How to Get More Pest Control Customer Referrals (+6 Steps)

Referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow a pest control business. A recommendation from a satisfied customer carries more weight than any advertisement, making it a cost-effective and reliable strategy for attracting potential customers.

Unlike paid marketing, referrals don’t require a constant budget. They generate high-quality leads who are already primed to trust your service. Referred customers are also more likely to stay loyal, turning into long-term clients who bring sustained revenue.

Addressing common pests promptly is crucial in pest control services.

Tailored treatment plans and preventive measures for frequently encountered pests, such as ants, spiders, and roaches, ensure comprehensive pest management and customer satisfaction.

But referrals don’t happen by chance.

They require a thoughtful approach—one that encourages current customers to spread the word.

This guide breaks down the most effective lead generation strategies for business owners to increase referrals, from building a structured referral program to delivering outstanding service that customers want to recommend. 

You’ll also learn how to seamlessly integrate referrals, leverage customer reviews, and turn word-of-mouth marketing into a consistent source of new business.

Why Do Customer Referrals Matter for Pest Control Businesses?

Referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow a pest control business. A satisfied customer's recommendation builds trust and credibility faster than any advertisement.

• Trust drives decisions – People are more likely to choose a pest control service recommended by a friend or neighbor than one they found in search engine results.

• Lower acquisition costs – Referred customers cost less to acquire, making referrals one of the most cost-effective marketing efforts.

• Higher customer retention – Referred clients tend to stay longer and spend more over time.

A strong referral program can help turn happy customers into a consistent source of new business.

Pest control companies need a structured approach that encourages and rewards word-of-mouth recommendations to maximize referrals.

Step 1. Design Your Referral Program

A well-structured referral program gives customers a clear incentive to recommend your pest control services. Without a defined system, referrals can be inconsistent and difficult to track. 

Providing a standard treatment that customers can rely on and refer to others is crucial for maintaining consistency and customer satisfaction.

Offer Meaningful Incentives

Customers are more likely to refer to your pest control business when there’s something in it for them. Choose rewards that align with your marketing strategy and target audience:

• Discounts on future services – Offer a percentage off their next pest control treatment.

• Gift cards – Provide a small reward for each successful referral.

• Cash incentives – A direct payout can encourage referrals from homeowners and local businesses.

• Service upgrades – Free add-ons, such as an extra inspection, can appeal to satisfied customers.

• Year-round discounts – Offer ongoing incentives for referrals to increase customer loyalty.

Define Eligibility Criteria

To maintain high-quality referrals and prevent misuse, set clear participation rules:

• Who qualifies? Decide if all clients or only returning customers can participate.

• What counts as a referral? Before rewards are issued, a referred customer should schedule and complete a pest control service.

• How are rewards given? Automate tracking and payouts using FieldRoutes' customer engagement tools to streamline the process.

An organized referral program ensures incentives motivate current customers while attracting high-quality leads. Think of it as a partnership.

A strong promotion strategy makes sure customers know about your referral program and take action.

Step 2. Promote Your Referral Program

Even the best referral program will not work if customers don’t know about it. A strong promotion strategy ensures that your pest control business stays top of mind when satisfied customers talk to friends, family, or neighbors. 

Highlighting the importance of addressing common household pests in your promotional materials can attract more new clients.

Use Multi-Channel Communication

Reach new pest control industry customers using digital marketing where they already interact with your business name:

• Email marketing – Send an announcement with program details and periodic reminders.

• Text messages – A short, direct message with a link makes it easy for customers to refer someone instantly.

• Social media platforms – Post about the program on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to encourage engagement.

• Content marketing: Create supportive materials such as blog posts and share them on social media. This will help your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts and increase your presence in local SEO.

• Maintain your website and offsite information—Keep your Google Business (formerly known as Google My Business) updated with your contact information, such as phone number and email address. Also, list your local services on the platform so your customer base knows what you offer and you appear in local searches.

• PPC Ads - Google Ads can be used to launch ads to advertise your pest control industry referral program.

Leverage In-Person Interactions

Referral programs work best when customers receive reminders during service calls:

• Referral cards – Hand out physical cards with clear instructions on how to refer.

• Flyers and invoices – Add a referral offer or leave promotional materials behind.

• Technician reminders – Train field staff to mention the referral program at the end of each pest control service visit.

Automate with FieldRoutes

Use FieldRoutes' marketing automation to send emails and text reminders and track referral program participation seamlessly.

A well-promoted referral program creates awareness, but delivering exceptional service ensures customers are eager to participate.

Step 3. Deliver Outstanding Service

Customers refer businesses they trust. High-quality service builds that trust, turning satisfied customers into your best marketing tool. Addressing various pests is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage referrals.

Focus on Professionalism

Every interaction shapes a customer’s impression of your pest control company. To encourage referrals, ensure that your team:

• Arrives on time – Punctuality shows respect for customers’ schedules.

• Wears branded uniforms – A professional appearance reinforces credibility.

• Communicates clearly – Explain services, pricing, and follow-up steps in simple terms.

Solve Customer Issues Effectively

Customers recommend businesses that deliver results. Strengthen your referral potential by:

• Thoroughly addressing pest problems – Ensure treatments are effective and tailored to specific pest types.

• Following up – A quick check-in after service shows commitment and keeps your business name top of mind.

• Offering guarantees – A satisfaction guarantee reassures customers and boosts confidence in your pest control services.

Automate with FieldRoutes

Use FieldRoutes’ scheduling and customer communication tools to maintain consistency, send reminders, and simplify follow-ups.

Even the best service needs a simple process for customers to refer friends and family effortlessly.

Step 4. Make It Easy for Customers to Refer

A complicated referral process discourages participation. The easier it is for customers to refer, the more likely they are to do it.

Offer Simple Submission Methods

Customers should be able to refer friends and family with minimal effort. Provide:

• An online referral form – A short form on your pest control website makes submissions quick and convenient.

• Shareable referral links – Allow customers to send a unique link via email or social media.

• One-click referrals in invoices – Add a referral prompt to digital invoices so customers can act immediately.

Highlight the Benefits

Make sure customers understand what’s in it for them. A strong referral program includes:

• Clear rewards – Whether it’s a discount, a free service, or a gift card, specify what customers receive.

• Immediate acknowledgment – Send an automated thank-you message when a referral is submitted.

• Simple tracking – Use a system like FieldRoutes' CRM to update customers on their referral status.

Automate with FieldRoutes

Use FieldRoutes' customer engagement tools to streamline the process, track referrals, and automate reward distribution.

Once customers know how easy it is to refer, your team should actively encourage them to take the next step.

Step 5. Train Your Team to Encourage Referrals

Your team plays a critical role in generating referrals. 

Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to reinforce trust and subtly encourage word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Specialized services like termite control can significantly boost customer satisfaction and lead to more referrals.

Make Referral Requests a Routine

Train technicians and office staff to mention your referral program naturally during customer interactions:

• After a successful service visit – When a customer expresses satisfaction, remind them they can refer friends and family.

• During follow-ups – A quick check-in call or email is the perfect time to mention referral incentives.

• At invoicing or payment – Include a reminder about referral rewards on invoices or receipts.

Focus on Customer Service Skills

Customers are more likely to refer businesses that provide a great experience. Ensure your team:

• Listen carefully – Address customer concerns thoroughly to build trust.

• Speaks confidently – A well-informed team reassures customers and enhances credibility.

• Shows appreciation – Thank customers for their business and encourage them to share their experiences.

Provide the Right Tools

Equip your staff with FieldRoutes' CRM and automation tools to track referrals, follow up efficiently, and manage rewards seamlessly.

A well-trained team boosts referrals, but tracking and rewarding those referrals keeps customers engaged in the program.

