When I started Ivory & Green back in 2019, my client list was primarily people I knew personally. It was small, local, and the push I needed to get off the ground.
As the business grew, I leaned heavily into social media for my marketing. I did all the things the Instagram guros told me to do: posted regularly, followed the trends, etc. And I did land some incredible clients through Instagram! During that time, social media truly was one of the main engines driving my business forward.
However, nearly seven years in business (what the heck? Where has that time gone?), the landscape looks completely different. Instagram is a different place and my business has different priorities.
Today, my business is 100% built by word-of-mouth referrals.
And I don’t take that for granted! I know that being fully referral-based is an immense privilege, but it also wasn’t something that happened by accident. If you’re a business owner feeling exhausted by constant algorithm shifts, I want to reassure you that building a referral-driven business is compeltely possible (and worth every bit of effort)!
Word-of-Mouth Marketing vs Social Media
Social media is a great tool, but relying on it entirely is, frankly, exhausting. At least, for me it was! The rules change constantly and I feel lost in the noise of ads, trends, and pitches.
However, building word-of-mouth clientele feels so much more meaningful! Encouraging referrals is something that can be baked into your existing client process instead adding another thing to to-do list (i.e. “make a trending reel when you’d rather just be doing your job”).
When word of mouth referrals, it’s quality over quantity! A friend saying “you have to work with them” transfers trust immediately. I can skip past the hard sell and dancing reel routine entirely!
Plus, I have found that great clients tend to refer great clients. They send peers who share similar values, budgets, and collaboration styles. Over time, you’ll see that one client with an incredible experience can turn into multiple referrals, allowing you to step off the endless posting treadmill.
Creating An Enviornment that Encourages Word-of-Mouth Marketing!
In my years of business, I have found that word of mouth simply comes down to positive client experiences. Treat every client like you would a friend! Focus on over-delivering, providing seamless communication, and genuinely connecting with your clients. If your process is messy or your attention is divided, clients will feel that. Take some time to ensure yours is a well-run and welcoming ship!
Also keep in mind that your actual product is speaking for you too! When you create excellent work, people see that and are drawn to it! We have countless clients come to our door simply because they saw a website designed by Ivory & Green and they loved it. So create with excellence, put your credits on your work, and allow that to be part of your “marketing”.
Then, make asking for referrals a standard part of your offboarding process. When a project wraps up on a high note, simply share: “Most of my clients come from referrals, so if you know anyone needing design work, I’d love an introduction!” It really can be that simple. In some cases, you have not because you ask not!
How to Maximize Your Referrals with a Strong First Impression
Ok, you have a referral but now what? When a lead hears your name, the very first thing they do is look up your business online. That first impression is sometimes your one make-or-break moment. If your digital front door feels outdated or confusing, even a glowing recommendation can stall out. To turn that referral into a paying client, you need a brand that instantly draws people in and a website that is effortless to navigate.
That’s where I shamelessly step in to help! Our Creative House builds strategic brands and website that clearly display the excellence of your business. We help referrals see that you’re the real deal and create an online space for them to easily connect with you!
Algorithms will keep changing, but trust doesn’t. If you’re ready to maximize your first impressions and turn word of mouth into real world clients, Ivory & Green Creative House is here to help you build a brand and website that you’re actually proud of! Contact us today!
xoxo, Chris
