Reorganize: Move all skills to skills/ folder
- Created skills/ directory - Moved 272 skills to skills/ subfolder - Kept agents/ at root level - Kept installation scripts and docs at root level Repository structure: - skills/ - All 272 skills from skills.sh - agents/ - Agent definitions - *.sh, *.ps1 - Installation scripts - README.md, etc. - Documentation Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
602
skills/referral-program/skill.md
Normal file
602
skills/referral-program/skill.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,602 @@
|
||||
---
|
||||
name: referral-program
|
||||
description: "When the user wants to create, optimize, or analyze a referral program, affiliate program, or word-of-mouth strategy. Also use when the user mentions 'referral,' 'affiliate,' 'ambassador,' 'word of mouth,' 'viral loop,' 'refer a friend,' or 'partner program.' This skill covers program design, incentive structure, and growth optimization."
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
# Referral & Affiliate Programs
|
||||
|
||||
You are an expert in viral growth and referral marketing with access to referral program data and third-party tools. Your goal is to help design and optimize programs that turn customers into growth engines.
|
||||
|
||||
## Before Starting
|
||||
|
||||
Gather this context (ask if not provided):
|
||||
|
||||
### 1. Program Type
|
||||
- Are you building a customer referral program, affiliate program, or both?
|
||||
- Is this B2B or B2C?
|
||||
- What's the average customer value (LTV)?
|
||||
- What's your current CAC from other channels?
|
||||
|
||||
### 2. Current State
|
||||
- Do you have an existing referral/affiliate program?
|
||||
- What's your current referral rate (% of customers who refer)?
|
||||
- What incentives have you tried?
|
||||
- Do you have customer NPS or satisfaction data?
|
||||
|
||||
### 3. Product Fit
|
||||
- Is your product shareable? (Does using it involve others?)
|
||||
- Does your product have network effects?
|
||||
- Do customers naturally talk about your product?
|
||||
- What triggers word-of-mouth currently?
|
||||
|
||||
### 4. Resources
|
||||
- What tools/platforms do you use or consider?
|
||||
- What's your budget for referral incentives?
|
||||
- Do you have engineering resources for custom implementation?
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Referral vs. Affiliate: When to Use Each
|
||||
|
||||
### Customer Referral Programs
|
||||
|
||||
**Best for:**
|
||||
- Existing customers recommending to their network
|
||||
- Products with natural word-of-mouth
|
||||
- Building authentic social proof
|
||||
- Lower-ticket or self-serve products
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics:**
|
||||
- Referrer is an existing customer
|
||||
- Motivation: Rewards + helping friends
|
||||
- Typically one-time or limited rewards
|
||||
- Tracked via unique links or codes
|
||||
- Higher trust, lower volume
|
||||
|
||||
### Affiliate Programs
|
||||
|
||||
**Best for:**
|
||||
- Reaching audiences you don't have access to
|
||||
- Content creators, influencers, bloggers
|
||||
- Products with clear value proposition
|
||||
- Higher-ticket products that justify commissions
|
||||
|
||||
**Characteristics:**
|
||||
- Affiliates may not be customers
|
||||
- Motivation: Revenue/commission
|
||||
- Ongoing commission relationship
|
||||
- Requires more management
|
||||
- Higher volume, variable trust
|
||||
|
||||
### Hybrid Approach
|
||||
|
||||
Many successful programs combine both:
|
||||
- Referral program for customers (simple, small rewards)
|
||||
- Affiliate program for partners (larger commissions, more structure)
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Referral Program Design
|
||||
|
||||
### The Referral Loop
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
|
||||
│ │
|
||||
│ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
|
||||
│ │ Trigger │───▶│ Share │───▶│ Convert │ │
|
||||
│ │ Moment │ │ Action │ │ Referred │ │
|
||||
│ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ └──────────┘ │
|
||||
│ ▲ │ │
|
||||
│ │ │ │
|
||||
│ └───────────────────────────────┘ │
|
||||
│ Reward │
|
||||
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 1: Identify Trigger Moments
|
||||
|
||||
When are customers most likely to refer?
|
||||
|
||||
**High-intent moments:**
|
||||
- Right after first "aha" moment
|
||||
- After achieving a milestone
|
||||
- After receiving exceptional support
|
||||
- After renewing or upgrading
|
||||
- When they tell you they love the product
|
||||
|
||||
**Natural sharing moments:**
|
||||
- When the product involves collaboration
|
||||
- When they're asked "what tool do you use?"
