Launching and running a Best in Class Education Center means joining a community that thrives on support, relationships, and impact. One of the most powerful ways to grow that community—whether you’re a new franchisee or have been around for years—is through customer referrals.

When a happy parent or local partner talks about your center, it carries weight. In fact, nearly 90% of people trust recommendations from friends and family, and those endorsements often lead to quicker enrollments and stronger loyalty. Referrals are not just about leads—they’re about trust.

Here’s How to Network Your Best in Class Education Franchise to Support Steady, Community-Rooted Growth.

Understand the Power of Customer Referrals in Education

Referrals are personal, and that’s what makes them powerful. A family who comes through a friend’s recommendation arrives with trust already in place. They’ve seen what your center did for someone they know—and that’s more compelling than any marketing campaign.

Referrals also lead to:

• Higher conversion rates– A referral is a warm lead.
• Longer retention– Referred clients enter your doors with some initial loyalty that you can build on to lead to longer-lasting relationships. 
• Increased community visibility– People will spread the word about your center organically and often to people much like them (your ideal customers).

Whether through online reviews or casual conversations at school pick-up, the more good things people say about your center, the more curious families will want to check it out for themselves.

Follow Up with Families and Ask (Politely!)

Sometimes, the simplest way to get a referral is to ask—genuinely, graciously, and at the right time. The best moment is usually right after a child experiences success: Maybe they aced a quiz, gained confidence, or turned a corner with reading.

Send a quick follow-up email or card to the parent. Celebrate the child’s growth and thank the family for being part of the Best in Class community. Then, add something like, “If you know another family looking for academic support, we’d be honored to help them, too.”

Include a referral link or digital flyer so it’s easy to pass along. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to recommend you once they’re reminded—because you made it easy.

Offer Referral Incentives to Reward and Motivate

Some families recommend you just because they believe in you. But for many, a thoughtful thank you in the form of an incentive can make all the difference.

Here are a few popular referral rewards:

• Tuition discounts (e.g., $50 off for each successful referral)
• Gift cards to local coffee shops, bookstores, or learning stores
• Loyalty credits toward future camps or enrichment classes

Make sure families know about your program—mention it in your welcome packet, monthly newsletter, and email signature. Most importantly, recognize and thank each referring family personally. People love to be appreciated.

Partner with Local Schools and Educators

Your local school community is one of the richest sources of referrals—if you build those relationships well. Schools often need local businesses to sponsor an academic club or school event. Many schools also have banners for purchase that hang on their fences in drop-off and pick-up locations, offering you the opportunity for visibility. 

Let school personnel know that you’re here to support students, not compete with their programs. You might even offer to host a free parent night about study skills or donate to a school fundraiser. 

When educators and school leaders see that you’re invested in students’ success (not just enrollment), they’re much more likely to recommend you to families looking for extra academic support.

Start Building Your Referral Network with Support from Best in Class.

Referrals don’t happen by luck—they happen when you create meaningful connections and provide standout experiences that families want to share. As a Best in Class owner, you’re part of a community that shares tools, training, and success stories to help your center thrive.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll dive into community events, digital tools, and parent ambassador programs that help take your referral efforts and education franchise to the next level.