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[July 2025] 🤘 2 Big Features (almost here) + Reward Contest Results

[July 2025] 🤘 2 Big Features (almost here) + Reward Contest Results

Activation Campaigns, Recruiter Portal, & Contest Winners

Mica 🔷 Referral Rock
August 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Hey it’s Mica,

Last month we asked for your craziest referral ideas for a fun contest with $500 in Amazon gift cards on the line. See the full details below including the top 10, our prize winners, and our takeaways.

We read every submission and appreciate the time people took to respond. We look forward to running another contest.

Here’s a submission that we really enjoyed (maybe we’ll get this made anyway):

On the product front, our engineers have been cooking all summer long. While you’ve already received some nice updates so far (dedicated address field + data sync, one-off rewards, and enhanced reward profiles) the heavy lifting was laying the groundwork for some big features.

New Activation Email Campaigns (w/ new email format + easier to use editor)
Recruiter Portal (early access starts soon)

The new email editor debuts in mid-August (check it out 👇👇).

Let's dive in,

-Mica
Head of Operations

🏆 Top 10 Ideas and Prize Winners

The winning idea went with the “extreme” angle. The runner-up flipped the traditional reward script. And third place? It perfectly matched the business that suggested it.

Thanks again to everyone that participated by sharing your ideas and voting. Here are the top 10 crazy referral ideas and the winners.

Referral Idea	Why it can work
QR Referral Code Tattoo (🥇 1st Place) Free year-long subscription for anyone who tattoos their referral QR code on their body.	Commitment creates lifetime visibility and generates significant PR buzz through extreme word-of-mouth.
Legendary Challenge (🥈 2nd Place) Each referral earns a vote to choose the next company challenge: website hall of fame, VIP company mug, team music video, temporary team tattoos, crazier the better.	Makes every referral feel impactful and fun while building community through collective voting and shareable challenges.
Kids Science Day (🥉 3rd Place) Organize water purification demonstrations at schools/fairs, giving kids goody bags with QR referral codes.	Kids become enthusiastic brand ambassadors, talking to parents, grandparents, and neighbors about the experience. (Submitted by water purification company)
Name a Snack After You Refer 10 friends and rename a snack on the app for 24 hours (examples: "Chad's Chipotle," "Feta Felix").	Personal recognition meets daily interaction - every time they see their named item, they remember referring. (Submitted by food app company)
Lamborghini Giveaway Refer a business and win a Lamborghini Urus or $150K cash.	Works because it targets high-earning professionals (field reps, cosmetic surgeons) who value status symbols and love cars.
Geode Crystal Rock Send unopened geode with note: "You Rock! Try to open it."	Physical surprise that's memorable and affordable - the opening experience becomes worth sharing while creating tangible connection to the brand.
Referral Roulette Every referral earns a spin on a giant prize wheel with prizes ranging from luxury trips to quirky surprises like a year's supply of mac 'n cheese or paranormal tours.	Creates spectacle and excitement through complete randomness, driving virality and curiosity while encouraging more spins.
Skydiving Challenge Refer 5+ qualified leads and win a paid tandem skydiving experience with branded GoPro helmet.	High-adrenaline reward creates unforgettable experience while the footage becomes viral marketing content.
Unlimited Event Drinks Referrals get unlimited drinks at first social event instead of just one free drink.	Creates VIP treatment that others witness, generating instant social proof and gratification. (Submitted by student events company)
Custom Monopoly Board Personalized Monopoly board reflecting the referrer's professional and personal interests.	Conversation starter at family gatherings that gets repeated exposure over years while generating amazement from friends and family.

What we learned

While we probably won't see QR referral code tattoos anytime soon (we can only hope), there's something these winning ideas share beyond their creativity.

They all create moments people want to share.

Looking at what won, here are three patterns to consider in your own referral programs:

Extreme beats expensive - the tattoo idea didn't win because it costs more, it won because it's unforgettable. Your version just needs to make people stop and say "wait, what?"
Relevant experiences matter - the water purification demos worked because they fit their business and value perfectly. What unique experiences/rewards can you offer that get people excited to share?
Know your audience - the legendary challenge offered an alternative for more active engagement, not just receiving rewards. Would community/audience participation rewards work for you?

🚀 New Activation Email Campaigns + Recruiter Portal (Coming Soon)

Two major updates are coming soon that will make it easier to promote your referral programs to more people.

1) Turn contacts into active sharers (Activation Email Campaigns)

We’re going to make it easier to get members on board and start sharing. The new Activation Campaigns will be available mid-August. The new editor editor includes: