Choosing the best referral software in 2025 depends on what your business needs. Small and mid-sized businesses that want to connect with customers often pick Loyally.ai. This tool helps with many parts of referral marketing. Ecommerce brands usually choose ReferralCandy. It helps them run automatic programs and get new customers easily. Big companies like Extole. It lets them use advanced segmentation and do referral marketing for many people at once. New data shows digital referral marketing tools now bring in three times more leads than old word-of-mouth. Mobile-optimized programs also get 56% more engagement. The right referral marketing tool can change how you get customers and help your business grow.
Key Takeaways
Pick referral marketing tools that match your business size and needs. This helps you get the best results. Find software that is easy to set up and use. Automation and good support can save you time. Strong analytics help your program grow. Make sure your referral platform works with your other tools. These tools can be POS, ecommerce, or CRM systems. Do not choose programs that are hard to use or too complex. Simple and flexible tools make it easy for customers to join. They also make sharing easier. Choose software with many reward options and fraud protection. Mobile-friendly features help keep customers interested.
Best Referral Marketing Tools for 2025
Small Business Picks
You want a referral marketing tool that is not expensive. It should help your business grow. Small businesses need tools that are easy to set up. They also want automation and good support. The best referral marketing platforms in 2025 give you these things and more.
Software | Starting Price | Best For | User Rating | Key Features & Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Loyally.ai | $12/month | All business sizes | 4.8/5 | Digital loyalty cards, CRM, geolocation, PUSH notifications |
ReferralCandy | $59/month | Online stores | 4.5/5 | Fraud protection, easy setup, e-commerce focus |
$200/month | SMBs, B2B, agencies | 4.6/5 | Multi-campaign management, automation, integrations | |
InviteReferrals | $79/month | Agencies, SMBs | 4.5/5 | Multi-channel campaigns, templates, analytics |
Vyper | $149/month | SaaS, marketers | 4.7/5 | Viral contests, loyalty, automation |
Birdeye Referrals | $299/month | Local, healthcare | 4.6/5 | Review management, analytics, integrations |
Loyally.ai is a top choice because it costs less and has great reviews. It gives you digital loyalty cards and a CRM. You get unlimited PUSH notifications too. You can set up your referral program to run by itself. You can also see how well it works with analytics. ReferralCandy and Referral Rock are also good for small businesses. They are best if you sell online or want more automation.
When picking a referral marketing tool, check if it saves money. Make sure it is easy to use and has good support. The best tools let you change your referral program to fit your needs. They help you give out rewards automatically. You can also grow your program as your business gets bigger. Loyally.ai, ReferralCandy, and InviteReferrals all do these things. That is why they are great choices for 2025.
Tip: Pick a referral marketing platform that works with your POS or e-commerce system. This will save you time and make your referral program easier to manage.
Ecommerce Solutions
If you have an online store, you need referral marketing tools that work with your e-commerce software. These tools help you find more customers. The most popular referral marketing platforms for ecommerce in 2025 are Yotpo Loyalty & Referrals, ReferralCandy, Mention Me, and Extole.
Platform | Target Audience | Key Features & Focus |
|---|---|---|
Yotpo Loyalty & Referrals | Ecommerce brands of all sizes | Integrated referral and loyalty platform, unique trackable codes, multi-channel sharing, customizable rewards, deep ecommerce integrations, dual-sided incentives |
ReferralCandy | Online stores | Fraud protection, TikTok integrations, performance dashboards, easy setup |
Mention Me | Retail & ecommerce | Customer advocacy, A/B testing, segmentation, detailed reporting, consultative setup |
Extole | Enterprise clients | Advocate segmentation, personalized sharing, reward management, detailed analytics |
Viral Loops | Businesses seeking viral growth | Template-based viral and referral campaigns, contests, embeddable widgets |
You can make and control your referral program. You can sign people up automatically and send them messages that feel personal. Many referral marketing platforms for ecommerce let you make landing pages with your brand. You can use special links to track referrals. Customers can share by email, SMS, or social media. You can also use pop-up widgets and QR codes to make sharing simple.
Templates you can use for referral campaigns
Dashboards so people can see their progress
Automation for syncing data and stopping fraud
Segmentation tools to target buyers by what they buy
Many ways to pay rewards, like cash, credits, or vouchers
ReferralCandy and Yotpo Loyalty & Referrals are top picks for ecommerce brands. They work well with Shopify, BigCommerce, and other platforms. You can run your referral program automatically and get more sales with rewards for both sides.
SaaS and Startups
SaaS companies and startups want referral marketing tools that help them grow fast. They also want to keep costs low. You need software that tracks referrals and gives out rewards automatically. It should work well with your digital product. The best referral marketing platforms for SaaS and startups in 2025 are Cello, Referral Rock, Viral Loops, SaaSquatch, and ReferralHero.
Tool Name | Key Features | Pricing Model | Suitability for SaaS/Startups |
|---|---|---|---|
Cello | Focused on referrals only, great UI/UX, customizable notification journeys, integrations, analytics dashboard | Freemium with pay-per-ARR tiered plan | Used by B2B/SaaS brands like VEED, Miro, Typeform |
Referral Rock | Supports 1-sided, 2-sided, recurring referrals, automated payouts, multi-channel sharing, CRM sync | Starting at $200/month for 10,000 members | Suitable for B2B and B2C, with HubSpot and Salesforce integrations |
Viral Loops | Best templates used by top startups (Dropbox, Mailchimp), supports various referral mechanics | Various plans, freemium to enterprise | Highly recommended for startups needing proven templates |
SaaSquatch | Drag-and-drop builder, real-time analytics, mobile-friendly widgets, automated rewards | Custom pricing | Especially suited for SaaS and subscription businesses |
ReferralHero | Customizable campaigns, widgets for easy integration, social sharing, anti-fraud tools | $49 to $199/month with tiered plans | Good for small to mid-sized businesses across industries |
Referral marketing is great for SaaS because people trust friends more than ads. It is 50 times more likely to get a sale than a celebrity ad. You can give users discounts, credits, or special access as rewards. Many SaaS companies, like Dropbox and Canva, use referral program software. They offer rewards to both the person who refers and the new user. These tools help you make your campaigns better and keep customers coming back.
Note: Referral program software for SaaS often has API access, real-time analytics, and easy ways to connect with your product. This lets you start and run your referral program without slowing down your team.
Enterprise Platforms
Big companies need referral marketing tools that can handle lots of users and complex needs. They want deep integrations and strong features. The most used enterprise referral marketing platforms in 2025 are Impact, Refersion, Scaleo, Referral Rock, Mention Me, Friendbuy, and Genius Referrals.
Platform | Best For | Pricing Range | Key Enterprise Features and Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
Impact | Enterprises managing many partners | Not publicly listed | Partnership automation, global partner discovery, robust enterprise solution |
Refersion | Ecommerce companies wanting easy setup | $99-$249/month + enterprise plan | Real-time sales tracking, automated commissions, affiliate portal |
Scaleo | Medium to large businesses wanting AI | $400-$2,200/month + enterprise plan | AI and machine learning features, fast performance, affiliate marketing software |
Referral Rock | Enterprises needing dedicated support | N/A | Dedicated customer success manager, SLA, integrations, security compliance, scalability |
Mention Me | Enterprises running multichannel programs | N/A | Multichannel referral program support |
Friendbuy | Enterprises needing real-time analytics | N/A | Real-time analytics, compliance features |
Genius Referrals | Influencer and employee referrals | N/A | Influencer marketing, employee referral programs |
Enterprise referral marketing platforms have special features that smaller tools do not.
Advanced Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Connects with enterprise systems and CRMs for seamless data sharing and multi-step sales processes | |
Extensive Customization & Branding | Full personalization of referral programs, including logos, colors, and messaging |
Automation of Program Aspects | Automates promotion, reward issuance, and other tasks to boost efficiency |
Scalability Without Extra Referral Fees | Supports unlimited referrals without extra costs |
Detailed Analytics & Reporting | Comprehensive dashboards and metrics for program performance |
Dedicated Expert Support | Personalized onboarding and ongoing management |
Rapid Deployment | Launches referral programs quickly, even for complex needs |
You can run campaigns around the world and give out rewards automatically. You get detailed analytics to see how your program is doing. These platforms help you grow your referral program without extra fees. You also get help from experts and can change the program to match your brand.
Referral Marketing Tool Comparison Table
When you look at referral management tools, you want to know which one fits your business best. The table below shows how top referral tracking software is different in 2025. You can see which one has the features, price, and connections you need.
