3 Steps for Getting Referrals for Pest Control Businesses

Discovering how to get referrals for pest control businesses is key in expanding reach and long-term growth.

Plus, referred clients spend an average of 13.2% more than new clients with a 16% higher client lifetime value.

While advertising is still important, referrals have more power due to increased trustworthiness. This is because leads are more likely to trust a friend than an ad.

Also, with a proper referral program in place, referrals can be automatically generated. In turn, they have the ability to offer automatic additional revenue.

Use this article to discover:

• When to ask for referrals
• How to ask existing clients
• Expert secrets to getting automatic referrals

Get more clients for your pest control business!

Download your FREE business card templates today!

1. Request Referrals at the Right Time

If you don’t deliberately ask clients for referrals, then you’ll never get enough to expand your pest control business.

For this reason, it’s crucial to ask for a referral after earning a client’s trust and performing exemplary service. Alternatively, you can also ask for a referral after receiving a compliment.

In addition, delivering exceptional value for the price is the surest way to impress clients.

Here are a few fantastic ways you can earn a client’s trust:

• Listen
  • Make it a priority to solve their #1 problem.
  • Focus on solving their biggest problem areas.
• Be Punctual
  • ALWAYS show up on time and ready to work. Be the reliable pest control service provider who provides services when promised.
  • Communicate any delays to the client if you’re unable to meet the original specified time.
• Be Professional
  • A clean uniform and professional attitude are fantastic ways to establish a trustworthy, professional, and positive reputation. Provide technicians with a spare set of uniforms for the days where there are especially messy jobs.
• Hire the Best Technicians
  • Maintain high-quality services by hiring the best technicians with clean background checks.

Plus, going the extra mile in exceeding expectations will help in leveling up your services to gain even more referrals.

2. Take Advantage of Leave-Behinds

Use leave-behind to your client’s expectations of value and get more referrals for pest control businesses in the process.

For example, you could leave behind these custom items with your business name, logo, and referral offer clearly printed:

• Candies
• Magnets
• Notepads
• Sticky notes
• Pen or stylus
• Magnetic calendar
• Birthday or anniversary cards

These gifts serve as delightful surprises to remind clients of your services long after you’ve completed services.

Also, by making clients aware of your referral offer, this is another great way to inspire referrals for pest control businesses.

3. Initiate a Referral Offer Program

A referral program is crucial in convincing clients to refer your pest control business to their friends and family.

Plus, the best referral programs are typically simple offers. For example, you could offer them $25 off their next service, or even an upsell service.

Keep in mind, you can offer new referred clients an offer too.

Also, remember to include your referral offers on your magnetic business cards. In turn, you can leave it behind at clients’ houses.

In addition, you can further impress clients by over-delivering on the original referral offer.

For instance, you could send them a quick thank you note with a gift card to a local restaurant or store.

Then, you can promise to provide continued discounted services for each additional successful referral.

Grow Your Pest Control Business... Faster (and with Less Stress)

Instant invoicing

Better scheduling

Manage your clients and employees all in one system

Start Software Tour

Pro Tip! Level Up Your Referral Program

Level up your referral program using the #1 pest control software.

Automate referrals using Service Autopilot to get automated:

• Emails
• Two-way texts

Set up triggers within your automations to send an email or text with a referral offer a client sends back a positive survey.

Also, you’ll save countless hours by optimizing daily tasks, such as:

• Bulk invoicing
• Chemical tracking
• Fast, remote estimates
• Instantly optimized routes
• Schedule jobs in a few clicks
• Same-day automated payments
• Technician time and location tracking
• Client account access from anywhere
• Find and fix profit holes with detailed reports

Access limitless rapid, successful, long-term expansion and growth with the best pest control software in the industry. 

Automations is the  #1 way to follow up  with clients. If you’re not using it, your business might still be successful - but it won’t grow. 

Start Automations Tour

In Service Autopilot, our automations send emails and texts to:​

Every lead after an estimate is completed

Clients after their property has been serviced​

Remind leads and clients to send you customer feedback​

Update outdated or declined payment information​

Inform them when a service can’t be completed due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather)​

Remind them of maintenance tips (i.e. putting a cover on the outdoor faucet before the winter)​

Start Automations Tour

Now You Know How to Win Referrals for Pest Control Businesses

Solidifying a referral plan can serve as one of the most lucrative ways to automatically win clients and subsequently grow your business.

After identifying which clients are most likely to provide great referrals, you'll begin increasing conversions before you know it.

Remember, clients who already love your pest control services can serve as the best advocates for referrals.

In addition, a great referral plan can help you business:

• Expand reach
• Increase revenue
• Beat the competition

Leverage these simple steps to implement your own referral program, and you can generate automatic referrals for pest control businesses today!

Related: 5 Secrets to 5-Star Pest Control Reviews for Businesses

Originally published Sept 1, 2022 7:00 AM