Referral cards are one of the easiest ways to get more people talking about your business. They’re like business cards but with a purpose. Instead of just your name and number, they include a reason to share, like a discount or small reward. That simple step can turn your best customers into your top promoters.
If you want to grow your local business through word-of-mouth marketing and build a stronger online presence, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through creating referral cards that bring results.
How Referral Cards Help Landscaping Businesses Grow
Referral cards are one of the easiest ways to grow your landscaping business. After you finish a job, your client is happy, and you hand them a card that gives their friend a discount and a reward, too. That’s it. That’s how you turn happy customers into free marketing.
It’s not just about printing cards. It’s about using them the right way. When done well, referral cards build trust, bring in new leads, and boost your word-of-mouth marketing without spending on ads.
Real Example: Lawn Care with a Referral Twist
Let’s say you just trimmed a client’s hedges. Before leaving, you give them two cards. One says, “Give this to a neighbor, and they’ll get 10% off their first mow.” The other says, “You get $25 off your next job when they book.”
Simple. Clear. It makes your customer feel good and gives their neighbor a reason to call.
What to Include on Your Referral Cards
Good referral cards don’t need to be fancy. They need to be clear.
Here’s what to include:
- Your business name and contact info
- The offer for the new customer
- The reward for the person referring
- A simple way to redeem (QR code or phone number)
- An optional expiry date to encourage quick action
Keep the Offer Useful
Landscaping customers don’t want confusing deals. They want something that saves money or adds value.
Here are offers that work:
- “Refer a friend and get $25 off your next mow.”
- “Your friend gets 10% off their first service.”
- “Refer 3 people, and your next lawn cut is free.”
Smart Ways to Use Referral Cards
Referral cards work best when they’re built into your regular routine.
Leave Them Behind After a Job
When your team finishes a job, they should leave 1–2 referral cards behind with a thank-you note or invoice. You can even include them in your seasonal service reminders.
Tip: Tape the card to the door with a short thank-you message. It’ll be seen and likely shared.
Add a Google Review Bonus
Want more reviews and referrals? Combine them.
Say this: “Leave us a 5-star review and refer a friend. Get $25 off your next mow.”
Why? Because Google reviews help boost your online presence for local businesses. And reviews make your business easier to find in local search. Source: BrightLocal 2024
Track Your Referrals
Use simple tracking:
- Add a short code to the card (like “Spring-10” or “Referred-by-John”)
- Ask new leads who referred them when they call or book
- Use a notes field in your CRM to log who sent who
Make It Digital, Too
You can also make a digital version of your referral card.
Here’s how:
- Create a short link (with Bitly or similar)
- Add a QR code to your printed card
- Let people text or email the offer to friends
- Share the referral offer in Facebook town groups
Ready to Get More Local Leads?
Referral cards are simple, cheap, and proven to work. When done right, they bring in steady leads and build trust through people who already like your work.
Want help creating yours? At Ready Business Systems, we help landscaping businesses grow their word-of-mouth marketing and improve their online presence using effective tools.
We handle:
- Referral card setup
- Google My Business optimization
- Blogging and SEO for local search
- Social media posting and comment control
Final Thoughts
The benefits of using referral cards correctly are clear: more local leads, stronger word-of-mouth, and steady business growth. We help landscapers set up simple systems that work.
Let us handle the setup so you can focus on your work.
📞 Call Ready Business Systems at (800) 485-1404 or Click Here to Get Started
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