Platform | Pricing | Customization & Features | Integrations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Loyally.ai | $12–$78/month | Digital loyalty cards, built-in CRM, unlimited PUSH, geolocation, wallet integration, multi-location support | Shopify, Square, Lightspeed, API, Zapier | SMBs, multi-location, retail, restaurants |
ReferralCandy | Ecommerce templates, fraud protection, easy setup, basic analytics | Shopify-native, WooCommerce, BigCommerce | Online stores, DTC brands | |
Friendbuy | Custom pricing | Advanced workflows, API access, dynamic triggers, real-time analytics | Salesforce, HubSpot, Klaviyo, API | Medium to large businesses, lifecycle teams |
Extole | Enterprise pricing | Rule-based logic, advocate segmentation, deep analytics, enterprise compliance | Full ecommerce stack, API, custom integrations | Large enterprises, complex needs |
Referral Rock | Starts at $200/month | Multi-campaign, CRM sync, advanced analytics, custom triggers | HubSpot, Salesforce, Mailchimp, API | B2B, agencies, mid-to-large businesses |
UpViral | Starts at $79/month | Viral campaigns, gamification, drag-and-drop builder | Email autoresponders, ad pixels | Marketers, campaign managers |
Talon.One | Enterprise only | Custom logic, multi-stage engagement, robust analytics | API-first, major tech ecosystems | Large brands, multi-market |
Tip: Loyally.ai is great for SMBs and businesses with more than one location. It gives you digital loyalty cards, referral tracking software, and a built-in CRM all in one place. You can start your program fast and control everything from one dashboard.
Pick referral tracking software that fits your business size and what you do. Loyally.ai lets you change things and works with many other tools. You can set up rewards to go out by themselves, send as many PUSH notifications as you want, and use geolocation marketing. This helps you get more customers and keeps them coming back.
How to Choose the Best Referral Software
Key Features to Consider
When picking referral software, look for features that help your business. Check if you can change how widgets and emails look. This helps your brand stand out. Automation is helpful because it saves time. It tracks referrals and sends rewards by itself. Real-time analytics show which programs work best. You can see what needs to get better. Make sure the software lets you use email and social media. This way, you can reach more people.
Tip: Pick referral program software that keeps customer data safe. Good privacy and security tools are important.
Pricing and Plans
Referral marketing tools have different prices. Some charge a flat fee. Others charge by how much you use them or by commission. Entry-level plans cost less than $100 each month. These plans have basic features. Mid-range plans cost more but give you more options. You get more ways to connect and more things you can change. Enterprise plans cost the most. They let you use your own branding and have API access. You also get advanced analytics. Always look for clear prices and free trials. This helps you avoid extra costs and pick the right tool for your money.
Plan Tier | Features Included | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level | Basic tracking, limited customization | <$100/month | Small businesses |
Mid-Range | More integrations, automation, analytics | $100–$500/month | Growing brands |
Enterprise | Full customization, API, priority support | $500+/month | Large enterprises |
Integrations and Compatibility
The best referral software works with your other tools. Look for platforms that connect with your CRM, ecommerce, and payment systems. This makes it easy to track referrals and send rewards. Good integration keeps your data together and helps your program run well.
Ease of Use and Support
You want software that is simple to set up and use. A clear dashboard and ready-made templates help you start fast. Good customer support is important. Some platforms have help all day and night. Some even give you your own advisor. This support fixes problems fast and keeps your program working.
Scalability
Your referral program should grow as your business grows. The best software can handle more users and more referrals. It does not slow down. Automated tracking, CRM connections, and partner portals help you scale. Pick software that helps your business get bigger and keeps your campaigns running well.
Top Referral Marketing Platforms Reviewed
Loyally.ai
Loyally.ai does more than just track referrals. It is a top pick for small businesses. You can use eight types of digital loyalty cards. These include stamp cards, cashback, and membership cards. The built-in CRM helps you keep customer data organized. You can split your audience into groups. Unlimited push notifications and geolocation alerts help keep customers interested. Loyally.ai works with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This makes it simple for customers to get their rewards. You can check detailed analytics to see what works best. Loyally.ai is easy to use and grows with your business. Retailers and restaurants get the most from its features.
