Episode 35: Duct Tape Marketing- Referrals on Purpose: Creating a System for Word-of-Mouth

Every retailer loves referrals — but few have a system to generate them consistently. In this episode of Main Street Matters, Patrick Keiser continues our Duct Tape Marketing series by John Jantsch with a deep dive into the referral stage of the Marketing Hourglass.

Referrals are the most powerful form of marketing because trust is already built in. Referred customers spend more, stay longer, and become loyal advocates. But as Jantsch reminds us: “Every business gets referrals. The problem is, they don’t get them on purpose.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why referrals are so valuable for independent retailers
• The psychology of why people refer businesses they love
• Five components of a successful referral system (remarkable experiences, asking, tools, rewards, and partnerships)
• Real-world Main Street examples of referral programs that work
• Three simple steps you can take this week to start generating referrals on purpose

If you want to stop leaving referrals to chance and start turning happy customers into your best marketers, this episode will give you the roadmap.

Keywords: independent retail, small business marketing, referral marketing, word-of-mouth, customer loyalty, retail growth strategies, Main Street marketing, customer referrals, John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing