When is the best time to ask a client for a referral?

Ask when the client is happiest: right after you deliver a good result, when they thank you, or at the end of a project. You can also ask past clients later with a short check-in that mentions you have room for new work.

How do I ask for a referral without sounding pushy?

Keep it short, say exactly what kind of client you're looking for, and make it clearly optional. Asking for one specific type of client works better than a general request for 'anyone who needs help'.

Should I offer a referral fee or reward?

It's optional. Many freelancers just say thank you and return the favour. If you offer a fee or discount, state it plainly in the ask and check that it fits any rules in your field.

How do I keep track of referrals and introductions?

Add each introduction as a lead with who referred them and a follow-up date, then send a thank-you to the person who referred you once you've spoken. A simple tracker or pipeline tool keeps these from slipping.

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Referral request email templates for freelancers

Referrals are often a freelancer's best source of new clients, but only if you ask. Use these five emails to ask at the right moment, make the introduction easy and thank the people who send work your way.

1. Right after a project wraps up

Subject: Thanks for [project], and a quick ask

Hi [Name],

Thanks again for working with me on [project]. I'm glad [result, e.g. the new site is live and sign-ups are up].

I'm taking on [one or two] new clients in [month]. If you know anyone who needs help with [your service], I'd be grateful for an introduction. No pressure at all.

[Your name]

2. Ask for a specific kind of client

Subject: Do you know anyone like [type of client]?

Hi [Name],

Quick one: I'm looking to work with more [type of client, e.g. small SaaS teams that need help with onboarding emails].

Does anyone in your network come to mind? A first name and how you know them is plenty, and I'll take it from there with a short, friendly note.

Thanks,
[Your name]

3. Past client you haven't spoken to in a while

Subject: Checking in, and a small favour

Hi [Name],

It's been a while since [project]. I hope [something specific, e.g. the launch went well]. How are things going?

I have room for a new project starting [date]. If a colleague or friend needs [your service], I'd really appreciate you passing my name along.

[Your name]

4. Make the intro easy (send a blurb they can forward)

Subject: Short intro you can forward

Hi [Name],

Thanks so much for offering to introduce me to [Contact]. To save you time, here's a short note you can forward or paste:

"[Your name] is a [your role] who helped us [result]. They work with [type of client] on [service]. Worth a quick chat if you're thinking about [problem]. Their email is [email]."

Edit anything you like. Thanks again!

[Your name]

5. Thank-you after a referral

Subject: Thank you for the intro to [Contact]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for introducing me to [Contact]. We had a good call on [day] and [next step, e.g. I'm sending a proposal this week].

I really appreciate you thinking of me. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just ask.

[Your name]

Tips for getting more referrals

Ask within a week of a good result, while the project is fresh.
Name one kind of client you want, so people can picture someone specific.
Send a short blurb they can forward, so the intro takes them under a minute.
Follow up with every new contact within two days and thank the referrer either way.
Keep a follow-up date on every intro. Our follow-up email templates and cold email templates help with the next message.

Never lose track of a follow-up

SteadyPipe keeps every client's next step and follow-up date in one place and reminds you each week who needs a nudge. Free for up to 5 open leads.

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FAQ

When is the best time to ask a client for a referral?: Ask when the client is happiest: right after you deliver a good result, when they thank you, or at the end of a project. You can also ask past clients later with a short check-in that mentions you have room for new work.
How do I ask for a referral without sounding pushy?: Keep it short, say exactly what kind of client you're looking for, and make it clearly optional. Asking for one specific type of client works better than a general request for 'anyone who needs help'.
Should I offer a referral fee or reward?: It's optional. Many freelancers just say thank you and return the favour. If you offer a fee or discount, state it plainly in the ask and check that it fits any rules in your field.
How do I keep track of referrals and introductions?: Add each introduction as a lead with who referred them and a follow-up date, then send a thank-you to the person who referred you once you've spoken. A simple tracker or pipeline tool keeps these from slipping.