Get Paid to Promote: Referring Apps and Making Money Online in 2022

Earning extra income through referral programs and cashback apps has become an increasingly popular way to supplement regular earnings or even start building passive income streams. With so many apps and websites offering money for referrals and promotions, it’s easier than ever to get paid for things you’re already doing online.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning from referral programs in 2022. We’ll explain what referral marketing is, break down the top money making apps, and provide tips to maximize your earnings. Read on to learn how you can get paid to promote products and services this year!

What is Referral Marketing?

Referral marketing is a promotion method that offers rewards to existing customers for bringing in new business. The new customers are referred by the existing customers, which is why it is called a referral program.

For example, Dropbox offers free storage space to customers who get friends to sign up for paid accounts. The company compensates existing customers for referrals with incentives like free products or cash payments.

Referral programs are a form of word-of-mouth marketing. They encourage promotional activity from loyal customers, fans, and followers. The recommendations feel organic because they come from peers instead of the brand itself.

Why Do Companies Offer Referral Programs?

Referral marketing brings companies several key benefits:

• Low cost – Paying commissions for referrals costs less than other forms of marketing and advertising.
• Trust factor – Referrals convert at a higher rate since they come from a trusted source. People rely on reviews from friends.
• High ROI – The lifetime value of an acquired customer is worth the referral incentive. Programs see $1-$25 returns per $1 spent.
• Viral growth – Satisfied customers organically spread the word about brands they love. This expands reach and visibility.

Companies across industries – SaaS, ecommerce, financial services, subscription boxes, etc. – leverage referrals to boost acquisitions. The programs offer a mutually beneficial way for brands and customers to earn together.

Top Apps That Pay You for Referrals

Dozens of apps now provide cash rewards when you refer your friends. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. Dosh

Dosh is a cashback app that offers $1-5 for each friend who signs up using your referral code and links a card. They’ll also give you $1 for anyone who downloads the app from your unique link.

When friends make qualifying purchases with linked cards, you’ll earn up to 10% back. There’s no minimum cash out amount, so you can redeem immediately to Paypal or donate to charity.

2. Drop

Earn $5 for each friend that connects a card through your Drop invite link. They’ll give you $0.10 – $2 whenever friends shop with affiliated retailers.

Accumulate points on your own purchases and redeem when you hit 2,000 points ($20) for free gift cards. Popular brands include Walmart, Starbucks, Nike, and Target.

3. Rakuten

Rakuten, formerly called Ebates, gives you and your referred friends $10 each after making the first qualifying purchase of $25+.

You also earn cashback between 1-10% when shopping online through Rakuten. Redeem to PayPal quarterly when you earn at least $5.

4. Fetch Rewards

With Fetch Rewards, you’ll earn 2,000 points ($2) for each successful referral. Scan grocery or retail receipts to accumulate points and exchange for gift cards to retailers like Amazon and Target.

Fetch also partners with brands to offer points for submitting photos of products and receipts. There’s no minimum points required to redeem.

5. Ibotta

Get a $10 welcome bonus when you sign up for Ibotta using a friend’s referral code. Earn cashback on purchases submitted through photo receipts.

You can also unlock bonuses by referring others. When your referred friends redeem offers, you earn $5 each. Cash out instantly to PayPal or Venmo once you have $20 earned.

Other Ways to Earn Money from Referral Programs

Beyond cashback and rebate apps, many other services provide commissions for successful referrals. Here are some to check out:

• Ridesharing – Uber gives drivers $50-$750 for referring new drivers in certain states. Lyft provides $10-$4,000 depending on location.
• Coworking spaces – WeWork, Industrious, Impact Hub, and The Riveter offer 1-3 months of free rent for each referral.
• Subscription services – FabFitFun ($10), Dollar Shave Club ($5), HelloFresh (free box), BarkBox (free box).
• Travel sites – Airbnb ($19), VRBO ($25), Booking.com (10%).
• Financial platforms – Chime, SoFi, and Robinhood give $50-$500 for each successful referral.
• Remote work tools – Zoom ($25-$100), Calendly ($15), Evernote ($10), Grammarly (1 free month).

Take advantage of referral codes whenever you join a new platform or service. Look in account settings or footer links to grab your custom invite link to share.

6 Tips to Maximize Your Referral Earnings

Follow these tips to generate more referrals and earn bigger payouts:

1. Share on social media

Post your custom referral links or promo codes on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok. Ask followers to use your code and share theirs once signed up.

2. Email outreach

Send referral links through direct outreach emails to family, friends, and professional contacts. Use a customized message that explains why you recommend the app.

3. Incorporate in your content

Mention referral programs in relevant blog posts, YouTube videos, podcasts, and other content. Embed affiliate links so readers can easily sign up.

4. Promote across channels

Include referral links in your email signatures, website bios, forum profiles, and anywhere that makes sense. Promote consistently across channels.

5. Offer incentives

Boost motivation by offering entry into a giveaway, gift card, or cash prize for anyone who uses your link to sign up.

6. Get creative

Print your code on stickers to share in public places or add to product packaging. Anything that drives visibility and interest could lead to referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Referral Programs

Referral marketing programs offer an exciting way to monetize your influence and earn from recommendations. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much money can I earn from referrals?

Payouts vary widely between apps and programs. Most offers range from $5-$100 per referral with no cap on how many you can refer. Top earners make over $10,000 per month! Consistency and persistence pay off.

Are referral bonuses taxable?

Yes, money earned from referrals is considered taxable income. You’ll need to report it on your tax return. Many programs issue 1099 forms for total earnings over $600 per year.

How do I share my referral code?

Every app provides a unique referral code and shareable link to send to friends. Post it on social media, share one-on-one, include in your email signature, and incorporate it into any content about the service.

Is it spammy to ask for referrals?

It’s fine to ask close contacts to sign up using your link. Just avoid repeatedly blasting the link with no context or value provided. Share thoughtfully and tie promotions into content.

How soon do I get my bonus?

Most apps issue the referral bonus immediately after sign up. Others pay out after the referred user completes a qualifying action, like making a purchase. Check each app for specific payout policies.

Can I use multiple referral programs?

Absolutely! There’s no limit to how many programs you can join. Try out any apps that interest you and promote the ones providing the most value to maximize earnings.

Final Thoughts on Referral Programs

Referral marketing provides a simple yet lucrative way for brands to harness word-of-mouth and for you to monetize your audience. With so many apps eager to reward you for each new customer, it’s never been easier to get paid for your influence.

Start collecting referral codes whenever you join exciting new platforms. Share out your own links consistently across channels and offer creative incentives to boost sign ups.

Referral partnerships represent a win-win arrangement between brands, customers, and influencers. Dedicate time to discover and promote your favorite services to steadily grow your earnings over time.

The potential for passive income through referral bonuses is massive. Use these strategies to fully take advantage and get paid to promote in 2022!