Informal referral ask templates
Natural referral ask in a follow-up message:
Hi [Name]! I'm so glad you loved your nails 💕 If any of your friends or family are looking for a nail tech, I'd love it if you passed my details on. You can share my booking link with them: [link]. Thank you so much — it means everything! ✨
In-person ask:
I'm always happy to take on new clients — if any of your friends are looking, just pass on my Instagram or booking link! 😊
WhatsApp referral ask (when they compliment your work):
Aw thank you so much, that means the world! 💕 If any of your friends want their nails done, feel free to send them my way! My booking link is [link]
Referral programme announcement templates
Launching a simple referral programme:
Hi [Name]! I'm launching a little referral programme — if you send a friend my way and they book in, you both get [discount/benefit, e.g. £10 off your next appointment]. Just ask them to mention your name when they book! Thank you for your continued support. 💕 [Your name]
Instagram announcement for a referral programme:
💕 Refer a friend!
Know someone who needs their nails done? Send them my way and you both get [benefit]!
Just ask them to mention your name when they book at [link]. I love my community — thank you for spreading the love! ✨
When a client refers someone
Always acknowledge the referral when a client sends someone your way:
Hi [Name]! I wanted to say a huge thank you — [friend's name] just booked in and mentioned you sent them! That means so much. I've applied [your referral benefit] to your account/next appointment. You're the best! 💕
Thank you so much for the recommendation! [friend's name] has booked in for [date]. I really appreciate you spreading the word — it means everything to a small business 🙏✨
Instagram referral templates
Story slide encouraging tagging and sharing:
Do you have a friend who needs their nails done? 👀
Tag them below — I have availability coming up!
Book at [link] 💅
Post caption encouraging referrals:
Good nails are meant to be shared 💅✨
Tag a friend who needs a fresh set — and if they mention you when they book, you'll both get [benefit].
Book at link in bio 🤍
When and how to ask
- Best moment: When a client is visibly happy — at the end of the appointment, or right after they compliment you
- In a follow-up message: Natural extension of a post-appointment check-in
- When a client is at peak happiness: Just had a set they've been raving about; it's the right time to ask
- Not when: They've raised a complaint, they seem stressed, or it's their first visit (wait until they've been coming a few times)
Ready to run your nail business more professionally?
Manage bookings, deposits and payments from one customisable Nelsy booking page.
Start free →Frequently asked questions
Should I offer an incentive for referrals?
An incentive can help — a discount for the referring client, for the referred client, or for both. But many referrals happen naturally through word of mouth without any incentive. The most important factor is that clients love your work enough to recommend it; the incentive is a bonus, not the main driver.
How often should I ask clients to refer people?
Once per client relationship is enough — when you ask, plant the idea, and let clients decide naturally. Repeatedly asking the same client to refer people feels desperate. Better to ask once, make it easy with a booking link, and let your work do the rest.
