Read this page as a quick path: scan the headings, use the step blocks, and escalate if the expected result does not happen.
Referral Factory provides nine built-in ways to get referrers into your program. They are all shown on the Promote tab, split into two groups depending on whether they require a logged-in user environment. You can find the Promote tab by clicking More Options under the dropdown Onboard Referrers from the left sidebar.
You do not need to use all nine — pick the ones that fit where your customers spend time.
Ways to onboard referrers
These work for any audience and do not require your customers to be logged into your product.
A standalone page where referrers can join your program, get their referral link, submit leads, and track their performance. You can link to this from your website, emails, or app.
An embeddable widget that hosts your full Branded Referrer Portal on any page of your website. Visitors can sign up, get their referral link, and log back in to track performance — all without leaving your site.
A form that referrers can use to submit a friend's details on their behalf. Useful for offline businesses, service businesses, or anyone whose customers are more comfortable making a verbal referral than sharing a link.
4. Sync Or Upload Referrers
Bring your existing customers into the program by uploading a CSV, adding referrers manually, or syncing contacts from your CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce, or Stripe). Once enrolled, each customer receives a unique referral link that can be pushed back into their CRM record for use in outbound communications. See also How to sync your contacts and embed referral links in all outbound comms.
5. Share Portal On Social
Share your campaign's Branded Referrer Portal link directly on social media — X, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Threads. This lets anyone discover and join your referral program from your social channels.
6. Enable Automation
Use Zapier, Make, or n8n to automatically add referrers to your program based on events in your tech stack — for example, when a customer completes onboarding or reaches a milestone. See How to use Zapier with Referral Factory.
Ways to onboard referrers — especially for SaaS and logged-in environments
These are designed for situations where your customers are already logged into your product or website. They require you to embed code on your site.
A pop-up that appears inside your product when a user clicks a button or link. Best for SaaS and online businesses. Lets customers join your referral program without leaving the page they are on.
8. Sticky Bar
A persistent banner that sits at the top or bottom of your product or website, prompting customers to refer friends. Always visible without being intrusive.
9. Custom API Dashboard
Build a fully custom referrer dashboard inside your own application using the Referral Factory API. Click this card to open the API Integration panel, which provides your API Key, Campaign ID, a visual referrer dashboard example, and the specific API endpoints needed to build one. Best for businesses with development resources that want full control over the referral experience. See How to build a custom referrer dashboard using the API and FAQ: How do I use the Referral Factory API or set up webhooks?.
How to choose the right promotion method
Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide based on your business type and audience:
Most businesses start with one or two methods and add more over time. The best method is the one that meets your customers where they already are.
- If your customers are already logged into your product (SaaS, apps, portals) — start with the On-Click Pop Up or Sticky Bar. These let you reach customers at the moment they are using your product, which is when they are most likely to refer.
- If your customers are NOT logged in (e-commerce, service businesses, retail) — start with the Branded Referrer Portal and share the link via email, social media, or your website. Add a Website Widget if you want the portal embedded directly on your site.
- If referrals happen offline or in person (salons, trades, agencies) — use the Lead Submission Form so referrers can submit their friends' details directly instead of sharing a link.
- If you already have a customer list in a CRM or payment platform — use Sync Or Upload Referrers to enroll your existing customers automatically. Each one gets their own referral link immediately.
- If you want to automate enrolment based on customer actions — use Enable Automation with Zapier, Make, or n8n to add referrers when they hit milestones in your product (e.g. completing onboarding, making a purchase).