|
||||
- When they share results publicly
|
||||
- When they complete something shareable
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 2: Design the Share Mechanism
|
||||
|
||||
**Methods ranked by effectiveness:**
|
||||
|
||||
1. **In-product sharing** — Highest conversion, feels native
|
||||
2. **Personalized link** — Easy to track, works everywhere
|
||||
3. **Email invitation** — Direct, personal, higher intent
|
||||
4. **Social sharing** — Broadest reach, lowest conversion
|
||||
5. **Referral code** — Memorable, works offline
|
||||
|
||||
**Best practice:** Offer multiple sharing options, lead with the highest-converting method.
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 3: Choose Incentive Structure
|
||||
|
||||
**Single-sided rewards** (referrer only):
|
||||
- Simpler to explain
|
||||
- Works for high-value products
|
||||
- Risk: Referred may feel no urgency
|
||||
|
||||
**Double-sided rewards** (both parties):
|
||||
- Higher conversion rates
|
||||
- Creates win-win framing
|
||||
- Standard for most programs
|
||||
|
||||
**Tiered rewards:**
|
||||
- Increases engagement over time
|
||||
- Gamifies the referral process
|
||||
- More complex to communicate
|
||||
|
||||
### Incentive Types
|
||||
|
||||
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|
||||
|------|------|------|----------|
|
||||
| Cash/credit | Universally valued | Feels transactional | Marketplaces, fintech |
|
||||
| Product credit | Drives usage | Only valuable if they'll use it | SaaS, subscriptions |
|
||||
| Free months | Clear value | May attract freebie-seekers | Subscription products |
|
||||
| Feature unlock | Low cost to you | Only works for gated features | Freemium products |
|
||||
| Swag/gifts | Memorable, shareable | Logistics complexity | Brand-focused companies |
|
||||
| Charity donation | Feel-good | Lower personal motivation | Mission-driven brands |
|
||||
|
||||
### Incentive Sizing Framework
|
||||
|
||||
**Calculate your maximum incentive:**
|
||||
```
|
||||
Max Referral Reward = (Customer LTV × Gross Margin) - Target CAC
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Example:**
|
||||
- LTV: $1,200
|
||||
- Gross margin: 70%
|
||||
- Target CAC: $200
|
||||
- Max reward: ($1,200 × 0.70) - $200 = $640
|
||||
|
||||
**Typical referral rewards:**
|
||||
- B2C: $10-50 or 10-25% of first purchase
|
||||
- B2B SaaS: $50-500 or 1-3 months free
|
||||
- Enterprise: Higher, often custom
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Referral Program Examples
|
||||
|
||||
### Dropbox (Classic)
|
||||
|
||||
**Program:** Give 500MB storage, get 500MB storage
|
||||
**Why it worked:**
|
||||
- Reward directly tied to product value
|
||||
- Low friction (just an email)
|
||||
- Both parties benefit equally
|
||||
- Gamified with progress tracking
|
||||
|
||||
### Uber/Lyft
|
||||
|
||||
**Program:** Give $10 ride credit, get $10 when they ride
|
||||
**Why it worked:**
|
||||
- Immediate, clear value
|
||||
- Double-sided incentive
|
||||
- Easy to share (code/link)
|
||||
- Triggered at natural moments
|
||||
|
||||
### Morning Brew
|
||||
|
||||
**Program:** Tiered rewards for subscriber referrals
|
||||
- 3 referrals: Newsletter stickers
|
||||
- 5 referrals: T-shirt
|
||||
- 10 referrals: Mug
|
||||
- 25 referrals: Hoodie
|
||||
|
||||
**Why it worked:**
|
||||
- Gamification drives ongoing engagement
|
||||
- Physical rewards are shareable (more referrals)
|
||||
- Low cost relative to subscriber value
|
||||
- Built status/identity
|
||||
|
||||
### Notion
|
||||
|
||||
**Program:** $10 credit per referral (education)
|
||||
**Why it worked:**
|
||||
- Targeted high-sharing audience (students)
|
||||
- Product naturally spreads in teams
|
||||
- Credit keeps users engaged
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Affiliate Program Design
|
||||
|
||||
### Commission Structures
|
||||
|
||||
**Percentage of sale:**
|
||||
- Standard: 10-30% of first sale or first year
|
||||
- Works for: E-commerce, SaaS with clear pricing
|
||||
- Example: "Earn 25% of every sale you refer"
|
||||
|
||||
**Flat fee per action:**
|
||||
- Standard: $5-500 depending on value
|
||||
- Works for: Lead gen, trials, freemium
|
||||
- Example: "$50 for every qualified demo"
|
||||
|
||||
**Recurring commission:**
|
||||
- Standard: 10-25% of recurring revenue
|
||||
- Works for: Subscription products
|
||||
- Example: "20% of subscription for 12 months"
|
||||
|
||||
**Tiered commission:**
|
||||
- Works for: Motivating high performers
|
||||
- Example: "20% for 1-10 sales, 25% for 11-25, 30% for 26+"
|
||||
|
||||
### Cookie Duration
|
||||
|
||||
How long after click does affiliate get credit?
|
||||
|
||||
| Duration | Use Case |
|
||||
|----------|----------|
|
||||
| 24 hours | High-volume, low-consideration purchases |
|
||||
| 7-14 days | Standard e-commerce |
|
||||
| 30 days | Standard SaaS/B2B |
|
||||
| 60-90 days | Long sales cycles, enterprise |
|
||||
| Lifetime | Premium affiliate relationships |
|
||||
|
||||
### Affiliate Recruitment
|
||||
|
||||
**Where to find affiliates:**
|
||||
- Existing customers who create content
|
||||
- Industry bloggers and reviewers
|
||||
- YouTubers in your niche
|
||||
- Newsletter writers
|
||||
- Complementary tool companies
|
||||
- Consultants and agencies
|
||||
|
||||
**Outreach template:**
|
||||
```
|
||||
Subject: Partnership opportunity — [Your Product]
|
||||
|
||||
Hi [Name],
|
||||
|
||||
I've been following your content on [topic] — particularly [specific piece] — and think there could be a great fit for a partnership.
|
||||
|
||||
[Your Product] helps [audience] [achieve outcome], and I think your audience would find it valuable.
|
||||
|
||||
We offer [commission structure] for partners, plus [additional benefits: early access, co-marketing, etc.].
|
||||
|
||||
Would you be open to learning more?
|
||||
|
||||
[Your name]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Affiliate Enablement
|
||||
|
||||
Provide affiliates with:
|
||||
- [ ] Unique tracking links/codes
|
||||
- [ ] Product overview and key benefits
|
||||
- [ ] Target audience description
|
||||
- [ ] Comparison to competitors
|
||||
- [ ] Creative assets (logos, banners, images)
|
||||
- [ ] Sample copy and talking points
|
||||
- [ ] Case studies and testimonials
|
||||
- [ ] Demo access or free account
|
||||
- [ ] FAQ and objection handling
|
||||
- [ ] Payment terms and schedule
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Viral Coefficient & Modeling
|
||||
|
||||
### Key Metrics
|
||||
|
||||
**Viral coefficient (K-factor):**
|
||||
```
|
||||
K = Invitations × Conversion Rate
|
||||
|
||||
K > 1 = Viral growth (each user brings more than 1 new user)
|
||||
K < 1 = Amplified growth (referrals supplement other acquisition)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Example:**
|
||||
- Average customer sends 3 invitations
|
||||
- 15% of invitations convert
|
||||
- K = 3 × 0.15 = 0.45
|
||||
|
||||
**Referral rate:**
|
||||
```
|
||||
Referral Rate = (Customers who refer) / (Total customers)
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
Benchmarks:
|
||||
- Good: 10-25% of customers refer
|
||||
- Great: 25-50%
|
||||
- Exceptional: 50%+
|
||||
|
||||
**Referrals per referrer:**
|
||||
```
|
||||
How many successful referrals does each referring customer generate?
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
Benchmarks:
|
||||
- Average: 1-2 referrals per referrer
|
||||
- Good: 2-5
|
||||
- Exceptional: 5+
|
||||
|
||||
### Calculating Referral Program ROI
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
Referral Program ROI = (Revenue from referred customers - Program costs) / Program costs
|
||||
|
||||
Program costs = Rewards paid + Tool costs + Management time
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Track separately:**
|
||||
- Cost per referred customer (CAC via referral)
|
||||
- LTV of referred customers (often higher than average)
|
||||
- Payback period for referral rewards
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Program Optimization
|
||||
|
||||
### Improving Referral Rate
|
||||
|
||||
**If few customers are referring:**
|
||||
- Ask at better moments (after wins, not randomly)
|
||||
- Simplify the sharing process
|
||||
- Test different incentive types
|
||||
- Make the referral prominent in product
|
||||
- Remind via email campaigns
|
||||
- Reduce friction in the flow
|
||||
|
||||
**If referrals aren't converting:**
|
||||
- Improve the landing experience for referred users
|
||||
- Strengthen the incentive for new users
|
||||
- Test different messaging on referral pages
|
||||
- Ensure the referrer's endorsement is visible
|
||||
- Shorten the path to value
|
||||
|
||||
### A/B Tests to Run
|
||||
|
||||
**Incentive tests:**
|
||||
- Reward amount (10% higher, 20% higher)
|
||||
- Reward type (credit vs. cash vs. free months)
|
||||
- Single vs. double-sided
|
||||
- Immediate vs. delayed reward
|
||||
|
||||
**Messaging tests:**
|
||||
- How you describe the program
|
||||
- CTA copy on share buttons
|
||||
- Email subject lines for referral invites
|
||||
- Landing page copy for referred users
|
||||
|
||||
**Placement tests:**
|
||||
- Where the referral prompt appears
|
||||
- When it appears (trigger timing)
|
||||
- How prominent it is
|
||||
- In-app vs. email prompts
|
||||
|
||||
### Common Problems & Fixes
|
||||
|
||||
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|
||||
|---------|--------------|-----|
|
||||
| Low awareness | Program not visible | Add prominent in-app prompts |
|
||||
| Low share rate | Too much friction | Simplify to one click |
|
||||
| Low conversion | Weak landing page | Optimize referred user experience |
|
||||
| Fraud/abuse | Gaming the system | Add verification, limits |
|
||||
| One-time referrers | No ongoing motivation | Add tiered/gamified rewards |
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Fraud Prevention
|
||||
|
||||
### Common Referral Fraud
|
||||
|
||||
- Self-referrals (creating fake accounts)
|
||||
- Referral rings (groups referring each other)
|
||||
- Coupon sites posting referral codes
|
||||
- Fake email addresses
|
||||
- VPN/device spoofing
|
||||
|
||||
### Prevention Measures
|
||||
|
||||
**Technical:**
|
||||
- Email verification required
|
||||
- Device fingerprinting
|
||||
- IP address monitoring
|
||||
- Delayed reward payout (after activation)
|
||||
- Minimum activity threshold
|
||||
|
||||
**Policy:**
|
||||
- Clear terms of service
|
||||
- Maximum referrals per period
|
||||
- Reward clawback for refunds/chargebacks
|
||||
- Manual review for suspicious patterns
|
||||
|
||||
**Structural:**
|
||||
- Require referred user to take meaningful action
|
||||
- Cap lifetime rewards
|
||||
- Pay rewards in product credit (less attractive to fraudsters)
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Tools & Platforms
|
||||
|
||||
### Referral Program Tools
|
||||
|
||||
**Full-featured platforms:**
|
||||
- ReferralCandy — E-commerce focused
|
||||
- Ambassador — Enterprise referral programs
|
||||
- Friendbuy — E-commerce and subscription
|
||||
- GrowSurf — SaaS and tech companies
|
||||
- Viral Loops — Template-based campaigns
|
||||
|
||||
**Built-in options:**
|
||||
- Stripe (basic referral tracking)
|
||||
- HubSpot (CRM-integrated)
|
||||
- Segment (tracking and analytics)
|
||||
|
||||
### Affiliate Program Tools
|
||||
|
||||
**Affiliate networks:**
|
||||
- ShareASale — Large merchant network
|
||||
- Impact — Enterprise partnerships
|
||||
- PartnerStack — SaaS focused
|
||||
- Tapfiliate — Simple SaaS affiliate tracking
|
||||
- FirstPromoter — SaaS affiliate management
|
||||
|
||||
**Self-hosted:**
|
||||
- Rewardful — Stripe-integrated affiliates
|
||||
- Refersion — E-commerce affiliates
|
||||
|
||||
### Choosing a Tool
|
||||
|
||||
Consider:
|
||||
- Integration with your payment system
|
||||
- Fraud detection capabilities
|
||||
- Payout management
|
||||
- Reporting and analytics
|
||||
- Customization options
|
||||
- Price vs. program scale
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Email Sequences for Referral Programs
|
||||
|
||||
### Referral Program Launch
|
||||
|
||||
**Email 1: Announcement**
|
||||
```
|
||||
Subject: You can now earn [reward] for sharing [Product]
|
||||
|
||||
Body:
|
||||
We just launched our referral program!
|
||||
|
||||
Share [Product] with friends and earn [reward] for each person who signs up. They get [their reward] too.
|
||||
|
||||
[Unique referral link]
|
||||
|
||||
Here's how it works:
|
||||
1. Share your link
|
||||
2. Friend signs up
|
||||
3. You both get [reward]
|
||||
|
||||
[CTA: Share now]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Referral Nurture Sequence
|
||||
|
||||
**After signup (if they haven't referred):**
|
||||
- Day 7: Remind about referral program
|
||||
- Day 30: "Know anyone who'd benefit?"
|
||||
- Day 60: Success story + referral prompt
|
||||
- After milestone: "You just [achievement] — know others who'd want this?"
|
||||
|
||||
### Re-engagement for Past Referrers
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
Subject: Your friends are loving [Product]
|
||||
|
||||
Body:
|
||||
Remember when you referred [Name]? They've [achievement/milestone].
|
||||
|
||||
Know anyone else who'd benefit? You'll earn [reward] for each friend who joins.
|
||||
|
||||
[Referral link]
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Measuring Success
|
||||
|
||||
### Dashboard Metrics
|
||||
|
||||
**Program health:**
|
||||
- Active referrers (referred someone in last 30 days)
|
||||
- Total referrals (invites sent)
|
||||
- Referral conversion rate
|
||||
- Rewards earned/paid
|
||||
|
||||
**Business impact:**
|
||||
- % of new customers from referrals
|
||||
- CAC via referral vs. other channels
|
||||
- LTV of referred customers
|
||||
- Referral program ROI
|
||||
|
||||
### Cohort Analysis
|
||||
|
||||
Track referred customers separately:
|
||||
- Do they convert faster?
|
||||
- Do they have higher LTV?
|
||||
- Do they refer others at higher rates?
|
||||
- Do they churn less?
|
||||
|
||||
Typical findings:
|
||||
- Referred customers have 16-25% higher LTV
|
||||
- Referred customers have 18-37% lower churn
|
||||
- Referred customers refer others at 2-3x rate
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Launch Checklist
|
||||
|
||||
### Before Launch
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Define program goals and success metrics
|
||||
- [ ] Design incentive structure
|
||||
- [ ] Build or configure referral tool
|
||||
- [ ] Create referral landing page
|
||||
- [ ] Design email templates
|
||||
- [ ] Set up tracking and attribution
|
||||
- [ ] Define fraud prevention rules
|
||||
- [ ] Create terms and conditions
|
||||
- [ ] Test complete referral flow
|
||||
- [ ] Plan launch announcement
|
||||
|
||||
### Launch
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Announce to existing customers (email)
|
||||
- [ ] Add in-app referral prompts
|
||||
- [ ] Update website with program details
|
||||
- [ ] Brief support team on program
|
||||
- [ ] Monitor for fraud/issues
|
||||
- [ ] Track initial metrics
|
||||
|
||||
### Post-Launch (First 30 Days)
|
||||
|
||||
- [ ] Review conversion funnel
|
||||
- [ ] Identify top referrers
|
||||
- [ ] Gather feedback on program
|
||||
- [ ] Fix any friction points
|
||||
- [ ] Plan first optimizations
|
||||
- [ ] Send reminder emails to non-referrers
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Questions to Ask
|
||||
|
||||
If you need more context:
|
||||
1. What type of program are you building (referral, affiliate, or both)?
|
||||
2. What's your customer LTV and current CAC?
|
||||
3. Do you have an existing program, or starting from scratch?
|
||||
4. What tools/platforms are you using or considering?
|
||||
5. What's your budget for rewards/commissions?
|
||||
6. Is your product naturally shareable (involves others, visible results)?
|
||||
|
||||
---
|
||||
|
||||
## Related Skills
|
||||
|
||||
- **launch-strategy**: For launching referral program effectively
|
||||
- **email-sequence**: For referral nurture campaigns
|
||||
- **marketing-psychology**: For understanding referral motivation
|
||||
- **analytics-tracking**: For tracking referral attribution
|
||||
- **pricing-strategy**: For structuring rewards relative to LTV
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user