# Referrals

The **Referrals** feature in Perkville enables businesses to grow organically by rewarding members for bringing in new customers. With this system, existing members can refer friends, family, or colleagues and earn points when their referrals sign up and make qualifying purchases. This not only helps increase membership but also builds brand loyalty through incentivized word-of-mouth marketing.

Referrals can be shared via email, social media, or personalized referral links—making it easy for members to promote your business. Once a referral converts, both the referring member and the new customer can receive rewards, depending on your program settings.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use referrals to...

* Encourage member-driven growth
* Reward loyalty and advocacy
* Track referral success and performance
* Customize referral messages and point values
  {% endhint %}

{% content-ref url="referrals/configuring-your-referral-program" %}
[configuring-your-referral-program](https://docs.perkville.com/features/referrals/configuring-your-referral-program)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="referrals/completing-a-referral" %}
[completing-a-referral](https://docs.perkville.com/features/referrals/completing-a-referral)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Referral flow

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Share referral offer

Your customers view the referral page where they are prompted share [your referral offer ](https://docs.perkville.com/features/broken-reference)with their friends. Perkville prompts customers to visit this page on your loyalty program's web pages and in program emails.

<figure><img src="https://2181708597-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSiE75SeColbiBVbet0NZ%2Fuploads%2FtjBConmJ8rw9l8WuxTq3%2FPerkville_share_referral_offer_page.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4ff1fdd6-7d25-4cdb-8585-2660d96ec7da" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Receive referral offer

Your customer's friend receives the [referral offer](https://docs.perkville.com/features/broken-reference), typically via text message or email.

<figure><img src="https://2181708597-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSiE75SeColbiBVbet0NZ%2Fuploads%2Fk0KgqgiQoaMRbXtLYkQJ%2FReferral_offer_sent_by_text.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2525ec99-0e46-4de5-9ee5-661ba5e05d24" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## View offer details

The friend clicks on the [referral offer](https://docs.perkville.com/features/broken-reference) to view its details.

<figure><img src="https://2181708597-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSiE75SeColbiBVbet0NZ%2Fuploads%2F3rniNCa82Z5erBu8tA9r%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=65544117-120b-487c-9797-27d2cd249d52" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Claim Offer

The friend claims the [referral offer](https://docs.perkville.com/features/broken-reference).

<figure><img src="https://2181708597-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSiE75SeColbiBVbet0NZ%2Fuploads%2FMvCEzTd4soWzoBv5zX20%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cb18115b-4827-4fe8-9800-43871b5584e5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Receive Voucher

The friend receives the referral offer voucher with instructions on how to use it. Perkville vouchers support various redemption methods, including manual processing, single-use or multi-use coupon codes, and in some cases, automatic integration with your point of sale or membership system.

<figure><img src="https://2181708597-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSiE75SeColbiBVbet0NZ%2Fuploads%2FWM1uu0TmQ2k1phzDpV7a%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dcf501d9-81fe-4b58-89c2-06c7f4a4497b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Earn points for completed referral

When the friend [completes a qualifying action](https://docs.perkville.com/features/referrals/completing-a-referral) defined by you (e.g., making a purchase, buying a membership), your customer earns points for the completed referral.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}