All-in-one referral program software
Seamless mobile wallet integration
Detailed customer insights and analytics
ReferralCandy
ReferralCandy is a favorite for ecommerce brands. You can set up your referral program fast. It connects easily to Shopify or Klaviyo. People like the support team because they help quickly. The automated referral flow helps people buy again. It also brings in new customers. ReferralCandy’s blog and case studies show how big brands use it. Brands like Tesla and Airbnb use referral program software to grow. You get tips and proven ideas for your campaigns. Many businesses around the world recommend ReferralCandy. It helps boost word-of-mouth marketing.
Friendbuy
Friendbuy helps brands get strong results from referral marketing. You get expert help when you start. Brands like Outdoor Voices and SPANX get more customers and repeat sales. Friendbuy’s analytics and integrations let you track every referral. The platform says you can get 25 times your money back. You may see up to 40% more repeat purchases. You can send custom messages and give out rewards automatically. Friendbuy works with e-commerce and subscription billing.
Benefit | Result/Feature |
|---|---|
ROI | 25X |
Lifetime Value | 3-4X increase |
New Customer Acquisition | 5-25% |
Repeat Purchases | 20-40% increase |
Conversion Rate | Up to 15% from referred customers |
Extole
Extole is a leader for big companies using referral marketing. You can get a 282% return on investment in three years. Referred customers spend 150% more on orders. Extole lets you make each referral program personal. You can use advanced segmentation and A/B testing. The platform has strong security and flexible APIs. It sends content in real time. You can run many referral programs at once. You can also set different rewards for each group. Extole’s expert team helps you start and improve your campaigns. Brands trust Extole because it works well and saves time.
Fraud protection and on-brand styling
Multilingual support and mobile readiness
Dedicated customer success teams
Referral Rock
Referral Rock gives you everything you need for referral marketing. You can use games and many ways to share. The platform lets you pay out rewards in many ways. You can use gift cards or PayPal. There is a member portal to track referrals and rewards. Referral Rock works with email, help desk, and ecommerce tools. You can start your referral program without a developer. The platform has support all day and night. You get help when you need it. Businesses like its easy-to-use design and strong analytics.
Referral Factory
Referral Factory helps you start a referral program fast. You do not need to know how to code. You get over 100 templates made by experts. There are more than 200 reward options. The platform works with HubSpot, Salesforce, and other CRMs. You can add widgets, pop-ups, and landing pages in minutes. Referral Factory tracks top referrers and sharing channels. You get advanced analytics to see what works. Free onboarding and expert help get you started quickly. This referral program software is great if you want something simple and fast.
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Setup | |
Templates | 100+ available |
Rewards | 200+ types, automated or manual |
Integrations | CRM sync via Zapier or direct |
Support | Free onboarding and expert advice |
Superfiliate
Superfiliate helps you make custom affiliate landing pages. You can build influencer, affiliate, referral, and loyalty programs. The platform gives out rewards in cash, store credit, or gifts. Superfiliate works best with Shopify and similar tools. You do not need to code to use it. Brands use Superfiliate to build trust and get more sales. You can make landing pages that match your brand. Pricing is not listed, so you need to ask for a quote.
LoudCrowd
LoudCrowd turns your customers into affiliates with special landing pages. Each advocate gets a page they can share and shop from. You can run social gifting campaigns and reward people who post on Instagram and TikTok. The platform gives out rewards and tracks campaign results. LoudCrowd uses AI and lists to find new brand fans. You can manage contests, challenges, and social commerce campaigns in one place. This tool goes beyond normal referral program software. It adds social commerce and creator storefronts.
Matching the Best Referral Program Software to Your Business
Picking the right referral program software depends on your business. You need to think about your industry, how big your business is, and what you want to achieve. The best software should fit how you work and help you get new customers and keep them. The table below shows how different businesses use referral marketing platforms to get good results:
Industry / Business Size | Example Business | Referral Program Features | Benefits Highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
Ecommerce / Online Retail | Omsom | Double-sided rewards, multiple sharing options, visual step-by-step guides | Easy to understand, more sharing, strong visual appeal |
Financial Services | Provident Bank | Tiered rewards, relationship-focused messaging, simple referral process | Tailored incentives, better retention, clear messaging |
Small Businesses | Local Retailers | Custom incentives (cash, credits, upgrades), simple signup, branded landing pages | More brand awareness, customer acquisition, retention |
The best referral software can change to fit your needs. If you have a shop or restaurant, you want digital loyalty cards and easy sign-up. You also want rewards that your customers will like. Loyally.ai gives you eight types of loyalty cards and a built-in CRM. You can send as many push notifications as you want. You can send offers to people when they are close by using geolocation. This helps you get more visits and keeps people coming back.
