Recommendations often happen when a customer is happy with the work and finds it easy to explain what you did. A simple referral routine makes it easier for them to pass your details on without turning every conversation into a sales pitch.
Make the handover count
Finish the job as agreed, explain any relevant maintenance or next steps, and leave the customer with clear contact details. A tidy handover gives them a straightforward way to recommend you if someone asks.
Ask naturally and without pressure
Once the work is complete, you can say: “If someone you know needs similar work, feel free to pass them my details.” Do not repeatedly ask, imply that a recommendation is owed, or make the customer uncomfortable.
If you offer a referral incentive, be transparent about who receives it and any conditions. Do not disguise a paid recommendation as an independent review. Keep review requests separate: a referral is not the same as a public rating.
Make the recommendation easy to share
Give the customer a simple website link or business contact card. Keep the page they land on clear about your services and area. Do not ask customers to share another person's contact details without that person's agreement.
Track referrals in the same way as other enquiries, but respect privacy and do not publish a customer's name as an endorsement without permission.
For more ways to turn completed work into proof, see how to build a trade portfolio and how customer reviews can support your business.