On today’s podcast, it’s just you and me! No guests or interviews, but I do go very in depth into driver referral programs. Most of you are probably already familiar with this system but if not, I break down the basics and then talk about all the ways drivers are using these referral systems to increase their earnings.
I’ve got a lot of experience dealing with driver referrals since it is one of the main ways I monetize this site but I’ll also talk about a lot of the pain points and ways that the driver referral programs can be improved. And make sure you stay tuned until the end, since I’ve got a special announcement about a referral program of my own!
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here
Intro
- Today’s podcast is all about driver referrals – how to get started and maximize your referrals, and how companies can improve their programs
- Keep reading/listening to find out more about my referral program
- Special thanks to our sponsor, Stride Health – a health care advocate that can help you find affordable health care plans
What Are Driver Referrals?
- Affiliate marketing
- Pat Flynn’s recent podcast on this, but basically if I use a product or service and I like it, I can sign up to be an affiliate and promote that product. People who sign up with my link earn me a small commission
- You’ve probably seen spammy driver referrals, on Facebook or on forums, but that’s not sustainable long-term
- If you use it, like it, and promote it to family and friends, you should get a payout for referring more business to these companies
How to Use the Referral System to Your Advantage
- New drivers: take advantage of sign up bonuses
- In the past, Uber offered the best bonuses, but now Lyft is leading the pack
- Some delivery companies also offer bonuses
- Current drivers: referring new passengers and drivers
- How to stand out: one RSG reader offers one-on-one consulting for new drivers
- Think outside the box, and don’t follow the spamming approach
- Stay on the look out for limited time offers. RSG summarizes LTO bonuses monthly, but keep an eye out for promotional emails, too
How I Use Driver Referrals
- Important to establish a relationship with people before you start promoting a product
- My most popular articles aren’t always the most flattering to companies (Postmates, for example)
- I only work with products I use and like – there are companies I won’t promote, even if they offer affiliate programs
- Driver referrals are my number one source of income
- DoorDash approach: they don’t offer a sign up bonus
- Important to find something that works for you: companies are not invested in you, so take advantage of limited time offers and bonuses while you can
Problems with Driver Referrals
- Rideshare companies are in the Stone Age when it comes to driver referrals
- Lack of transparency: sign up bonuses vary from city to city, and no one knows what the sign up bonuses are around the country
- Affiliate programs are like the Wild West – which is good and bad
- Issues with sign up codes
- Accountability is difficult, but there are ways to increase conversion
- I thank people with a sweet RSG hat!
How to Improve Referral Programs
- Easy-to-follow driver dashboard – how much the bonuses are for me, and how much they are for the people I refer
- Get rid of the sign up codes!
- Follow up and communication with referred drivers
- How to market: tips on how to refer people, what to say, where to go, etc.
Maximum Ridesharing Profts
- From the referral programs I’ve seen, I’ve learned what not to do in my affiliate program
- Maximum Ridesharing Profits is now offering its own referral program!
- Have already sold several hundred courses, and now we’re opening an affiliate program for people who’ve bought our course
- Offering this program to people who’ve bought the course already because we want people who’ve used the course and believe in it to be the ones to promote it
- This program helps you learn how to promote the course – I’ve definitely learned from the ‘affiliate’ programs offered by Uber & Lyft!
Outro
- As a rideshare driver, I know exactly what I want from an affiliate program
- Affiliate programs are great ways to increase your profits, but you have to do it in a sustainable way
- Rideshare and delivery companies could improve their referral programs, which would really be beneficial for drivers looking to increase profits
- If you’ve bought an MRP course, sign up to become an affiliate with our course
- Have suggestions for who you’d like to see on this podcast? Send me an email!
- Check out the full transcript here
- Thanks to everyone leaving us iTunes reviews! Subscribe here to receive new podcasts every 2 weeks
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Show Notes
- Pat Flynn’s podcast on affiliate marketing
- November Sign Up Bonus Update
- RescueTime
- RSG Podcast with Doug Herrera
- RSG Podcast How I Make Money With a Blog
- Maximum Ridesharing Profits
- Connect with me on Twitter
- Check out Stride Health – it’s free to use!
- Get $20 off your first service with YourMechanic with the code ‘RSG15‘
Stride Health
This episode was sponsored by Stride Health, they’re a company that connects self employed workers with health coverage and health care for free! And even if you already have health insurance, once you sign up, you’ll get access to a personal advisor who you can call to get help with all your health care decisions and more. Sign up here to get free access today!
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here
What do you guys think about driver referrals and what has your experience been like either signing up as a new driver or referring new drivers onto these platforms?
-Harry @ RSG