Top Referral Tools in 2020
Many business owners and sellers on the internet have storefronts and a marketplace to promote their products and services. But once the initial hype settles down, the momentum does not last. Less web traffic, fewer engagements, low conversion rates; all eCommerce businesses experience this at some point. But some manage to get ahead of that lull better than others. One strong reason? They have a good incentive program and a powerful referral software to track and analyze data. Your customers who enjoy your products and services can become your ambassadors and promote your product for you, and a strong referral program helps you achieve this.
What is a Referral Software? Do I need it?
Referral software are tools used by companies in promoting their products and services using existing customers to reach and find more customers in their network. Yes, all business and store owners need a strong referral tracking system if you want to maintain strong customer loyalty and increase your Return On Investment (ROI) for every customer you’ve invested in.
Referrals can come from your personal or professional network; people love and trust getting recommendations from friends, family, peers, and from their favorite idols and influencers. In the modern-day, with millions of advertisers competing for your customer’s attention every day, let your existing customers do the introduction and convert potential customers into actual customers.
Different software platforms offer different referral programs depending on who you want to be involved with: refer-a-friend programs, affiliate, partners, influencer or a combination of these programs when implementing referrals for your eCommerce site.
Can anyone use a referral software for their business?
Yes! There are multiple platforms out there that simplify the process of generating a landing page to tracking referrals for existing customers, managing emails about rewards and welcoming new customers among other things. Here is a list of referral tools we’ve found to be of great value to eCommerce sites and business owners.
Top Referral Tools in the year 2020
- Best All-Rounder: Ambassador
Ambassador offers a consolidated platform to manage all of your referral needs and services.
Features: eCommerce integration, omnichannel selling, multiple campaigns, automated and reliable payouts, email and CRM integration, data analytics, customizable for your brand.
Price: Offers demo through website, expensive compared to alternatives, but worth the price
Technology Proficiency: Needs some knowledge, Can be overwhelming
Customer Support: Knowledge Database and Email-based support
2. Best Bang For Your Buck: Referral Candy
Features: quick setup, wide range of eCommerce integration, email, CRM and other marketing tool integration, simple and easy to use, in-built analytics, customizable for your brand
Price: 30day Free trial, $49 — $3999/mo with tiered commission rates
Technology Proficiency: Easy for all user levels
Customer Support: Knowledge Database and Email-based Support
3. Most Simple: Affiliately
Features: Super easy to use, small business-friendly pricing plans, helpful for fresh new companies to get started,
Price: 90-day free trial, 6 different plans ranging from $16 — $129/month
Technology Proficiency: Easy for all user levels
Customer Support: Knowledge Database and Email-based Support
4. Most Affordable: Forewards
Features: small business-friendly pricing plans, email marketing, multiple campaigns, templates to work with
Price: No commitment/monthly fees, 5 ¢ on every $1 generated through Forewards
Technology Proficiency Needed: Needs some knowledge
Customer Support: Email Support and some pdf resources
5. Worth Checking Out: Post Affiliate Pro
Features: eCommerce integration, multiple campaigns, automated reports and insights, promotion materials and different tracking methods, customized commission distribution
Price: 14-day free trial, no contracts, $97-$477/month
Technology Proficiency: Needs some knowledge and patience, customer service and resources available to help
Customer Support: Email Support
Remember, every business owner and store has different needs, and finding what works for you takes time and patience. Is there another referral software that worked for you? Let us know what you think.
