After a win
Glad it worked out, {{name}}. If you know someone with the same challenge, I would be happy to help them too. No pressure at all.
Referral request texts for sales: 13 ways to ask without being pushy
Your best leads come from customers who already like you, yet most reps never ask, or ask in a way that feels like a favor. The trick is timing and ease: ask right after a good moment, make it simple to say no, and give them words they can forward. These 13 texts cover the ask, the follow up, the introduction itself, the thank you, and the customer who is not ready. They suit a rep who has a real relationship and a customer's number. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, LinkedIn or any other app in one tap.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
Asking
A specific ask
Is there one person in your network, {{name}}, who also runs a team like yours? A short intro from you would mean a lot.
Offering words to forward
I wrote two lines you can forward to a friend, {{name}}: "This helped us a lot, and the team is easy to work with." Feel free to change them.
The anniversary ask
It has been a year working together, {{name}}. Thank you. If someone you know could use the same help, I would welcome the introduction.
The introduction
Introducing two people
Hi {{name}}, meet a colleague who asked about our work. I think you two should talk. I will leave you to it, and thanks to both of you.
Thanking the referrer
Thank you for the introduction, {{name}}. I will take good care of them, and I will let you know how it goes.
First message to the referral
Hello {{name}}, a mutual contact thought we should speak about {{product}}. I will keep it short: may I ask what you are working on?
When it is not the right moment
They hesitate
Of course, {{name}}, no problem at all. I will not bring it up again unless you do.
They have no one in mind
That is fine, {{name}}. If someone comes to mind later, even months from now, just forward my number.
Asking for a review instead
Would you be open to leaving a short review, {{name}}? It takes a minute and helps others decide: {{link}}
Saying thank you
The thank you note
Your introduction turned into a new customer, {{name}}. Thank you. I will send a handwritten note this week.
Keeping them updated
A quick update, {{name}}: the person you introduced is up and running. Thanks again for trusting me with it.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Right after a win | After a win | The best moment. |
| After a happy call | A specific ask | Ask for one kind of person. |
| After they say yes | Offering words to forward | Give words to forward. |
| When you get a referral | Introducing two people | Introduce them. |
| Same day | Thanking the referrer | Thank the referrer. |
| After the referral buys | The thank you note | Thank them properly. |
| A month later | Keeping them updated | Share the result. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you: bought lists, scraped numbers, a business card you were handed once.
Instead: Text only people who gave you their number for this purpose, type each message yourself, and honor a stop request right away.
Offering gifts or cash for referrals without checking your company rules.
Instead: Check your policy first, and prefer a plain thank you.
Asking right after a complaint or a delay.
Instead: Fix the problem first and ask after a good moment.
Contacting a referral before the customer said you could.
Instead: Wait for the customer to introduce you or share the number.
Asking for a list of everyone they know.
Instead: Ask for one person who fits a clear description.
Letting the referrer hear nothing afterwards.
Instead: Tell them how it went, at least in one line.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to ask a customer for a referral?
Right after a clear win: a result delivered, a problem solved, a thank you from them. Wait until after a complaint is fixed.
Should I text or call to ask?
Text works well because it is easy to answer and to forward. Use a call for your biggest accounts.
Can I offer a reward?
Check your company policy first. A thank you note is always safe, but rules on rewards differ by industry and region.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage or LinkedIn?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the messages work in WhatsApp, iMessage, LinkedIn and SMS and every other app where you type.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 10 of the 12 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 2 use two blanks and need Pro to fill both from the keyboard. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so start with the six essentials.