Most deck builders get a handful of referrals a year without even trying. But what if you could turn that trickle into a steady, predictable stream of hot leads? The kind of leads who already trust you, already want to hire you and barely shop around?
That’s not luck. That’s a proven system that can make or break a deck builder’s yearly revenue. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know more than any form of advertising. That means referrals are not just “nice to have.” They are one of the most powerful (and underrated) growth tools in your deck building business.
Here are 3 proven ways to generate more referrals and how to set them up so they run consistently, not just by accident.
Referral Strategy 1: Create an Irresistible Referral Program
Many decking businesses say something vague like, “Hey, if you come across someone interested, send them my way.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t work.
To attract more referrals, you must clearly and consistently incentivize them. Here’s a proven way to do so:
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Offer a tangible reward for each successful referral. Example: “$250 Visa gift card for every project you refer.”
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Offer a free upgrade for past customers. Example: “Refer a neighbor, and we will give you a free power wash for your deck.”
Make it simple. No complicated rules. No fine print. Remind customers about the program during project wrap-up, after reviews and through email newsletters. Promote the program on your website and in post-project thank-you messages.
Decking Referral Pro Tip: Print small “referral cards” or postcards with the offer and hand them out at final walkthroughs. Customers are much more likely to refer if they have something physical to pass along.
Referral Strategy 2: Turn Every Happy Customer Into a Marketing Partner
The best time to ask for a referral is right after your customer is raving about the finished project. This is the “honeymoon” period when they’re most likely to tell anyone (and everyone) about how awesome their deck looks. Instead of just smiling and moving on, turn that moment into action:
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Ask directly: “If you know anyone thinking about adding a deck, would you mind sharing my info?”
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Give them a pre-written text or email they can easily forward to friends or neighbors. Example:
“Hey, just wanted to share that we just finished our new deck and we are thrilled! If you are thinking about any projects, I highly recommend [Your Company Name]. They made the whole process so easy and the deck looks incredible.”
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Offer to feature their deck on your social media and tag them if they are comfortable. This naturally spreads the word to their network.
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Leave behind a small thank-you gift (even a $10 coffee shop gift card) as a way to deepen the positive feeling.
Decking Referral Pro Tip: After finishing a project, set a reminder to follow up in 10, 15 and 30 days with a simple “Hope you are loving your new deck!” message and a soft reminder about your referral program. Timing matters.
Referral Strategy 3: Make Your Business Highly Shareable
You can’t always control when people will think of you. But you can make it ridiculously easy for them to share your work when the moment comes. Here’s how:
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Post great photos of completed projects on your website
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Add share buttons or easy social links to your gallery pages.
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Create a “Show Off Your Deck” photo contest where past customers submit pictures for a prize
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Offer small incentives not just for referrals, but for social shares. Example: “Tag us in your deck photo and be entered to win a $50 Amazon card.”
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Set up branded photo frames or props at project reveals (example: “Built by [Company Name]” signs) that make it fun and natural for customers to snap a picture and share it.
Decking Referral Pro Tip: Ask every happy customer if they are comfortable writing a short testimonial or giving a quick quote you can use online. Then, share their story proudly. People love seeing themselves featured and are more likely to share the post with their network.
Referrals Are a Goldmine If You Do Them Right. Let Slamdot Help.
Waiting and hoping for referrals is not a strategy. But creating a system that rewards, reminds, and empowers your happiest customers to spread the word is one of the smartest things you can do to grow your decking business.
Best of all? Referral leads tend to:
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Spend more
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Close faster
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Complain less
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Leave better reviews
At Slamdot, we help deck builders create marketing strategies that do more than look good. We build systems that generate real leads, nurture customers and grow your business through proven digital marketing strategies.
If you’re ready to fill your pipeline without spending a fortune on ads, contact us today for a free proposal!
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