Guide · Professional firms
When to ask a client for a referral
Most happy clients would send a friend your way. Few ever do. The gap is rarely trust. It's timing — and nobody making it easy.
The gap is real
In one study, 91% of clients said they would refer their advisor. Only 29% actually did. (Advisor Impact / Schwab / Texas Tech, 2010 — independent research, not our product numbers.)
Referred clients also tend to stay longer.
Ask when the work feels done
The best moment is when the client can feel it's finished:
- Accountants: return filed, books closed. More for accounting firms →
- Builders and remodelers: walkthrough done, keys handed over.
- Architects: project done, or a milestone you pick.
- Consultants: final readout delivered.
They're relieved. You're fresh in their mind. That's the window.
Don't ask at the wrong time
- Not mid-project, when things are still messy.
- Not with the invoice.
- Not right after bad news.
You're the one who knows. That's why you should read the note before it goes.
Make it easy to pass on
Don't ask, "Do you know anyone?" — that makes them think hard on the spot. Give them a short link they can forward, or let them type in a name themselves.
Sample note — not a real client.
Hi Jordan —
Thanks again for trusting us with the work.
If someone you know needs an accountant, here's a short link you can send them — or fill in their name yourself: [Referral link]
— Alex at Harbor Lane CPAs
Review, referral, or both?
One note can ask for one or both. A review helps the stranger who looks you up. A referral brings a friend who already trusts the person who sent them. Pick what fits the client — you choose before it sends.
Want more reviews? Read how CPA firms get Google reviews.
Check your rules first
Some fields have rules about asking (advisors, lawyers). Check with your compliance team or follow your firm's rules. Because nothing goes out until you approve it, their review fits into that step.
Keep it one ask
One note per job. No follow-up nagging. If they refer someone, thank them — by hand.
That's how Proof Referrals works: you finish the job, you approve the note, your client gets it. Nothing reaches a client until you say yes. Automation is optional and unlocks after you've approved and sent five notes yourself.
Good Work Reviews drafts the note, tracks the ask, and can run on a schedule — you approve every send. How it works