A referral program is a marketing tool that allows your regular guests to invite friends to the loyalty program. In return, guests receive bonuses, and you attract new customers through recommendations, which is cheaper than advertising.
Why a property needs a referral program
Reduce acquisition costs. A guest who comes through a recommendation costs on average 1.5 times less than through paid search advertising.
Increase guest loyalty. 72% of guests are willing to recommend a property, and 50% of people book based on friends’ advice. One loyal guest brings in an average of 2–3 new customers.
Encourage repeat stays. Guests are motivated to return to spend points or vouchers received for invitations.
The referral program is available for properties that use Exely Booking Engine and Exely Loyalty Program: Discounts or Exely Loyalty Program: Points.
Why guests need a referral program
For the referrer (a repeat guest) — to receive bonuses (points, vouchers, or level upgrades) for friends’ registration and their first stay.
For the referee (a new guest) — to receive welcome bonuses upon registration via invitation in addition to standard Exely Loyalty Program benefits and feel confident in the recommendation.
How the referral program works
1. The referrer (a regular guest) logs in to their guest account on the property website and opens the "Loyalty program" section.
2. Using the "Share the link" button, the referrer sends a unique referral link to a friend in a convenient way (social media, email).
3. The referee (a new guest) follows the unique link from the friend.
4. The referee signs up in the guest account and confirms their email. After that, the referee instantly receives a loyalty card and a welcome bonus, which can be used immediately when booking.
5. The referrer receives bonuses after the friend confirms their email.
Note. Additional bonuses can be received after the friend’s first stay.
6. The referrer can see progress in the guest account, in the "Loyalty program" section: how many friends have registered and stayed, as well as the bonus history.
