powerful way to grow your business and expand your network. When you have satisfied customers, they can be your best advocates, helping you reach new prospects. Here are three diverse examples that demonstrate how to ask for a referral in a sales email.

Example 1: The Happy Customer Approach

Context

This example is ideal for when you have just completed a project for a client who is pleased with your work. It’s a straightforward way to leverage their satisfaction.

Dear [Client’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to thank you for trusting us with [describe the project or service]. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’m thrilled to hear you’re happy with the results.

If you know anyone who could benefit from our services, I would greatly appreciate it if you could refer them to me. Your endorsement means a lot, and I would love to help others achieve similar results.

Thank you once again for your support!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Company Name]

Notes

Keep the tone warm and personal. You could also include a small incentive for referrals if appropriate, such as a discount for the referrer.

Example 2: The Networking Request

Context

Use this example when reaching out to a contact in your network who may not be a direct client but knows your work well. It’s a more casual approach, suitable for expanding your reach.

Hi [Contact’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to catch up and let you know about some exciting developments at [Your Company Name]. We’ve recently launched [mention any new service or product], and I’m really excited about the impact it’s having.

If you come across anyone who might benefit from our offerings, I would be grateful if you could pass my information along. Your referrals are invaluable to me, and I truly appreciate your support.

Let’s connect soon—I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to!

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Company Name]

Notes

This approach is less formal and encourages an ongoing relationship, making it easier for your contact to respond positively.

Example 3: The Follow-Up with a Twist

Context

This example works well after a successful follow-up meeting or presentation. It’s a gentle nudge that reminds the recipient of your interaction while asking for referrals.

Subject: Great Connecting with You!

Hi [Recipient’s Name],

It was great to connect with you during our last meeting! I enjoyed discussing [specific topics discussed] and learning about your insights.

Since you found our conversation valuable, I wanted to ask if you could think of anyone in your network who might also benefit from what we discussed. Referrals from trusted connections like you can make a big difference for us.

If you think of someone, I’d be happy to reach out and introduce myself. Thank you for considering this, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Company Name]

Notes

Utilize specific details from your last interaction to personalize the request. This makes your ask feel more genuine and connected to the relationship you’ve built.

By using these examples of how to ask for a referral in a sales email, you can effectively tap into your network and grow your business through trusted recommendations.