Houston, Texas, December 1, 2025
Justin Herald highlights a global issue termed the ‘Referral Gap,’ where up to 80% of customer recommendations fail to reach targeted small businesses, leading to massive revenue losses. To combat this, he has created ReferUs, a platform enabling instant sharing of trusted business referrals. This innovative solution aims to restore the essential human connection in marketing, facilitating growth for local businesses across various industries worldwide.
Houston, Texas
Entrepreneur Justin Herald has highlighted a significant global issue affecting small businesses: the “Referral Gap,” where up to 80% of customer recommendations fail to reach the intended businesses, leading to substantial revenue losses worldwide.
Herald, known for expanding Attitude Inc. from a $50 startup into a global brand, observed that the overreliance on digital advertising and automation has overshadowed traditional word-of-mouth marketing. This shift has resulted in a decline in direct customer referrals, which are crucial for small business growth.
Research across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US supports this finding, revealing that a significant portion of consumer recommendations never reach the businesses they are intended for. This phenomenon, termed the “Referral Gap,” is costing small businesses billions in potential revenue.
Introducing ReferUs: A Solution to the Referral Gap
In response to this challenge, Herald developed ReferUs, an Australian-built platform designed to bridge the Referral Gap. ReferUs enables customers to share trusted business recommendations instantly, reviving the human connection that drives business growth. Priced at just over $1 a day, the platform is accessible to small businesses globally, offering an affordable and effective marketing solution.
The Value of Personal Recommendations
Despite the increasing reliance on digital marketing, consumers continue to value personal recommendations. Studies indicate that 82% of consumers agree that small businesses positively impact their lives, and 40% would be “devastated” if their favorite local business closed. This underscores the enduring importance of human connections in business success.
Global Adoption of ReferUs
ReferUs is already being adopted by businesses in New Zealand, the UK, the US, South Africa, and Israel, with strong interest across various industries, including trades, automotive, real estate, beauty, finance, fitness, and professional services. This global uptake highlights a collective movement towards re-establishing genuine customer-business relationships in the digital age.
Challenges in the Digital Age for Small Businesses
Small businesses are facing challenges such as overreliance on digital advertising and automation, which can overshadow traditional word-of-mouth marketing. This shift has led to a decline in direct customer referrals, essential for business growth.
Key Takeaways
The “Referral Gap” presents a significant challenge to small businesses around the world, leading to lost revenue opportunities. However, innovative solutions like ReferUs offer a pathway to reconnect with customers through personal recommendations, emphasizing the critical role that human interactions play in the success of small businesses. As the marketplace evolves, supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering genuine relationships will be vital in driving economic growth and community resilience.
Call to Action
As the Houston community thrives, consider supporting local businesses and engaging in conversations that enhance the connections that drive our economy forward. Together, we can ensure that the invaluable recommendations of customers reach the businesses that need them most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Referral Gap”?
The “Referral Gap” refers to the phenomenon where up to 80% of customer recommendations intended for businesses do not reach them, leading to significant revenue losses for small businesses worldwide.
How does ReferUs address the Referral Gap?
ReferUs is a platform that enables customers to share trusted business recommendations instantly, reviving the human connection that drives business growth. It offers an affordable and effective marketing solution for small businesses globally.
Which industries are adopting ReferUs?
ReferUs is being adopted by businesses in various industries, including trades, automotive, real estate, beauty, finance, fitness, and professional services, across countries like New Zealand, the UK, the US, South Africa, and Israel.
Why are personal recommendations important for small businesses?
Personal recommendations are crucial for small businesses as they build trust and credibility, leading to increased customer loyalty and potential revenue growth. Studies show that 82% of consumers agree that small businesses positively impact their lives, and 40% would be “devastated” if their favorite local business closed.
What challenges are small businesses facing in the digital age?
Small businesses are facing challenges such as overreliance on digital advertising and automation, which can overshadow traditional word-of-mouth marketing. This shift has led to a decline in direct customer referrals, essential for business growth.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Referral Gap | Up to 80% of customer recommendations intended for businesses do not reach them, leading to significant revenue losses for small businesses worldwide. |
| ReferUs Platform | A platform that enables customers to share trusted business recommendations instantly, reviving the human connection that drives business growth. Priced at just over $1 a day, it offers an affordable and effective marketing solution for small businesses globally. |
| Global Adoption | ReferUs is being adopted by businesses in various industries, including trades, automotive, real estate, beauty, finance, fitness, and professional services, across countries like New Zealand, the UK, the US, South Africa, and Israel. |
| Consumer Trust | 82% of consumers agree that small businesses positively impact their lives, and 40% would be ‘devastated’ if their favorite local business closed, highlighting the enduring importance of personal recommendations. |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
