Referral request email template
A friendly email that asks a happy client to send you more work — copy it, fill in the brackets, send it.
Updated August 25, 2026Referrals are the cheapest and best leads you’ll ever get. Ask when a client is happiest — right after a win — and make it specific so they know exactly who to think of.
Email 1 — the ask (send after a successful project)
Subject: Know anyone who could use help with [WHAT YOU DO]?
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
I’m really glad [PROJECT] worked out well. Working with you was a pleasure.
I’m taking on a few new clients over the next [TIMEFRAME], and most of my best work comes from referrals. If you know anyone who needs [SPECIFIC SERVICE — “a website refresh” beats “design help”], I’d be grateful if you’d point them my way or pass along my details.
No obligation at all — but if someone comes to mind, an intro email is the easiest thing in the world for me to take from there.
Thanks again, [YOUR NAME] [LINK TO PORTFOLIO / PROFILE]
Email 2 — with an incentive (optional variant)
Subject: A thank-you for sending clients my way
Hi [CLIENT NAME],
Quick one: I’m growing my client list and would love your help. If you refer someone who books a project, I’ll [YOUR OFFER — “take [X]% off your next invoice” / “send you a [GIFT]” / “credit your account”] as a thank-you.
If anyone needs [SPECIFIC SERVICE], just connect us by email and I’ll handle the rest.
Really appreciate it, [YOUR NAME]
How to use this email
Send it at the peak — right after a delivery the client is happy with, not months later. Ask for one specific introduction rather than “anyone who might need help”; a narrow ask is one the client can actually answer.
How to ask for referrals covers timing and wording in depth. If you want to reward referrals, the Mindhyv referral program is a structured version of the same instinct.
This template is a starting point, not legal advice.