What this template solves
- Maximizes referral conversion by following up on sent invitations.
- Reduces dropoff from invites lost in email or forgotten by recipients.
- Automates the awkward "did you get my invite?" follow-up process.
- Improves referral program ROI by increasing invite-to-signup conversion.
When to use this template
Use this template when:
- Users can invite others to join your platform via referral links or codes.
- You have a formal referral program with incentives for successful invites.
- Your growth relies on word-of-mouth and user-driven acquisition.
- Invite acceptance rates are lower than desired without follow-up.
- You want to help referrers succeed without requiring manual effort.
How it works (step-by-step)
- Trigger. User sends referral invite to friend's email.
- Send initial invite. Deliver personalized invitation from referrer.
- Set reminder timer. Wait appropriate time (e.g., 3 days).
- Send reminder. If workflow has not been cancelled, send friendly follow-up reminder.
Best practices
- Personalization drives conversion. Include referrer's name prominently. "Sarah thinks you'd love [Product]" outperforms generic invites.
- Value proposition clarity. Explain what referee gets (free trial, discount, exclusive access) within first two sentences.
- Optimal reminder timing. 3-5 days balances urgency with avoiding annoyance. Adjust based on your product's consideration cycle.
- Social proof in reminders. Include how many mutual connections are already using the product if applicable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending from no-reply addresses. Referrals are personal. Let referees reply with questions. Route responses appropriately.
- Generic referrer attribution. "A friend invited you" kills trust. Always include specific referrer name and ideally their photo.
- Aggressive follow-up frequency. One reminder is sufficient. Multiple reminders from referral invites can damage brand perception.
- Not handling expired invites. Include clear expiration terms and what happens after. Allow referrers to resend if needed.
FAQ
Should reminders come from the referrer or the platform?
Initial invite can appear from referrer, but reminder should clearly come from platform to avoid making referrer seem pushy.
What's the optimal delay before sending a reminder?
B2B products: 3-5 days. Consumer products: 5-7 days. High-consideration products: 7-14 days. Test and optimize based on your conversion data.
How do I handle referral invite limits?
Implement reasonable daily/weekly limits to prevent spam. Show remaining invites clearly and reset periodically for engaged users.
Should I notify referrers when their invites are opened but not accepted?
Generally no. This creates pressure and awkwardness. Only notify on meaningful actions like signup completion.
