# Referral Program

When the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize referral program strategy.

- Repository: https://github.com/kostja94/marketing-skills (1071 stars)
- Category: Marketing
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-26
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill referral-program -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill referral-program -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill referral-program -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add kostja94/marketing-skills --skill referral-program -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

When the user wants to plan, implement, or optimize referral program strategy. Also use when the user mentions "referral program," "referral marketing," "user referral," "refer-a-friend," "word-of-mouth growth," "referral rewards," "referral tracking," "referral code," "referral incentives," or "viral loop." For referral landing copy, use landing-page-generator.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Channels: Referral

Guides referral program strategy for AI/SaaS products. Leverage existing users to drive growth; 3%-5% conversion vs 1%-2% for ads; CAC 50%-70% lower; referred users LTV 30%-50% higher, retention 20%-30% higher. Referral is necessity in overseas markets, not alternative.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Project context:** Read root `contextus.md` when present and load only the modules relevant to this task. Without Contextus, use available project material or user-provided facts and ask for missing information; do not create a parallel context system.

Identify:
1. **Product type**: SaaS, AI tool, subscription
2. **User base**: Size, engagement, retention
3. **Goal**: Signups, purchases, or both

## Referral vs. Affiliate vs. Influencer

| Dimension | Referral | Affiliate | Influencer |
|-----------|----------|-----------|------------|
| **Who** | Existing users | Professional promoters | KOLs |
| **Incentive** | Discounts, credits | Commission | Fees, product |
| **Barrier** | Low (all users) | Medium | High |
| **Conversion** | 3%-5% | Varies | Varies |

**Referral vs affiliate**: Referral needs no landing page or application; integrated in dashboard. Affiliate requires landing page and approval.

## Reward Models

| Model | Use |
|-------|-----|
| **Two-way** | Both referrer and referee get rewards; highest participation |
| **One-way** | Only referrer rewarded; cost control |
| **Tiered** | Rewards increase with referral count (e.g. $10 for 1-5, $15 for 6-10, $20 for 11+); incentivizes volume |

**Benchmark**: Rewards typically 10%-30% of product price; ~11% off or ~$21 value; weak incentives = low participation. Triggers: signup, purchase, activation, or sustained use.

## Mechanism Types

The rest: https://github.com/kostja94/marketing-skills/blob/HEAD/skills/channels/partnerships/referral-program/SKILL.md