Episode 174 - The Best Referral Marketing Strategies for Custom T-shirt Businesses

Custom Apparel Startups

Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most effective ways to generate leads and sales

How to generate Word of Mouth

• Label your shirts
• Do great work
• Be the "I met a guy/lady/ the other day that does this"
• Ask for referrals

Encourage your customers to refer their friends and family members to your business

Friends and Family Plans
There's a reason that you recognize that phrase. And a reason that Multi-level marketing is a bajillion dollar business..

Because there may be no better advocates for you and your business. You just need to systemize your plans.

Tip: every time you meet someone, make sure they know what you do!

Create a referral program that rewards customers for referring their friends and family members

Refer a Friend Programs Work
Here are a few things you can try:

• Refer a friend and get discount
• Refer a friend and get cash
• Refer a friend and get a unique gift e.g. custom monogrammed bag
• Give $20, Get $20

Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, or wherever you "social", to promote your referral marketing campaign

Leveraging Social Media for Referrals
The theme to this one is, don't make your referral program a secret. Or something you share on a limited basis.

Ask for social media referrals:

• Post just asking for referrals - if you like the content I make, please share with friends
• Ask followers to 'tag' - tag someone who would look great in this hat
• Ask followers to share page - hey I am looking to grow the business, please refer me.

Make it easy for customers to refer their friends and family members by providing them with customized referral links or coupons

Landing Pages/Web Pages/Emails JUST for Referral Programs

• Make it easy and obvious
• Add a referral link / suggestion to email signature
• Upon invoicing ask for referrals
• Have a page on your site just about referral program

Say thank you for referrals

• Send Thank You cards (yes, in the mail)
• Send gifts - chocolates, wine, apparel, gift cards
• Call and literally say 'thanks, that means a lot'