If you run an online store, you need referral tools that work with your website. Loyally.ai works with Shopify, Square, and other POS systems. You can set up rewards to go out by themselves and see referrals as they happen. This makes it simple to get more customers and keep them shopping with you.
For SaaS or startups, you need referral software that grows with you. Loyally.ai lets you split your audience into groups and send special offers. You can use analytics to see what works best. Wallet integration lets customers get rewards on their phones.
Tip: Make sure you know what you want from your referral program. Pick software that has features like automation, analytics, and easy sharing to match your goals.
When your business goals match what your referral platform can do, your program will help you get loyal customers and grow. Loyally.ai is special because it has digital loyalty, referral sharing, and strong analytics all together. You get a flexible tool that grows with your business at every step.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Referral Marketing Platforms
Picking the right referral marketing platform can really help your business. But many companies make the same mistakes. You should try to avoid these so your referral program works well.
If your referral plan is too hard, customers get confused. Simple programs make it easier for people to join and share.
If you only use automation, you might miss important things. You need to check your program often and make changes when needed.
Many people quit too early. Referral programs need time to work. If you keep working on them, you will see good results.
If the software is hard to use or cannot be changed, it is a problem. Your team needs to use the platform easily. If not, your program will not do as well as it could.
Note: If your platform does not work with your other tools, you waste time and money. Always check if the software connects with your CRM, POS, or e-commerce tools.
Some businesses pick referral software that cannot grow with them. If your program gets popular, you need a platform that can handle more users and referrals. It should not slow down or cost too much.
1. Do not pick platforms that only give one reward type. Customers like to choose cash, discounts, or store credits. 2. Make sure your software stops fraud. If not, people might cheat and you lose money. 3. Stay away from tools that need a lot of help from developers. Marketing teams should be able to run the program by themselves. 4. Integration is important. If your referral platform does not connect with your other systems, you will have tech problems. 5. Do not forget about mobile and branding. Customers want your program to look good and work on any device. 6. You need to test new ideas. If your platform does not have A/B testing, it is hard to make your program better.
Tip: Think about what your customers want and how flexible the platform is. The best referral marketing platforms grow with your business and help you reach your goals.
You want the best referral marketing tool for your business. Loyally.ai is great for small businesses and those with more than one location. It gives you digital loyalty cards and referral tools in one place. Many online stores pick ReferralCandy. Big companies like Extole because it has more features. With Loyally.ai, you can make your own cards. You get a built-in CRM, unlimited PUSH notifications, and geolocation marketing. Wallet integration makes rewards easy to use.
The CRM and analytics let you see who comes back, who uses rewards, and how much money you make.
PUSH notifications and geolocation marketing help you get twice as many sales.
Loyalty members spend 18% more and bring in 43% of your yearly sales.
Loyally.ai helps you keep customers, get them more involved, and grow your business.
Ready to grow? Get started with Loyally.ai today!
FAQ
What is referral marketing software?
Referral marketing software helps you run customer referral programs. It lets you give rewards to customers who bring in new people. The software makes sharing easy and keeps track of who joins. It helps you see results and get more customers.
How do digital loyalty cards work?
Digital loyalty cards let people earn points or rewards on their phones. You set up the program for your business. Customers scan or tap their cards when they visit. The system keeps track and sends out rewards by itself.
Can I integrate referral tools with my POS or ecommerce platform?
Yes, most referral marketing platforms work with POS and ecommerce systems. You can connect customer data and send rewards automatically. You can also see referrals as they happen. This makes your program simple to run.
What types of rewards can I offer?
You can give points, discounts, cashback, gift cards, or special perks. Some platforms let you pick rewards for different groups. Choose rewards that match your business and make customers excited.
How do I measure the success of my referral program?
You look at things like new customers, how many people refer, and how often rewards are used. Most platforms have dashboards and reports. You use this information to make your program better and get more people involved.
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