> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.referralhero.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.referralhero.com/campaign-builder/templates/referral-program.md).

# Referral Program

The Referral Program template helps you create a campaign where existing customers (advocates) refer new people to your business and receive rewards. It’s designed to drive growth through trusted recommendations while automatically tracking performance.

### Campaign Goals

<figure><img src="/files/uYHfqegVUFJdziPYuvt9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Referral Programs support two goal types:

* **Conversion events** – Reward advocates when their referrals complete your defined conversion goal(s). Example: reward an advocate when their friend signs up or makes a purchase
* **Conversion events + Social actions** – Reward advocates with points both for completing social actions and when their referrals complete conversion goals. Example: advocates earn points for sharing on social media, plus rewards when referred friends convert

### Participation Rules

* All participants automatically become advocates
* Each participant receives a unique referral link to share
* Referrals can also become advocates, continuing the cycle of sharing

<figure><img src="/files/8gY6IORVHyrPf7Lrgbyg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Widgets & Activation

ReferralHero provides three widgets for Referral Program campaigns:

* **Advocate Dashboard widget** – Advocates can sign up or log in, access their referral link, and track progress
* **Signup widget** – A customizable signup form to engage new subscribers and automatically add them as advocates
* **Referral Welcome Banner** – A banner-style signup option for embedding on your website to encourage participation

**In Referral Programs:**

* Anyone who signs up through **any widget** is immediately activated as an advocate
* No additional activation steps are required

### Rewards

* Supports all reward types: Conversion Bonuses, Rewards for Advocates, Rewards for Subscribers, and Manual Rewards
* Includes non-referral Signup Bonus: Non-referrals can be rewarded upon signup, even if they were not referred *(Not available in Affiliate Programs)*

<figure><img src="/files/yNylefJMD0zcGXYLNHOD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Automations

* Supports all automation flows
* Includes Welcome Flow > Activation email/SMS: This message is sent to subscribers who have joined but have not yet referred anyone, reminding them about the campaign and motivating engagement *(Not available in Affiliate Programs)*

<figure><img src="/files/HbDo6LHN9LiGPkzgYBvi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### When to Use

Use the Referral Program template if you want to:

* Grow your customer base organically through referrals
* Encourage sharing across social media and personal networks
* Incentivize both engagement and conversions
* Run either a continuous or time-limited program

### Key Features

In addition to features available in all templates (e.g., customizable rewards, automated tracking, double-sided rewards), Referral Programs include:

* **Flexible goal options** – Conversions only, or conversions plus social actions
* **Automatic advocacy** – Every participant receives a referral link
* **Non-referral Signup Bonus** – Reward for non-referral signups
* **Welcome Flow** – Automated email/SMS for inactive advocates