Setup Guide

Welcome to Referbro! This guide will walk you through setting up your referral program in a few easy steps. Our goal is to turn your happy customers into your best salespeople.

Quick Start: The 5-Minute Setup

In a hurry? Here’s the super-quick version:

  1. Install App – Get Referbro from the Shopify App Store.

  2. Set Rewards – In the Referbro dashboard, decide what the referring customer and their friend will get.

  3. Activate Widgets – Go to your Shopify Theme Editor, find App embeds, and turn on the Referbro widget.

  4. Test It – Place a test order to get a referral link, then use that link to place another test order to check if the discount works.

  5. Go Live! – Announce your new program to your customers.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Let's walk through each part of the setup with a bit more detail.

Step 1: Install the Referbro App

First, we need to connect Referbro to your Shopify store.

  1. Go to the Shopify App Store – In your Shopify admin, click on Apps in the left-hand menu, then search for Referbro.

  2. Add the App – Click the Add app button.

  3. Approve Permissions – Shopify will show a screen detailing what information Referbro needs to access (like orders and customers). This is necessary to track referrals and issue rewards. Click Install app to approve.

What this does: You've now connected Referbro to your store, enabling it to track referred orders and generate rewards.

Step 2: Create Your Referral Program

This is the fun part! Let’s decide on the rewards and messaging. All of this happens in your Referbro dashboard, which opens after installation.

A. Set Your Rewards

You’ll define two rewards:

  • Friend's Reward (The “Give”) – What the new customer gets. Usually a discount to encourage their first purchase.
    Example: 15% off their first order or $10 off purchases over $50.

  • Customer’s Reward (The “Get”) – The thank-you gift for the existing customer. Sent after the friend completes their purchase.
    Example: $10 in store credit, 20% off coupon, or cashback.

Pro Tip: A “give and get” model performs best!

B. Customize Your Messaging

Keep it simple and exciting:

  • Main Heading – Something catchy like “Refer a Friend, Get Rewarded!”

  • Program Description – Short and clear.
    Example: “Give your friends 15% off their first order, and we'll give you a $10 coupon when they buy!”

  • Social & WhatsApp Message – Customize the pre-filled message customers will share. Ensure it includes the referral link and the friend’s offer.

Step 3: Add Referbro to Your Website

Time to make the referral program visible.

  1. Go to Theme Editor – In Shopify Admin, go to Online Store > Themes. Select your current theme and click Customize.

  2. Activate the Checkout Widget

    • In the Theme Editor, scroll to the bottom left panel and click App embeds.

    • Find Referbro Referral Widget and toggle it ON.

    • Click Save at the top-right corner.

Why this is important: This places the referral widget on your Thank You and Order Status pages—when customers are most engaged.

(Optional) Add a Widget to Homepage or Product Pages

  1. In the Theme Editor, navigate to the desired page (e.g., homepage).

  2. Click Add section or Add block.

  3. Find and add Referbro blocks (e.g., "Referral Program Banner").

  4. Drag and position the block.

  5. Click Save.

Step 4: Test Your Referral Flow

Let’s make sure it works:

1. Become the Customer

  • Place a test order on your store (using Shopify’s Bogus Gateway or by canceling afterward).

  • After checkout, locate the Referbro widget on the Thank You page.

  • Copy your unique referral link.

2. Become the Friend

  • Open a different browser or Incognito/Private window.

  • Paste the referral link.

  • Confirm the friend discount appears.

  • Add an item to cart and proceed to checkout. The discount should apply.

3. Check the Dashboard

  • Go to the Referbro dashboard and confirm that the referral was tracked successfully.

Step 5: Launch and Announce!

Spread the word:

  • Make it Official – Ensure all widgets are live.

  • Send an Email – Inform your mailing list.

  • Post on Social – Let your community know.

  • Add a Site Banner – Boost visibility for the first few weeks.

After You Launch: What’s Next?

  • Check Your Dashboard Weekly – Track shares and sales from referrals.

  • Be Ready for Questions – Customers may ask, “Where’s my reward?” Rewards are typically sent after the friend’s return period expires to prevent abuse. Make this clear in your terms.

You’re done! 🎉 You've now set up a high-converting referral engine for your store.