Referrals on a social network... recommended or not?

Hello,

I launched a website recently and I'm now looking into the different types of marketing. I am launching a referral program soon which basically credits those who bring other members onto the website.

First off, I'll be adding an 'invite your friend' module as soon as you sign up to make it easier for people to tell others. From your experience, is there strictly need to offer something in return or do people use the 'invite a friend' anyway?

Also, I was thinking of emailing a few marketers with big email lists or blogs and offer them a deal in which they review my website on their blog/email newsletter and in return my website automatically tracks what members that blogger referred and credits them accordingly. I think this can be one of the best ways to increase my traffic and memberbase.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Marc

 

Also, do you guys have any idea where I can get a list of bloggers and email marketers to contact? Am willing to pay for the list!

Thanks
Marc

 

From my experience you have to make them use the invite friend button. Look at hi5 for example ... if you don't invite your friends, everytime you log you get a message to invite your friends... They also ask you for your yahoo password ...

 

Isn't that a bit annoying though? Also, I need to keep in mind that not everyone's friends will be into blogging (the website is for bloggers). So maybe I can offer the option as a way to promote their own blog, rather than get new members into the website.