Referral + Testimonial Request
A combined referral and testimonial request email that leverages a customer's satisfaction to generate both social proof and new leads simultaneously.
Short answer
A combined referral and testimonial email makes two separate, optional asks: share a short testimonial through one link, and introduce a friend or colleague through a referral link, with any referral perk spelled out. Send it only to clearly happy customers, such as recent promoters or power users; for everyone else, send the testimonial and referral requests separately.
Suggested Subject Line
Share the love, {customer_name}? (+ a special perk)
Template
Hi {customer_name},
I love hearing about your success with {product/service} -- {specific_result_or_compliment} is exactly what we aim for.
I have two quick asks (you can do one, both, or neither -- no pressure!):
1️⃣ SHARE YOUR STORY
A quick testimonial about your experience would help others in {industry/role} discover {product/service}. Takes about 2 minutes:
→ Share your testimonial: {testimonial_link}
2️⃣ SPREAD THE WORD
Know someone who could benefit from {product/service}? If you refer them and they sign up, you'll both get {referral_incentive}.
→ Your referral link: {referral_link}
Whether you share your story, spread the word, or both -- thank you for being such an amazing part of our community.
{your_name}
{company_name}Tips for Using This Template
Combine testimonial and referral requests only for your most enthusiastic customers. For lukewarm customers, stick to one ask at a time.
Put the testimonial request first -- it requires less commitment and warms them up for the referral ask.
Make the referral incentive valuable for both parties (referrer and referee). One-sided incentives feel transactional.
Include specific results or compliments to remind them why they're happy before making either ask.
When to Use This Template
Send to customers who have expressed high satisfaction: NPS promoters (9-10), recent positive feedback, active power users, or customers who have already referred others informally. This combined approach works best for established, enthusiastic customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should testimonial and referral requests be combined or separate?
It depends on the customer's enthusiasm level. For your strongest advocates, combining them maximizes the interaction. For moderately satisfied customers, separate requests perform better because each ask gets full attention. When in doubt, separate them.
What referral incentives work best?
The most effective incentives match your product: account credits, free months of service, premium feature unlocks, or exclusive access. Cash incentives work but feel more transactional. The best programs offer equal value to both the referrer and the referee.
How do referral testimonials differ from regular testimonials?
Referral testimonials often emphasize trust and personal recommendation: 'I've told three friends about this product.' They carry extra weight because the person is essentially putting their reputation on the line. Feature these prominently as they're among the most persuasive testimonials you can collect.
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