​

Hey, Reader!

This week, I’m in Boston for my niece’s wedding—200 guests, many of whom I’ve known since childhood, even though we now live oceans apart. It’s one of those rare gatherings where everyone comes together, and every conversation feels like home. Festivities commence tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited!

While helping my niece create 200 lucky dip party favours and 21 table topper boxes, we chatted about how much time she spent asking for recommendations—from venues to playlists to hairdressers. That’s when it clicked: this whole event has been powered by referrals.

And then… the universe doubled down.

A lovely reader (hi Chelene 👋) replied to my last newsletter with a kind note:
“I LOVE your newsletters so I just had to send a tip! Wishing you a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for sharing your gift with your audience.”

Naturally, I replied (because I really do love when you write back!) and asked what she’d love to see more of. Her answer?

​
​Referral marketing.

Turns out 95% of her clients come through word of mouth.

So this week, I’m diving in.
Because if you’ve been here for any length of time, you know I love a good testimonial. But how do you turn kind words into actual growth? That’s where referral marketing comes in.

If people genuinely love your work, they want to talk about it. Why not make it easier for them—and give them a little love in return?

This week, I’m sharing beginner-friendly tips to help you tap into your community and turn your biggest fans into your best marketers (without ever feeling sales-y).

Let’s get into it. ⤵️

💌 3 steps to get started with referral marketing (the aligned, low-pressure way)

1️⃣ What is Referral Marketing—and Why It Works

Referral marketing is simply encouraging your existing audience or community to spread the word about something they love—you. It works because it’s based on trust. A recommendation from a real person carries more weight than any ad or sales page.

✨ Think of it like this: If you love something and tell a friend, that’s influence. If you offer a simple way for them to share it, that’s strategy.
​

2️⃣ How to Use Referral Links with Integrity

Start with this golden rule: Only share tools you’ve used and genuinely want to recommend. When you love something, the energy shows.

Whether it’s the platform you build your site on (hi, Squarespace), or the deodorant that keeps you dry (use: LOUISEBARTLETT25 for 25% off)—if it’s changed your work (and life), it’s worth sharing.

✅ Use affiliate links* where available (like Kajabi, Manychat, Moo.com).

✅ Be transparent. *Tell your audience it’s an affiliate link and that it helps support your work.

✅ Bonus: Create a “Tools I Love” or “Resources” page on your website so it’s all in one place.
​

3️⃣ How to Invite Referrals Without Feeling Sales-y

Make it easy and natural. Try lines like:

💬 “If this helped you, forward it to a friend.” (See mine at the bottom of this newsletter ⤵️)

💬 “I use [tool] every day in my business—here’s why I love it.”

💬 “Want to try it for yourself? Here’s my link—it supports my work at no extra cost to you.”

✨ Then… follow up. If someone refers a friend or signs up through your link, say thank you. The energy of appreciation fuels the whole system.

✨Bonus: Offer an incentive (cash, discount, free product/service, bonuses) to people who refer your services to make it a win-win.

2 things i'm loving

1️⃣ May Reflections

If you haven’t already, then journal on what worked well for you in May… Try these prompts:

• What’s working?
• What’s better than it was before?
• What’s not working?

The order is important, it allows you to build on gratitude, keeping your vibration high. Then, hit REPLY and let me know what nuggets of wisdom emerged as you reflected on May.

What will you bring with you into June?

2️⃣ Ready to be Referral-Worthy?

Learn how to become the first person everyone thinks about in your niche – listen to this podcast about being referral-worthy.

1 affirmation to ponder

Ok, that's all for this week, friends. If this email resonated, hit reply and say hello or tell me the one thing you're going to implement this week.

With love and alignment,

xo, Louise 🫶

If this helped you, share with a friend.

​​​