Step 6. Track and Reward Referrals Promptly

A successful referral program depends on efficient tracking and timely rewards. To keep customers engaged and motivated, customers who refer customers to your pest control services should receive their incentives without delay.

Monitor Referrals Closely

Keep an organized system to ensure every referral is recorded and rewarded:

• Use a centralized dashboard – Track referral submissions, customer participation, and reward status in one place.

• Set up automated notifications – Confirm referrals instantly and provide updates as they progress.

• Follow up with referred customers – Ensure they complete a service so the referrer receives their reward.

Acknowledge and Reward Promptly

Referring to a business is an act of trust. 

Show appreciation by:

• Sending a thank-you message – A quick call, email, or text reinforces customer loyalty.

• Delivering rewards without delay – Whether it's a discount, gift card, or free service, fulfill promises quickly.

• Offering tiered incentives – Encourage multiple referrals with increasing rewards for repeat participants.

Automate with FieldRoutes

FieldRoutes' referral tracking system simplifies the process by automating notifications, reward distribution, and customer follow-ups.

A well-managed referral program builds trust, but online reviews further amplify your reputation and attract new leads.

Step 7. Collect Reviews to Drive Indirect Referrals

Online reviews act as powerful word-of-mouth marketing. 

A strong presence on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and social media platforms helps attract new leads and reinforces your credibility.

Ask for Reviews at the Right Time

Encourage satisfied pest control customers to leave reviews by:

• Requesting feedback after service – A follow-up email or text makes it easy for customers to share their experience.

• Incentivizing reviews – Offer discounts or entry into a giveaway for customers who leave honest feedback.

• Making it simple – Provide direct links to your Google Business Profile and other review sites.

Use Reviews to Strengthen Your Referral Program

Reviews build trust and create more referral opportunities. Maximize their impact by:

• Highlight the referral program in review requests. A customer already willing to leave a review may also refer a friend.

• Featuring testimonials on your website – Showcasing positive experiences helps convert potential clients.

• Responding to every review – Engaging with feedback, both positive and negative, demonstrates excellent customer service.

Automate with FieldRoutes

Use FieldRoutes' review management tools to send automated requests, track responses, and integrate testimonials into your marketing strategy.

Generating referrals through reviews builds trust, but optimizing your program ensures long-term success.

Step 8. Monitor and Optimize Your Referral Program

A referral program isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. Regular tracking and adjustments ensure it delivers consistent pest control leads and maximizes return on investment.

Track Key Performance Metrics

Measuring success helps refine your marketing strategy and improve referral rates. Focus on:

• Referral conversion rate – How many new customers actually book a service?

• Customer retention – Are referred potential clients staying longer than other customers?

• Incentive effectiveness – Which rewards generate the most referrals?

• Return on investment (ROI) – Compare the cost of rewards to the revenue gained from new business.

Use Data to Improve Your Referral Program

Adjust your approach based on performance insights:

• Refine incentives – If referrals are low, test different rewards.

• Optimize messaging – Change how you promote the program based on customer engagement.

• Identify top referrers – Recognize and reward customers who bring in the most new clients.

Automate with FieldRoutes

FieldRoutes’ analytics tools provide real-time data, helping you track referrals, customer retention, and program performance with ease.

A well-optimized referral program strengthens customer loyalty while driving long-term profitability for your pest control business.

Over to You

Referrals are one of the most cost-effective ways to grow large and small businesses. They build trust, reduce customer acquisition costs, and bring in high-quality leads from your target demographics who are more likely to stay long-term.

Implementing the right referral program, promoting it effectively, and delivering outstanding service can turn satisfied customers into your best marketing tool. Tracking results and optimizing your approach ensures continuous growth and higher profitability.

Now is the time to implement these strategies. Make referrals a core part of your pest control marketing and start generating more new clients today.

Want an easier way to track, automate, and manage referrals?

Schedule a free demo with FieldRoutes to see how our pest control software simplifies customer engagement, referral tracking, and business growth.