Of all the ways one can “advertise” their business, referrals are at the top of the list. There’s even an organization structured solely around generating client referrals for members.

If you are affiliated with a construction company, getting referrals from existing satisfied customers is a way to expand your client base. Here are six easy ways to do that:

Invite Your Customers—And Their Friends—To The Construction Site

Extend the invitation close to the completion of the project, when the result is easy for customers to visualize and most of the debris is gone. This can spark a discussion on problems and needs which can lead to new projects.

Give Away at Least Three Business Cards

Customers still collect business cards. When they ask for yours, give them more  – three to five. When friends ask about how the project went, they’ll act as your salesperson and hand out your cards.

Follow Up

Send a thank-you note to customers after you’ve completed their project. Printed letters or the personal touch of a hand-written note can offer more impact than email.

Ask

When following up, ask for referrals.  Enclose a postage-paid postcard they can send back with names and contact information.

Offer a Reward for Referrals

A retail or restaurant gift card, sporting event tickets or $50 in cash can encourage leads, if it turns into a sale.

Stay Focused

Make the referral process part of the marketing plan. Don’t do it once, continue to focus on inviting, asking and following up. Your rewards will soon come.