10 Sample Messages Financial Advisors Can Use to Tactfully Ask for Referrals

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to bring new clients into your fold, and the trust your existing clients have in you directly translates to the people they recommend. According to a Forbes article on referral strategies for financial advisors, referred clients have higher lifetime value than those acquired elsewhere. By making asking for referrals part of your standard client engagement strategy, you signal confidence in your services and a genuine desire to help others achieve their financial goals.

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A well-crafted referral request goes beyond a simple “Do you know anyone who needs a financial advisor?” It should reflect your client’s unique situation and highlight why working with you can benefit their friends or colleagues.

1. Personalization: Mention something specific to your client: perhaps they just reached a major savings goal, or they’re excited about a new investment strategy.
2. Timing: Ask at natural checkpoints—after celebrating a client’s milestone or completing a successful review of their portfolio.
3. Clarity: Spell out what you’re asking for: “If you have friends or family in need of a financial plan, I’d be honored to guide them.”
4. Sincerity: A referral request should come from a place of genuine gratitude and respect for your client’s network.

Writing Messages That Resonate

Your referral ask should feel like a friendly conversation, rather than a high-pressure sales pitch. Keep it brief, direct, and appreciative.

• Use a Conversational Tone: Let your personality shine. If you normally say, “Thank you for being an amazing client,” feel free to use that same warmth in your message.
• Show Appreciation: Thank them for their ongoing trust and partnership.
• Acknowledge Their Network: Respect the fact they’re putting their reputation on the line by referring you.

Example:

“Dear [Name], I truly appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me to manage your financial goals. If you know anyone else looking to achieve similar success, I’d be honored to assist them as well. Thank you for considering a referral!”

Tailoring Your Referral Request for Different Client Relationships

• Long-Term Clients: Reiterate the growth you’ve achieved together and invite them to share that success.‍
  • “Dear [Name], it’s been wonderful watching your investments flourish over the years. If you have any friends or family who might appreciate the same attention to detail, I’d love your recommendation.”‍
• Clients Who’ve Achieved Goals: Highlight the milestone they’ve reached and encourage them to help others do the same.‍
  • “Hi [Name], congrats again on achieving your [specific goal]! If you know anyone aiming for a similar outcome, I’d be grateful if you passed my name along.”‍
• High-Net-Worth Clients: Emphasize the exclusive or high-level nature of your services.‍
  • “Hello [Name], it’s a privilege to support your complex financial needs. If you have peers who demand the same level of expertise, please feel free to connect us—I’d be more than happy to help.”

Below are ten tactful referral messages you can adapt for various client situations. Each is concise yet impactful - and adaptable to your needs.

1. After Achieving a Financial Milestone: “Hi [Name], congratulations on reaching your [specific milestone]! Your dedication has truly paid off. If you know anyone else striving for a similar success story, I’d appreciate your referral—thank you!”‍
2. Post-Review Meeting: “Dear [Name], I enjoyed reviewing your portfolio today. If you have friends or colleagues who’d benefit from a financial review, I’d love to extend the same level of support to them.”‍
3. Client Anniversary: “Hello [Name], happy anniversary with [Your Firm]! It’s been a pleasure guiding you toward your goals. If you know anyone else looking for financial guidance, I’d be honored by your recommendation.”‍
4. After Successful Investment Strategy Implementation: “Hi [Name], I’m thrilled with how our investment strategy is performing. If you have contacts who might also benefit from focused financial planning, I’d greatly appreciate an introduction.”‍
5. During Holiday Greetings: “Dear [Name], wishing you a wonderful holiday season! Should any of your friends or family need a trusted financial advisor, I’d be grateful for the chance to help them as well.”‍
6. Post-Event or Webinar: “Hello [Name], it was great having you at our webinar on [topic]. If you have anyone in your network who’d enjoy similar insights, feel free to send them my way.”‍
7. After Receiving Positive Feedback: “Hi [Name], thank you for your kind words about our recent planning session. If you know others who’d benefit from personalized financial guidance, I’d greatly appreciate the referral.”‍
8. Client Milestone Celebration: “Dear [Name], celebrating your [milestone] has been fantastic! If you know people who could benefit from a similar approach, I’d love the opportunity to help them too.”‍
9. End of Year Review: “Hello [Name], as we close out the year, I’m grateful for your ongoing trust. If any of your friends or family want a fresh financial start next year, please keep me in mind.”‍
10. Personal Achievement Sharing: “Hi [Name], I wanted to share that [Your Firm] recently reached a milestone in client satisfaction—thanks to clients like you! If you know anyone looking for dedicated financial advice, I’d be honored by your referral.”

Here are five unique ways to encourage referrals, with a special emphasis on personalized approaches:

• Handwritten Referral Requests: In an era dominated by digital communication, a handwritten note can make a memorable impression. Sending a personalized card not only shows appreciation but also underscores the importance you place on your client relationships.‍
  • Example: “Dear [Client Name], I wanted to personally thank you for trusting me with your financial goals. If you have friends or family who could benefit from a tailored financial strategy, I’d be honored to assist them as well. Thank you for considering a referral!”‍
• Client Success Stories and Testimonials: Share your clients’ success stories (with their permission) through newsletters, blog posts, or social media. Highlighting real-life examples of how you’ve helped clients achieve their financial goals can inspire your current clients to refer others who might benefit from similar success.‍
  • Tip: Ensure you have explicit consent from clients before sharing their stories to maintain trust and confidentiality.‍
• Small Group Educational Workshops or Webinars: Host specialized events focused on advanced financial topics or emerging market trends and invite your clients to bring a guest. This not only provides added value to your existing clients but also introduces potential new clients to your expertise in a relaxed and informative setting.‍
  • Example: Organize a webinar on “Navigating Investment Opportunities in 2025” and encourage clients to invite friends who are interested in enhancing their investment strategies.‍
• Referral Milestone Celebrations: Celebrate milestones related to referrals without offering physical gifts. For instance, acknowledge clients who have referred others by featuring them in your newsletter. This recognition fosters a sense of community and appreciation.‍
  • Example: Send a personalized thank-you email celebrating the client's contribution to your practice’s growth and highlight their role in helping others achieve financial success.‍
• Personalized Digital Referral Platforms: Utilize digital tools that allow clients to easily refer others through personalized links or invitations. Enhance this experience by customizing the referral process with your branding and a personal touch, such as a personalized message or video.‍
  • Tip: Follow up with a thank-you message once a referral is made, reinforcing your appreciation and commitment to both the referrer and the new client.

Sometimes, digital messages just don’t have the same impact as a handwritten note. That’s where PenPals comes in. Our handwritten referral requests for financial advisors seamlessly blend convenience with the warmth of a personal touch. By sending out custom, pen-to-paper notes, you’ll show clients you value them enough to invest that extra bit of effort.

Imagine a client receiving a physical card that references a recent success or milestone. Not only does it reinforce the bond you’ve built, but it also gently invites them to refer friends and family who might benefit from your guidance. In a world saturated with email, a handwritten card from PenPals can be a breath of fresh air.