Referral System Builder

Prompt

Design a referral system to consistently generate new freelance clients through word-of-mouth.

Context:
- My service: [DESCRIPTION]
- Current referral rate: [% OF NEW CLIENTS FROM REFERRALS OR 'UNKNOWN']
- Best clients (who you'd clone): [DESCRIBE THEM]
- Current network size: [HOW MANY PAST CLIENTS, COLLEAGUES, PARTNERS]
- Referral incentive currently offered: [NONE / DESCRIBE CURRENT]

Build the system:

1. **Referral Timing Strategy** — Exactly when in the client lifecycle to ask for referrals (not at the end — where in the middle?). The optimal trigger moments.

2. **Referral Request Script** — Natural, non-awkward language for asking happy clients if they know anyone.

3. **Referral Partner Program** — How to create a formal (but light) partner program with complementary service providers (e.g., web designer partners with copywriter).

4. **Referral Email Templates** — For 3 scenarios:
   - Asking an active client mid-project
   - Asking a past client 6 months after project close
   - Asking a colleague or peer for referrals

5. **Incentive Design** — What to offer as a referral incentive without cheapening your positioning. Options: discount, gift, reciprocal referral, donation.

6. **Thank-You System** — How to acknowledge and reward referrals to keep them coming.

7. **Tracking** — Simple spreadsheet for tracking referral sources and conversion rates.

Goal: make referrals a systematic, repeatable source of 40%+ of new business.