Imagine a potential client approaching a new business. They've never been with this particular company before and they've never even seen an advertisement promoting this company (or at least one that made them pay attention). In fact they know very little about it. But what they do know – and what got them to come to the door – was a very satisfied client. It was a referral.

Referrals are one of the most powerful marketing tools that work for businesses – and one of the least expensive! Just think of the money poured into advertising campaigns and direct mail pieces. But how does this particular company make referrals work for them? Isn't it up to the discretion of their happy customers whether or not they want to offer a referral? Not necessarily.

If this company has one happy customer, chances are they have more. Some of their clients may be raving about the services to friends and family. Others who are just as happy may never think to bring it up. This is where having a referral program comes in! Customers need to be enticed to bring in new business. Special discounts, free gifts or other creative ideas can help make happy customers bring in even more business.

Now imagine a Website where referrals are the number one topic. Great businesses everywhere can have the chance to receive referrals and people looking for great businesses will actually be able to find them!

This is Referred.com – and it will be launched in the coming months! With business travelers and vacationers always on the go, many people need good referrals for businesses in a new town or city. Where could they go to find a good mechanic who won't break their budget? And someone who has just moved or is planning to move to a new town may need referrals for a great attorney and realtor.

Referred.com will help users find referrals from real people, whether right in your town or in cities across the country. Through this algorithmic search index, users can find referred businesses in seconds just by using their computer or other handheld device.

Search engines have been helping people find businesses on the Internet, but what about referred businesses? If you're looking for a referral from a real person, sign up for our newsletter and be one of the first to Beta test Referred.com.