Getting started with GoRefer.io is straightforward. This guide walks you through every stepâfrom creating your branded referral page to launching your first campaign. Most users complete the entire setup in under 15 minutes.
Create Your Referral Page
~3 minutes
Configure Rewards
~5 minutes
Invite Your Team
~2 minutes
Launch Your Campaign
~5 minutes
Before You Start
To make setup as smooth as possible, have these items ready:
- Your firm's logo (PNG or SVG format, at least 200x200 pixels)
- Brand colors (hex codes like #0B1D51)
- Team member emails (for anyone who needs dashboard access)
- Commission structure (if you pay preparers for referrals)
Don't have all of these? No problemâyou can always update them later. The only requirement to get started is your email and a password.
1Create Your Referral Page
Your referral page is where clients go to submit referrals. It's the first impressionâmake it match your brand.
~3 minutes
Upload your firm's logo (PNG or SVG, 200x200px recommended)
Set your brand colors using hex codes from your brand guide
Write your headline and description text
Preview on mobile and desktop views
Save and publish your referral page
Pro tip: Use your brand's primary color for the CTA buttons and your secondary color for accents. Consistency builds trust.
2Configure Rewards
The Rewards Library is one of GoRefer.io's most powerful features. Instead of managing gift cards or writing checks, you send clients curated travel, dining, and experience vouchers with one click.
~5 minutes
Browse the Rewards Library and select your favorites
Set the default reward for converted referrals
Configure automatic reward triggers (on conversion, manual, or milestone-based)
Customize the thank-you email template
Test by sending yourself a sample reward
Choosing rewards: Start with a mid-tier reward (like a dining experience) as your default. You can always send higher-value rewards manually for exceptional referrals.
đĄ Reward Strategy Tip
Experiential rewards (hotels, dining, getaways) create stronger emotional connections than cash. Clients remember and talk about that resort stay much longer than a $50 check.
3Invite Your Team
If you have preparers, managers, or administrative staff, add them to GoRefer.io so they can track their own referrals and commissions.
~2 minutes
Click 'Invite Team Member' and enter email addresses
Select role: Preparer, Manager, or Admin
Set commission structure (flat rate, percentage, or tiered)
Configure dashboard access levels
Send invitationsâthey'll receive a welcome email
Role Permissions
- Preparer: Sees their own referrals, commissions, and performance
- Manager: Sees their team's activity plus approval workflows
- Admin: Full access to all settings, reports, and configurations
Solo practitioner? Skip this step for nowâyou can always add team members later as your practice grows.
4Launch Your Campaign
Campaigns give your referral program structure and urgency. Whether it's a simple ongoing referral drive or a time-limited sweepstakes, campaigns help you track and promote your program.
~5 minutes
Create a campaign (e.g., 'Tax Season 2026 Referral Drive')
Set campaign dates and goals
Choose campaign type: Standard, Sweepstakes, or Challenge
Generate QR codes and referral links
Download promotional materials for your office and email signatures
Campaign Types
- Standard: Ongoing referral programâevery referral earns a reward
- Sweepstakes: Each referral = one entry into a prize drawing
- Challenge: Hit a specific goal (e.g., "Refer 3 this month") for a bonus reward
For your first campaign, we recommend starting with a Standard campaign. You can add gamification elements like sweepstakes and challenges once you see what resonates with your clients.
What's Next?
Congratulations! Your referral program is live. Here's how to maximize your results:
- Share your referral link everywhere: Email signatures, office signage, business cards, social media bios
- Mention referrals at key touchpoints: After completing a return, during follow-up calls, in thank-you emails
- Monitor your dashboard: Check referral volume, conversion rates, and top referrers weekly
- Celebrate wins: When clients refer, thank them quickly and publicly (with permission)
- Iterate: Review analytics monthly and adjust rewards or messaging based on what's working
đŻ Goal Setting Tip
A realistic first-year goal is 1-2 referrals per month per 100 existing clients. As your program matures and clients see rewards being delivered, expect that number to grow.
Need Help?
If you get stuck at any point:
- In-app help: Click the "?" icon in the dashboard for contextual guidance
- Knowledge base: Detailed articles at help.gorefer.io
- Email support: support@gorefer.io (response within 24 hours)
- Schedule a call: Book a free 15-minute onboarding session with our team
Ready to get started? Create your free account and follow this guide step by step. Your first referral could be waiting.